Are you Happy with your Clamp on Pallet Forks?

[radrock]

I have a compact tractor and won't be lifting lots of real heavy stuff. But does anyone have these and are you happy with them? I couldn't justify buying a quick disconnect type for what little I would be doing with them.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

I, too, am interested, same situation.

 

[brin]

Yes, I have a pair of clamp on forks much like yours and I like them a lot....I use them primarily to pick up and move fallen branches, dead trees and brush and pile it for burning...I have also use them to lift and move various things around and they are very handy...I don't try to make them do more than I think the bucket lip can handle...I have the extra heavy cutting edge on my bucket so that gives it extra strength.

 

[mrmikey]

I was thinking of making a set of those and adding a chain or a 2" ratchet binder from the edge where it clamps on to the top of the bucket. I'll lose some capacity for sure but if you'e hauling branches you don't get a lot in the bucket anyway. Roughly how long from the cutting edge to the tip?....Mike

 

[oldballs]

When I had a Kubota BX2660, I bought a set of pin on Pallet Forks. They cost $740 bucks. They worked fine but it was a PITA to remove the bucket, and install the pins for attachment....no QA.

Now I have a Kubota B2620 and bought a pair of clamp on forks rated for 2,400 lbs which is really overkill for this tractor. Yet I have used them extensively for moving many dead pine trees up to 2 feet in diameter and 40 feet tall. The trunks were cut into about 8-12 ft lengths and the brush was loaded high on the 43 inch tines. The clamps never came loose, and the weight never bent the bucket. They go on/off so much easier now and like you all, have spent much less money and are available without hesitation for usage. Cheers, Mike

 

[jerrybob]

Yea....I have a set and like Bob....use them for trees, branches, clean up etc..... I've actually moved a few big planters for the wife with them as well. Mine are small....I think 32 inches but my tractor is small as well. Seem to do the job as long as you don't try to lift too much.

 

[Professor Marvel]

When I bought my NH they guy showed me that he had to reweld the bucket where it had torn the main bucket part from the side. He said a set of pin on forks had caused that. It also left indentations where they mount. I put a quick release set up on it and got a set of QA forks. Works great. I know you say you will not lift much weight but I say if you are like most people, including me, you will lift whatever you run into (or at least try to).
As a result, I suggest against it myself. Just my thoughts. Good luck and have fun.

 

[JJZ 109]

I've been down both roads. Started with a set of Payne's clamp ons. Hated them. Couldn't see what I need to see through the bucket. If the target wasn't hit squarely they would kick sideways. And being so far out ahead of the lift arms they just plain reduced lift capacity too much. I wound up going with a dedicated set of QA forks, which worked out great in the long run because I got rid of the tractor and went skid steer. I also use them quite often so it's nice to drop the bucket and grab the forks without getting out of the machine. (I've got power Bob Tach)
But to be fair, clamp ons may work just fine for the original poster if they're only getting a limited and lightweight use.

 

[PILOON]

I have a homemade set for occasional use.
Branch piles is now a pleasure to move.
Also made a dedicated pallet to custom fit the forks, greatest thing for firewood carting.
Other uses have been moving my generator, tool boxes and numerous bulky items.
Also my burn barrel when the ashes get kinda high.

One thing you need to remember: The center of gravity is changed and that can make for a tippy tractor.
Simply put, a 1000 lb capacity FEL with added 24" forks will probably want to stay under 700# and maybe only even 600#.
Either way, always travel with the load as close to ground as possible and hand on the 'DOWN' valve just in case.

 

[radrock]

Thanks for all the input. I did buy these yesterday. $319 with free stabilizer bar and free shipping. They are light duty 1200 lifting capacity. My tractor is rated less than 1000 and like lots of you wanna use it for downed trees and brush. The trees would be cut up into shorter logs.

I think if I had a large tractor I would want a QA type. But I don't and I don't have a QA bucket. Time will tell if I messed up.. and as far and indentations in the buck, Well this type has a big round bottom that does not rotate on the bucket metal. I can think of what you call it now. Here is a picture..