Forks Need Advice on Bucket Forks

[homedad]

My neighbor's son bought the neighbor a set of clamp on's for his case 580 back hoe. The first time he used them one of them bent at the attachment point at the bucket. I elected to go with the quick attach in order to maximize my lifting capacity. I got mine from everythingattachments.com and never regretted it. Very informative video as well in the under 50hp tractor forks.

 

[veresjwv]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too.

I really really really want forks but have been holding off so I can afford an actual fork mount unit to put on after I take the bucket off. They are so darned expensive though.

Joe, please note I am not trying to hijack, but I think we have the same questions in general and your post is exactly like the questions I have.

Jim

Hey Jim, nothing to worry about, I also hope this helps some other people too!
I thank everyone for the input but I still have the question "Are the ratchet chain type more secure than the clamp-on type? It seems to me that the ratchet type with the chain around the bucket would give you a better attachment then the clamp-on. What have any users found?

Joe

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have the ratchet type but can't compare to clamp ons since I've never owned them. Had the ones that had the SSQA for my L3240 but traded them when I traded tractors. The ratchet type tips have turned and slid on me but I may not have really tightened them down.I guess some type of clamp, drilled bolt or some such devise could keep them from sliding but keeping the tips from turning in or out would require some other type of preventative measure. Here's pictures, I like them, won't sell or trade them and use them but that wasn't your question.
After reviewing pictures, more hooks across the top of the bucket would keep them from sliding and could use the hooks for other things.

 

[Tongy]

I just looked at eezs.com and they have some reviews on the ratchet type. They seem to go under the bucket further then some, so maybe they stay put better. I am also in the market for some type of forks.

 

[scoutcub]

2 important factors are what type/size of bucket you have and what type of forks you get. I bought a middle of the road set of clamp on forks, bent the forks and bent the bucket. I was picking up a 1000 lb backhoe on a pallet....I think the problem lies with lifting the load too far out on the forks. Just too much stress on the bucket at that point. (compact 32 HP) I still have them, and would use them again for light duty use, but purchased a set of nice adjustable implement forks that replaces the bucket that do a much better job.

 

[jimcolt]

Clamp on forks are great for homeowner type use, assuming you get ones that are designed properly. I shopped around and tested a few....some put a big load on the clamp screw (no good), and some fit the cutting edge and bucket tightly....only using the clamp screw to keep them on the bucket. A well designed (or well fit) pair of clamp on forks will lift the same weight with or without the clamp screw tightened! Here are some "mini forks" that are extremely light weight.....work well on 30 HP and less tractors, and can be bought for less than $250 with free shipping. I have not been able to break this set!

 

[jerrynycom]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does anyone here have any advise on these:

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

Medium Duty Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

 

[mjncad]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does anyone here have any advise on these:

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

Medium Duty Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

Holy crap! The bucket solutions Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks looks almost exactly like the one I made for myself a few years ago. Picasa Web Albums - Matt - John Deere 42...#

Bucket Solutions is even in my backyard so to speak, as I used to work relatively close to their corporate office, and their manufacturing facility in Keenesburg is not terribly far away either.

 

[JJZ 109]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does
The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

You'll also notice on that link that Bucket Solutions also sells a fork stabilizer for an extra $59. There's a reason for that.
I've got a set of Payne's. Even welded some angle iron "ears" onto the things to try and prevent the things from pushing sideways in the event that you don't hit something squarely enough. That idea doesn't seem to be working that great.
In my opinion, if you're going to be using the forks any amount, get a skid steer quick attach and a set of real forks. That's my next step when finances permit.

 

[Taiser]

I just got a pair of the chain types for my B7800. They are ok but did spread open once in a while. They were also bending the top lip of my bucket down when I wratcheted down too hard to stop them from moving.

Simple fix. I welded a 1" square tube to the top of the bucket and then welded the same type tube in between the forks just in front of the cutting edge of the loader. ROCK solid now, and even easier to put on as they go on as a single unit now. I got them off e-bay for 135$ so the price was hard to beat, even with the small amount of fab work I added! They are a godsend for my brush/debris clearing, even hauling freshly cut trees is sweet!