I have looked at Paynes and other brands of clamp on forks for subcompacts and I'm just not satisfied with the shifting issue that is described. BXpanded.com is a website that sells aftermarked forks that hook around the top lip of the FEL on the BX models (some handy posters have fabricated these on their own and they look effective). I just want to make sure that these are the only two options out there for subcompact FEL forks. Why doesn't someone make a quick attach system that is light enough to make sense? Or, does anyone know of one?
Front-End Loader FEL forks for subcompacts
- Thread starter bx24d
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LBrown59
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I haven't found that to be all that great of a problem
AndyMA
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I understand different strokes for different folks. but I bought a set of clamp on forks years ago used them for a week and returned them. I found the location so far out front and the swiveling to be unmanagable except for small very defined loads.
On a subcompact I would be more concerned about lift capacity and stability that far out in front of the loader bucket. I don' think you would find anything that wasn't directly attached to the loader pins (Quick Attach or not) that would give you usable lift capacity and stability.
Andy
Rara Avis
Veteran Member
Well, could they have they changed the design since you bought them and returned them?
Did they have the stabilizer option when you bought yours?
What kind of weights were you dealing with when you tested them?
Egon
Epic Contributor
I have some cut down truck springs bolted to the bottom of the loader bucket as forks. They are not quick remove but only take maybe ten minutes to bolt on or unbolt. In addition to the forks there are some cut down truck spring prongs mounted on the top of the bucket. These prevent logs from rolling back in my lap. The total cost was about twenty dollars.
The picture posted has been posted before but it is much easier to understand than my description.
In the picture I am using them to spade/dig rocks in a garden
The picture posted has been posted before but it is much easier to understand than my description.
In the picture I am using them to spade/dig rocks in a garden
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I just bought a pair of the "bucket forks"listed and custom made by my dealer. Check them out here:
PALLET FORK ATTACHMENTS
The functional load bar not only adds extra support to make your bucket practically indesructable but it transfer the weight from on top of the bucket directly to the pins.
The components all come off and can be put on individually so there is no excess weight for the operator to handle.
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actionaj
Gold Member
I think with the clamp on ones you run a greater risk of bending your bucket. But there are advantages and disadvantages with either style. I prefer the ones that clamp on to the top lip of the bucket.
n8586m
Member
Rimshot, Apparently the outfit you bought from offers the "load bar" option or a customized pallet fork set up that connects to the FEL arms once you've removed the bucket. On my Kubota BX24, removal of the bucket would take about 5-10 minutes with a rubber mallet and two wrenches. I'm asking for more detailed pics from them of both set ups. Sounds promising. Did you consider the otehr option described above?
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Hi bx24d,
Yes sir, I did consider the bucket removal/fork option. I think I made up my mind to utilize the bucket mount pallet fork for two reasons. The first of which is convenience in that I don't need to R & R the bucket even though it is easy to do. The second reason is I like what the load bar does for the bucket. With that load bar attached, this bucket has to be literally twice as stout as the way it came from the manufacturer and it is a good bucket to begin with.
Incidentally, that is no tube or pipe that goes through those eyes to secure the forks. It is a solid core of round stock steel of 2" diameter. This set of forks is obviously very well conceived and the workmanship is excellent with heavy stock and fine welding. My hat is off to Michigan Iron & Equipment of Morrice, Mi for fabricating this heavy duty fork for a very reasonable price.
rimshot
