Better Brush Forks?

[Suburban Plowboy]

My tractor came with some kind of aftermarket forks on it. I will include a photo. These forks are unbelievably useful. I pick up brush with them. I carry logs carrying hundreds of pounds. I use them several times a week. I even use them to move large packages.

Problem: they are nearly impossible to remove. They're attached with 4 turnbuckles which I can't budge with a breaker bar. This means the front end loader bucket is useless. That's a big problem.

I am wondering if anyone here knows of a better product. It can't be just two pallet forks, because they wouldn't hold much brush. I need 4 forks.

I was also wondering if it's possible to just get another bucket. I don't know how easy it is to remove and install buckets, but maybe it's better than screwing with these forks.

It would be great to be able to drop the bucket and pick up a totally different forked attachment when I need it.

 

[bcp]

Replace the turnbuckles with an arrangement of ratchet and short strap.

Bruce

 

[aczlan]

My tractor came with some kind of aftermarket forks on it. I will include a photo. These forks are unbelievably useful. I pick up brush with them. I carry logs carrying hundreds of pounds. I use them several times a week. I even use them to move large packages.

Problem: they are nearly impossible to remove. They're attached with 4 turnbuckles which I can't budge with a breaker bar. This means the front end loader bucket is useless. That's a big problem.

I am wondering if anyone here knows of a better product. It can't be just two pallet forks, because they wouldn't hold much brush. I need 4 forks.

I was also wondering if it's possible to just get another bucket. I don't know how easy it is to remove and install buckets, but maybe it's better than screwing with these forks.

It would be great to be able to drop the bucket and pick up a totally different forked attachment when I need it.

View attachment 566291

For removing the current binders, I would use a pipe wrench with a piece of pipe over the handle if needed to make it longer and give you more leverage. Then, I would try lubricating them with some chain lube and drilling a hole through the center of the pipe part to put a bolt into to give you leverage when adjusting them.
If that doesn't work and you need to replace them, I would use 1/4" or 5/16" screw type chain binders such as: Amazon.com: Ratchet Type Chain Load Binder 1/4": Home Improvement

Aaron Z

 

[Xfaxman]

My tractor came with some kind of aftermarket forks on it. I will include a photo. These forks are unbelievably useful. I pick up brush with them. I carry logs carrying hundreds of pounds. I use them several times a week. I even use them to move large packages.

Problem: they are nearly impossible to remove. They're attached with 4 turnbuckles which I can't budge with a breaker bar. This means the front end loader bucket is useless. That's a big problem.

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Since I don't know your experience with turnbuckles, I will ask the obvious: Did you loosen the locknut?

If that doesn't work, bend the hook up to release the chain.

.

 

[4get gto]

Honestly they do look like a pain to take off and on all the time even when the turnbuckles are working as they should.

I'd be looking for something different or possibly pricing out another bucket.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Since I don't know your experience with turnbuckles, I will ask the obvious: Did you loosen the locknut?

It has been a while, but I'll bet I didn't. I'll go back and check. I would feel pretty stupid if that worked, but it wouldn't be the first time.

I would still love to have something that replaces the whole bucket, but since no one has suggested such a product, my guess is that it doesn't exist.

 

[aczlan]

I would still love to have something that replaces the whole bucket, but since no one has suggested such a product, my guess is that it doesn't exist.

The closest thing to that would be either a manure bucket, or a grapple (such as the small ones made by Everything Attachments).
Both would have a shorter tine on the bottom, but with the grapple, you could squish the pile.

Aaron Z

Aaron Z

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

If I could find a way to put two extra forks on a pallet attachment, I'd be in business.

 

[Xfaxman]

Notice the notch in the frame at the bottom, that is where the forks go on or off. just buy two extra forks:

 

[aczlan]

Notice the notch in the frame at the bottom, that is where the forks go on or off. just buy two extra forks:

View attachment 566479

Yep, and if they are the type that uses a ground rod to attach the pork to the carrier, you can put two on the rod and have 4 forks that way.

Aaron Z

 

[Xfaxman]

If your tractor will handel it, start with their wide frame: Construction Attachments, CAL, X-Treme Duty Skid Steer, Skidsteer, Wide Frame Brick Fork 1PFWFBF, Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach

 

[Xfaxman]

Yep, and if they are the type that uses a ground rod to attach the pork to the carrier, you can put two on the rod and have 4 forks that way.

Aaron Z

Yep, I have Pin Top Forks that go on a round rod:

And the 2" square Block Forks:

I could combine them on one carrier, but I have a grapple, so have never needed them for brush.

 

[gator]

Or a skeleton bucket link here: SKELETON BUCKET

 

[4get gto]

It has been a while, but I'll bet I didn't. I'll go back and check. I would feel pretty stupid if that worked, but it wouldn't be the first time.

I would still love to have something that replaces the whole bucket, but since no one has suggested such a product, my guess is that it doesn't exist.

Might be cheaper just to keep it as you have it and buy another bucket.

 

[airbiscuit]

I bought a cheap set of Titan forks ($251 at the time), and then fabbed up some other tines with some junk angle iron I had laying around. They work great! You could bolt your forks onto this platform.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

How hard is it to remove a bucket? Is it an unholy torment like trying to remove things from a three-point hitch?

 

[4570Man]

Assuming you have a pin on bucket it’s worse than a 3 point implement. The bucket is a pretty sucky mount for forks. I’d weld 2 pieces of channel iron or tubing across the back and put the pin mounts on that.

 

[airbiscuit]

Easy - SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach). Lift 2 levers and it's off.

 

[airbiscuit]

Here are Titan clamp-on debris forks.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

I better see if I can work those turnbuckles before I go any further. I really think I failed to loosen the nuts. It was last year, so I can't say for sure.