BX 24 Bucket Forks

dieselmadman · Nov 20, 2008

Anyone using store purchased bucket forks? I have a BX24 and would like to purchase a pair of bucket forks. Not sure what the best kind are. There are clamp on forks, forks attached with chains with the use of binders and without the use of binders, long forks, short forks, etc...I am not qualified to make my own, so that's out. I would rather not have to take the bucket off to use the forks, quick on and off are best for my needs. Also, has anyone damaged their buckets with the use of them? Any information regarding your experiences, where you bought them, how much they cost, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

Hoosier_Daddy · Nov 20, 2008

Diesel,

There have been discussions on here about them.. I am also interested...

89cummins174 · Nov 20, 2008

diesel check this site out BXpanded.com

radioman · Nov 21, 2008

If you not going to move anything heavy or big, you can use scrap 2X4 4 ft long. screw them together on one end and middle. Slide it on the bucket. I have moved 4 OSB sheets for roof and 2 roofing bundles at a time to lift to my new garage roof this way. ( yeah i broken a couple due to overloading - this is how i found the max limit). Some day i may get the bxpanded forks since they look really nice and sturdy. I looked at other ideas and none seem cheap enough and they all require a QA which is not what i want.

Riptide23 · Nov 21, 2008

I have a pair of the BXpanded forks. Have only had them a few months, but I've used them for about 20 different jobs. They are so much better than the type that clamp to the bucket bottom, as they won't pivot around the bolt that clamps them to the bucket.

Remember, your FEL does not have a lot of lifting capacity to begin with, and every inch that you move the load out, the capacity drops even further. It behooves you to get as light a set of forks as possible, so you don't eat into your lifting capacity.

Very happy with the BXpanded stuff so far.

bota jim · Nov 21, 2008

bxpanded all the way!! i have a set for my 24 also. very happy with them. they will lift as much weight as the loader can handle. easy on and easy off, lightweight and doesn't bend up the bottom of your bucket. i have found that i leave the brackets on my bucket all the time and just pull the pin to drop them off then the brackets double as an eye for a cargo strap. great for taking out the trash or anything else that you are moving and dont want to fall out of the bucket. i just put a bungee or strap around the can and hook to the pin hole in the brackets. 2 in 1 tool.

kcook · Nov 22, 2008

89cummins174 said:
diesel check this site out BXpanded.com

Thanks, what a great idea!!

KC

dieselmadman · Nov 22, 2008

Thanks, for the replies. I was seriously considering the clamp on style, but after reviewing the BExpanded design, I am leaning in that direction. Price is a bit more than clamp ons, but the design looks like it would be easier on the bucket and I do like the quick disconnects...thanks, again.

kcook · Nov 22, 2008

dieselmadman said:
Thanks, for the replies. I was seriously considering the clamp on style, but after reviewing the BExpanded design, I am leaning in that direction. Price is a bit more than clamp ons, but the design looks like it would be easier on the bucket and I do like the quick disconnects...thanks, again.

I would be concerned about bending my bucket with clamp on forks.

KC

kdm0811 · Nov 23, 2008

I made a set of forks for my BX24 from .25 x 2" square tubing. The welded area has .25 plate on each side to serve as a doubler and form the pocket for the bucket blade. I use binders to hold the forks onto the bucket and distribute part of the load with the top of the bucket.

I have moved a pallet with 720 lbs of cement with this rig. However, the weight distribution was very marginal.

The upright members make the unit excellent for use as a sawhorse in cutting firewood. I could not do without these jewels.