Forks Need a set of forks

[AchingBack]

IslandTractor, your forks look very much like the set I just bought. Mine are made by Rankin. They are rated for heavier use than I need, or am capable of lifting, (3500 lbs.) but at the price, $790.00, it doesn't matter. If I had been able to get these earlier in the year, I would have saved quite a bit of money, due to escalating steel prices.
I always knew forks would be helpful, and so when I was ready to get some, I started collecting pallets.

Moving stuff around is so much easier, and faster, than ever. I only wish I had quick attach. However, it takes just a few minutes to pull the pins, and reinstall the loader bucket.

Well, since I am having a bit of a problem uploading the correct image, you get to see a preying manits egg case hatching.

 

[AchingBack]

Well, since I am having a bit of a problem uploading the correct image, you get to see a preying manits egg case hatching.

 

[IslandTractor]

Aching Back, I think your forks are probably functionally the same as mine but they are different enough that I don't think they are related. I wouldn't loose sleep over having pin mounted FEL attachments. Yes, it is a bit faster to switch with a QA but the cost and weight of the QA mount adapter is significant and frankly, it doesn't take that long to switch out a pin mount once you have done it a few times. If you change the implement daily it makes sense to do the QA but otherwise it is a toss up.

Love the Praying Mantis's hatching. They are one of my favorite insects.

 

[AchingBack]

That mantis egg case is attached to an ancient automobile wheel I use for garden hose storage. I had just unwound the hose to do some watering, and saw the little buggers emerging from their individual cells. Thank God for camera phones, mine was handy in my pocket, while my 1995 digital camera was languishing in a drawer somewhere.

I appreciate your thoughts on QA; I won't be changing the FEL attachments very often.

 

[itsjustmeagain]

Hey! Just in case you need more info...
The post below mentions that the QUICK SPADE and the QUICK SPADE COMBO and the FORK GRAPPLE come from a POND CLEANING COMPANY... Well, That's ME!
So if you have questions or you need more pictures, you can see it and a video at QuickSpadeS.com 8772244899 and if you do happen to buy one from us, we will give you a 10 percent discount for mentioning TractorByNet (hope this doesnt come off too much as a commercial. Just wanted to give the info that people were asking for to learn more and to reward the good posters here at TBN)

I hadn't either. It seems a very logical idea however and it really does work. I forget exactly what it cost, maybe $150. Quick Spade is the name. Got them over the internet from a company that specializes in pond clearing equipment ???why they make these things. They also make a version that goes on to the bucket or the forks. Mounting on the bucket obviously limits your trenching depth to about 18 inchs though.

I've used them on small stumps and to dig holes and moving bushes. I'd think they would work pretty well for trenching too so long as you have HST. If you think about how they have to be used you'll see that the digging part is simple but that you need to back the tractor then turn to the side to dump. Still, much quicker for small projects than mounting the backhoe.

It also has a technical advantage over the backhoe when dealing with shrubs or small trees. You don't need to come over the top to dig like with a backhoe so you can move rather than destroy the greenery. It also allows you to dig without parking the tractor and getting on the backhoe and dropping the stabilizers etc etc.

Overall I think it will be a very useful addition to the toy chest.

The only other thing I'd mention is that you need a sledge hammer to get the thing off the forks once you've done any serious digging. A few "taps" and they pop off but there is no way you could pry the thing off with your hands.

 

[IslandTractor]

Hey! Just in case you need more info...
The post below mentions that the QUICK SPADE and the QUICK SPADE COMBO and the FORK GRAPPLE come from a POND CLEANING COMPANY... Well, That's ME!

Nice product. I find it very useful. I'm going to use it to plant a half dozen apple and peach trees in about 4-6 weeks once Winter moves on and will also use it to try to transplant some blueberry bushes.

Welcome to TBN. If you really want to advertize here you should contact the site owner Muhammad (screen name) who can set you up.

 

[Charlton John]

Island, How do you think this spade would work w/ clamp on forks. I would love to get it but dont know if the forks would move to much or damage the bucket.

 

[IslandTractor]

Island, How do you think this spade would work w/ clamp on forks. I would love to get it but dont know if the forks would move to much or damage the bucket.

I think it would be a question of how well reinforced the bucket is. Basically the QuickSpade isn't much different than digging with the tips of your forks except that it is more efficient and it does extend the forks digging depth by almost two feet. If you were trying to pry something you could probably damage the bucket but if you are using it primarily as a spade to remove dirt I don't think it would hurt so long as the forks were properly secured. There is a bucket version of the QuickSpade which is limited to digging about 2 feet deep when mounted directly to a bucket but as I recall it can also be attached to the ends of forks for longer reach. That version might be better for someone with bucket mounted forks as it would allow you to use it in both the bucket mode and the forks mode.

 

[Charlton John]

Thanks I need a poor mans BH I would use it primarily for small tree/bush transplants and planting a bunch of trees as well. Also for helping me move some rocks around etc.... Ground is pretty soft for the most part. The bucket/tractor is in good shape and basiclly brand new (less than a year old) I guess I am worried about it bending the front of bucket.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks I need a poor mans BH I would use it primarily for small tree/bush transplants and planting a bunch of trees as well. Also for helping me move some rocks around etc.... Ground is pretty soft for the most part. The bucket/tractor is in good shape and basiclly brand new (less than a year old) I guess I am worried about it bending the front of bucket.

You could reinforce the front and top of the bucket if you can weld some 1/4 inch steel strips to the bucket. You wouldn't want to go overboard but it would not be hard to reinforce the bucket. The other obvious thing to do is to put on a bolt on cutting edge which would certainly reinforce the front edge. I'm not sure how that would affect getting the bucket version of the quickspade attached though so you might need to talk to the manufacturer to get details.