Forks

[MJZ]

Hi all. Happy Thanksgiving.

Anything in particular to look for in Forks? I will be doing simeple utility work. Moving brush, lumber, pallets stacked with junk.

I'm thinking longer Forks the better.

How handy is that front receiver on Forks? I have a log splitter and trailers i could move? I have a 42hp tractor with bout 2600 lifting capacity.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Consider the weight of the forks you buy. It will reduce that 2600# lifting capacity. Don't buy anything stronger, longer or heavier than you actually need.

 

[oldtimer 66]

I think I have about the same lift capacity as you do. I have a set of forks that are rated at 4000 lbs. if I remember correctly and 42" long. Buy those forks rated at 2600 lbs. and see how long they last. It's like machine tools. If you want to take 50 hp cuts you better buy at least a 100 hp machine.

 

[5030]

Not clamp on bucket forks either. Great way to put a smile in your bucket.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Thinking stronger was better, I bought 6000# 48" forks which weighed close to 500#. This reduced the lifting ability of my FEL from 2200# to 1700#. This meant I wasn't quite able to lift some of my palletized implements.

None of my pallets exceed 40", so I bought a set of lighter duty 4000#, 36" forks which weigh just over 250#. The extra 200# of lift capacity made all the difference for me and I can now move all my equipment.

I don't dig out rocks or stumps with forks, or otherwise abuse them, so lighter duty isn't a problem for me. I found in my case, that stronger isn't always better. This may not be the case for others though, but something to think about anyway. YMMV.

 

[MJZ]

I will likely get longer Forks. I will keep weight in mind. I dont have to lift much weight. All the brush, or 98% anyway, is cedar. Not too heavy when dry. Just gotta haul them to a burn pile.

Thanks again. Im looking at tractor supply. Also iron something, formerly Titan, I think. Maybe something used.

 

[5030]

Bought one set of SSQA forks (ATI brand) from my Kubota dealer used. Very stout and I paid under 200 clams for them.

 

[MJZ]

Bought one set of SSQA forks (ATI brand) from my Kubota dealer used. Very stout and I paid under 200 clams for them.

That's what I'm talking bout! Scanning Facebook marketplace now

 

[scootr]

I have 4 ft forks. Depends upon what you intend to use them for. Most pallets are 42"
Remember to look at 5 ft fork extenders too. These are great when you want to lift wide loads.

 

[chim]

I've seen forks like these on many construction sites over the years being used and abused. They are very quick on/off but I haven't seen them for our smaller tractors. Sure don't look all that complicated to make.

Bucket Forks - www.Netforks.com

Netforks premium grade Bucket forks allow bucket mounted loaders to quickly provide the lifting capabilities of a forklift or pallet forks without the need to switch machines or attachments.

www.netforks.com

 

[sd455dan]

I have 4 ft forks. Depends upon what you intend to use them for. Most pallets are 42"
Remember to look at 5 ft fork extenders too. These are great when you want to lift wide loads.

Agree have some 36 and 42" forks, the 36" ones are just a bit shy for most pallets.

If just moving brush I use the grapple and put 4 foot extensions on the round tines.

 

[MJZ]

Agree have some 36 and 42" forks, the 36" ones are just a bit shy for most pallets.

If just moving brush I use the grapple and put 4 foot extensions on the round tines.

Grapple is ideal. Just the cost isn't ideal

 

[shirleyujest]

When organizing pallets, forks longer than the pallet can cause problems. Holes poked in buildings, damage a pallet behind the one you are moving. A receiver is VERY handy.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

When organizing pallets, forks longer than the pallet can cause problems. Holes poked in buildings, damage a pallet behind the one you are moving.

And all of "that" is caused by operator error...

SR

 

[EddieWalker]

I have 4 foot forks. I'm not sure what they are rated for. My loader is rated to lift 6,000 pounds, so weight isn't an issue. In my opinion, they are super handy when you really need them, but most of the time, I never use them. I don't see any reason for them to be longer then 4 feet.

When I first got them, I tried moving some pine trees to the burn pile with them, but it's almost impossible to get the balance just right. I have a grapple, and it's the ideal tool for moving trees, but since I had the forks already on, I tried using them. It was so frustrating that I will never do that again.

Currently I'm using my forks with my hay spear attached to the end of them for unrolling fence wire. Buying something designed to do this would be better, but also more expensive since I already own those things. It works great, so that's been the best reason for me to have forks.



Another handy use for the forks is picking up a stump that I can't get my grapple around. Some stumps are just too awkward to pick up. It's slow going, but very doable, so that was a nice surprise.



The wife wanted mulch, so I put the forks on to unload the trailer. I seem to use them about once a year for picking up pallets. This time it was mulch for my wife's gardens. I also buy pallets of concrete that I use the forks to place the pallet close to where I'm mixing it.

 

[CoyPatton]

I totally agree with consider the weight of the forks, but in my opinion you want forks that exceed your tractor’s lifting capacity within reason. I would not buy forks intended for a skid steer even though with SSQA they would fit your tractor.
Also consider what you plan to lift. Most likely your lift capacity is at one of 2 points (neither of which really apply to forks) at the pivot pins (these are closer to your tractor than your SSQA) or roughly 20” (just a bit shy of 20” as it is 500mm) in front of your pivot pins (frequently about the front edge of your bucket). What you plan to lift factors into the length of your forks.
If I had SSQA, I would not have my clamp-on forks, as it is I maintain a strict watch on what I lift with the clamp-on forks and if I need then really close together I always mount them to 1 side of the bucket, never center.

 

[CoyPatton]

I will likely get longer Forks. I will keep weight in mind. I dont have to lift much weight. All the brush, or 98% anyway, is cedar. Not too heavy when dry. Just gotta haul them to a burn pile.

Thanks again. Im looking at tractor supply. Also iron something, formerly Titan, I think. Maybe something used.

I buy lots of used, when I can find what I want, but I do my research on new so I know what I am looking at. One reason is a 20+ year old implement/attachment is less likely to be chinese steel. But watch for overall weight issues as these are also less likely to be from stronger lighter steel. Personally, I would avoid box stores ad you are likely to get chinese steel that us often a lesser quality. Also personally, I would not go longer than 42” forks. If moving brush is your purpose, expect frustration as getting it balanced is near impossible. Consider an add a grapple if not an actually grapple if this is your only purpose.

 

[ZiggyD]

For every 1 time I use the bucket I use the forks 5 times. Make sure they’re rated to the tractor’s lift capacity or more. Don’t get anything too long; pallet depth is good enough. Don’t get the bucket clamp ons. See if anyone is selling on marketplace or Craigslist and save a bunch of money. You won’t regret the purchase.

 

[shirleyujest]

And all of "that" is caused by operator error...

SR

Yep. But a lot easier

 

[Joe Batt]

My forks are about 8" longer than my fuel pallet. Now there are two holes in the barn wall behind the fuel pallet.