Forks Forks that clamp on the bottom lip of a FEL

[Mosey]

I'm still ponding if I should get some of these:

Paynes Forks for FEL bucket

Some other brands are shown in this link:

Bucket Forks

I have a question for those of you who have the type that clamp on the bottom lip of the FEL as opposed to the type that hook on the top lip. Do you have any problems with the bottom lip of the bucket bending?

 

[AndyMA]

I purchased a set of forks similar to the ones you are looking at. Didn't like them much and returned them. The forks kept pivoting to all kind of weird angles. I returned them for full credit and got a set of woods skid steer type forks and an ATI Quick Attach. Now they work the way forks are supposed to work. I suspect that if you conly use them once in a while you can get buy with the screw on forks but if you want to do much real work I don't think you 'll be happy.

Andy

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> I returned them for full credit and got a set of woods skid steer type forks and an ATI Quick Attach </font>

I have those clamp on kind...they work for me when I need them [which is not that often] but I find them hard to use as the bucket gets in the way and the only way I can see where the tips are is if I stand up, and even then not all the time... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I agree that the skid steer/quick attach route is the way to go if you can afford it...It is really useful to see the tips of the forks! Standing up to do so is not the safest thing to do.

 

[AndyMA]

It's funny how we all use our machines for different purposes. Now that I have the forks I find them one of my most useful attachments. I pick up brush, logs and rocks with them in addition to the more normal stuff like pallets. In fact I made a 10' extension for my forks that I use to pick up a seasonal hog dog stand that we run. When I pick it up in the near future I'll post a picture.

Andy

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Started clearing land and a set of forks for moving brush would be great. I have a "quick attach" bucket so I thought I would get the JD fork set up...until I saw the price...over 1K.
I do not use them that much! still looking...

 

[jinman]

My forks aren't perfect, but they sure are easy to install and they hold more than my loader can lift. (see attachment) I think I paid about $270 with the chain binders.

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Interesting setup. What actually carries the weight, the chain or the lip of the bucket or both?

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> Do you have any problems with the bottom lip of the bucket bending? </font>
My bucket is pretty light duty. Prying with the forks can bend the bucket edge, but straight lifting, even with max load will not. When my bucket edge bends, I push it against a stump to straighten it out. Works so far.

<font color="blue"> The forks kept pivoting to all kind of weird angles. </font>
Here's a pic of my forks. A bevel on the front blocks catches the bucket lip. The bolts in back are tightened by hand, then snugged with a hammer. They don't pivot. I don't know if it's worth trying to modify your forks to catch the backside of your bucket, but it's a possible solution to unwanted pivoting.

<font color="blue"> the bucket gets in the way and the only way I can see where the tips are is if I stand up </font>
I find that to be true also, but not a major obstacle. Just curl the bucket to where you can see the tips, then lower to where you think is about right. Usually it is.

<font color="blue"> skid steer/quick attach route is the way to go if you can afford it... </font>
Better visibility and better leverage are advantages to dedicated forks, but the bucket/fork combo is better than just settling for second best. Having the bucket to throw rocks, small limbs, ect into while using the bucket forks for logs or brush saves clean-up time or a trip to change attachments.

In April of '02 JRP began a thread, POST PICTURES OF YOUR FORKS? <font color="red">link</font> An interesting thread if you're looking for ideas.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Here's a shot with bucket forks attached. I welded a thin strip of metal along the bottom of the back of the bucket to catch the fork bolts and keep them from slipping off.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Whether you're adjusting a log pile or compacting brush, exerting down pressure with the forks is very handy. Bolting to the back of the bucket allows that. Here's a pic of the forks holding the front of the tractor off the ground.

All that said, I would like one of my next projects to be building a dedicated fork frame for use on both the 3PH and loader frame.

OkieG