Front Fork Attachment

[Dave4410]

Hey can anyone recommend a front fork attachment for the 430 loader? I want to be able to move logs and rocks around the farm without banging-up my bucket. I think the Deere attachment is about $1,000. There must be an alternative.

 

[dltimmons]

Dave,
I have the JD fork attachement for my 4310 w/ 420 loader. Same one fits the 430.
It is a little pricey, however, I couldn't find any off the shelf forks that quick attach in place of the bucket. I didn't want bucket mounted forks, you can't see the forks because of the bucket, and you can't pick up near as much weight.
I use mine a lot. So far no complaints at all.
When I need both the bucket and the forks on a job, I mount the forks, then bick up the bucket and strap it on to the forks, load the tractor and away I go. Real quick and easy to change. Its also nice to load the box blade in front of the tractor, and leave the backhoe on, then I can take everything I need to do a foundation in one trip.
For me, the shock of the initial cost, has been well offset by the amount of use I've found for these forks. Well worth the money.

If you have any questions I can try and answer, feel free to e-mail me.

DT
dltimmons@sprintmail.com

 

[denwood]

I ran into the same situation on my Kubota R 520 articulated loader. Kubota forks were no better than a skid steer set, but cost around $12-1500. I bought a skid steer adapter for 600 and forks for 600 now I can use all skid steer attachments. Your problem will be bucket use. To be honest it is all John Deere's fault. They are arrogant and ridiculous. Back in the 50's and 60's, International and Oliver came up with the idea of a 2 point fast hitch instead of three point hitch like everyone else. Guess what , it was a stupid idea. Just like John deere now. Would it have killed them to make it like all modern skid steers. You can buy the adapter for about $500 but your current bucket wont fit. You could buy a new bucket and forks and any other attachment you like though.

 

[Glenn9643]

Dave,
I bought a pair of forks and mast off an old forklift truck at a salvage yard. I have a MF quick-attach on my FEL that allows implement change by pulling two lower pins. We fabricated the pin placement on the mast frame to match the quick-attach system. Total cost I believe was around $250. The forks will handle more than the tractor...

 

[rockyridgefarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I ran into the same situation on my Kubota R 520 articulated loader. Kubota forks were no better than a skid steer set, but cost around $12-1500...

...To be honest it is all John Deere's fault )</font>

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Dave4410]

I'll check with my welder and see if he can fabricate something for the Quicktach that will suit my needs, for less $.

 

[Dutch445]

Dave,
Find a distributor for Horst Welding, they have several models of forks for all loaders, and I believe prices start in the $600 range.
http://www.horstwelding.com/index.php?category=20

 

[mrjasonl]

If you have a distributor for Rankin products, check with them. I believe I paid around $600 (maybe less - it has been quite awile). I have been abusing them on my 430 and now 460 loader and they have done quite well. The are designed for the JD quick attach and fit both loaders perfectly.