Forks Clip on Pallet Forks Question

bobm6996 · Sep 11, 2012

I am wanting to store all of my attachments on wooden pallets to make it easier to move them around and store them. Can't afford to do what I want right now, which is get a quick attach for the FEL. I have been looking at the clip on forks and my primary concern is the damage that could occur to the bucket. For those that have and use them two questions; how much weight can be lifted w/o doing any damage (bending, etc.) to the bucket and how difficult is it to see the end of the forks when trying to pick up something? Finally, what would be your recommendations for a good set of clip on forks? Not getting any younger and always looking for ways to make my life easier.

phiferpharm · Sep 11, 2012

I have clip on forks and have picked up one end of a handi-house that is 10x14 with no damage to my bucket. The forks I have also have a bolt-on spacer between them to keep them proerly aligned. I purchased them from Northern Tools, but don't think there any cheaper from there. There is a place to put 2x4's in slots so you can judge the alignment of the forks, but I have to stand up to see the tips and even that can be iffy.

I will purchase a QA fork set at some point, but I needed them quick and they have worked okay. Besides being able to see the tips of the forks, it is also a major dis-advantage that they are attached about 2' forward when you use the clip on. It changes the balance compared to having them attached as part of a QA.

oldballs · Sep 11, 2012

I'd guess that you be the judge of whatever load you are trying move/lift. A lot depends on 1. how much weight involved 2. and where it is located on the clamp-on forks. Although my forks are relatively new on my B2620, I haven't seen any distortion of the bucket. One time when trying to unload a pallet of about 600 lbs out of the bed of my F-250, it seemed like too much for the tractor to safely handle. But I got it off, and it did not affect the bucket. Lots of times you need the forks to lift/move something that isn't all that heavy, so they are really handy to attach/detach...when one doesn't have a Quick Attach.e.g.brush, logs and bulky items. I got good service from Bucket Solutions.

streamin · Sep 11, 2012

I've had them before and I found them to be a bit awkward, they don't seem too stable but I did not have the middle stabilzer bar which would help.Never had an issue with bending the bucket. I did eventually sold them and got a quick attach bucket on the next tractor with qa forks. Much better setup. they would be ok for light stuff.

meburdick · Sep 11, 2012

One significant drawback to the clip-on forks is that they put the "load" significantly far from the pivot / pin of your loader. This drastically reduces lifting capacity in and of itself, not to mention that you still have the full weight of the bucket to hoist.

I would consider looking into a set of 3PH mounted forks if you are interested in lifting and moving things around but do not have a need to raise them high up for storage (like onto and off of shelves).