Clamp on pallet forks, are they worth buying?

[Carl Bert]

A good set of pallet forks stay on my tractor more than the bucket.I didn't think they would until I had a set.My tractor is only rated for 850 lbs and the forks are rated at 3000,so basicly that means I can't tear anything up.My nieghbor has some clamp on forks on his Kubota and his bucket looks like a bad set of teeth.If your buying to keep it,spend the extra money, it's worth it.

Yeah I agree, I decided to go with the 42" Titans. $524, no tax, free delivery, and only about $300 more than the clamp on type. For the few times a year I'll be using them, they should be fine. I couldn't deal with the possibility of the bucket getting damaged. Thanks

 

[Henri88]

As I mention earlier, you will be surprise how often you will use them. Good move! jmo :thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

Handiest thing since sliced bread.
That and a tooth bar.
Forks for piles of brush, firewood (keep a dedicated pallet) and just about any clumsy item around.
Just keep loads low and remember that your capacity will be less (safely) than with the bucket full unless you add rear weight to compensate.
Reason being that your load will be up front of the bucket where the capacity was factory rated..

 

[stuckmotor]

I'm happy with the pair I bought with stabilizer for $169 delivered from palletforks.com:

Clamp on Pallet Forks LW & Stabilizer Bar $169.00 | Pallet Fork Attachments | Clamp on Pallet Forks | LW Clamp on Pallet Forks | palletforks.com

I see forks that go for a lot more, but my needs are relatively light.

I notice that those forks have a place to connect load binders (sold at extra cost). Prior to this, I was under the impression that the clamps at the back of the forks were all that was required. Will someone please advise me on this.

 

[PILOON]

I notice that those forks have a place to connect load binders (sold at extra cost). Prior to this, I was under the impression that the clamps at the back of the forks were all that was required. Will someone please advise me on this.

The pair shown are similar to what I made and they do tend to move left to right somewhat as they fit less than snug, however that does not deter them from lifting merely becomes an alignment concern. So what if one fork is at a slight angle.
If you also have a tooth bar (like I have) the stabilizer would probably not work due to tooth spacing.
Also using the optional spreader limits you to one width only pallet size, ideal would be for the spreader to be actually welded but that would deter flexibility and have major impact on shipping costs.
Not all pallets are the same width nor buckets and generally you want to be as widely apart as the load or pallet allows.

 

[stuckmotor]

The pair shown are similar to what I made and they do tend to move left to right somewhat as they fit less than snug, however that does not deter them from lifting merely becomes an alignment concern. So what if one fork is at a slight angle.
If you also have a tooth bar (like I have) the stabilizer would probably not work due to tooth spacing.
Also using the optional spreader limits you to one width only pallet size, ideal would be for the spreader to be actually welded but that would deter flexibility and have major impact on shipping costs.
Not all pallets are the same width nor buckets and generally you want to be as widely apart as the load or pallet allows.

Thanks for the reply but, I was asking whether load binders (chain binders) were needed not stabilizers.

 

[deezler]

Chain binders would definitely do a better job keeping the fork from squirming around, or even coming off the bucket vs. the standard screw clamps. One problem I see though, is that the chain attachment points on the forks directly interfere with using 2x4s as roll-back protection.

I just bought the titan 42" clamp-ons from palletforks.com myself. Prompt, free shipping, only $169, how can you go wrong? I decided to wait on buying chain binders, to see if I really need them.

Like PILOON, I have a tooth bar mounted to my bucket edge most of the time, so I didn't buy the spreader/stabilizer bar. But I do plan to make my own by simply cutting a treated 2x4 to proper length and strapping it around each pallet fork. This way it can be the custom length needed to fit the forks around my tooth bar.

With the forks mounted for a test run, I promptly picked up a big *** felled tree, and boy did that rear end get light!

Then I tried to pick up some big logs... dropped the forks down low into the mud, crept in to scoop the logs, and then backed up and pulled the forks right off the bucket. Doh! Gonna take some time to learn the best practices with the forks. And I hope my custom stabilizer will help prevent pull-offs. But a better bet is just to not tug them off the bucket in the first place, haha.

 

[stuckmotor]

Deezler,
Thank you. I hadn't noticed that the chain binders would interfere with the 2X4's but, that's what it looks like to me, too. It just occurred to me that the chains would probably solve the, pulling off the bucket problem.
Are these forks made of tubing, channel, or are they solid?

 

[deezler]

Hollow (but welded closed) rectangular tubing. Very sturdy. You do want them to be light-weight, since they hang so far forward off the loader and rob you of lifting power. Of course if they bent during use then they'd be a total waste. So, it's a balance.

I was originally thinking of buying the light-duty pallet forks from them, but they were 80 lbs for the pair vs 100 for the heavy duty. At 1500 vs 4000 pounds of lifting capability, I'll take the 20 lb penalty on the fork weight. And not much more $$.

 

[stuckmotor]

Thank you very much. This thread has been very helpful.