Over the bucket forks

[rgr33]

I have worked with the kind of forks you are considering. They are not nearly as good as good as QA forks, but better than clamp on.
Pros and cons: easy to hook on, and take back off, but you need the hooks welded on your bucket
Can’t see the fork tips worth a darn when close to the ground, might not be a problem with logs though.
You lose lifting capability due to forks being out front so far.
The forks sometimes slide out of position on the bar if not secured well while traveling on rough or sloped ground.
Even with the issues listed, I still use mine all the time, as you can hook them up without ever leaving the seat, a big plus for me.

 

[4570Man]

I have worked with the kind of forks you are considering. They are not nearly as good as good as QA forks, but better than clamp on.
Pros and cons: easy to hook on, and take back off, but you need the hooks welded on your bucket
Can’t see the fork tips worth a darn when close to the ground, might not be a problem with logs though.
You lose lifting capability due to forks being out front so far.
The forks sometimes slide out of position on the bar if not secured well while traveling on rough or sloped ground.
Even with the issues listed, I still use mine all the time, as you can hook them up without ever leaving the seat, a big plus for me.

No they’re not very good but for a full size backhoe they’re about the only option. It takes big money to convert one to quick attach.

 

[fried1765]

No theyæ±*e not very good but for a full size backhoe theyæ±*e about the only option. It takes big money to convert one to quick attach.

I had a set made for my old Ford 3400 (the one you guys think I sold for a premium price).
They were forks from an old Clark forklift, modified with a solid round cross bar (sliding forks), and hooks welded to the bucket.
I thought they were great....until....
I bought a set of new EA Q/A forks for my Kubota L48 TLB. It has a 3rd function diverter to lock them on, without dismount.
Much better too, because the lifted weight is not so far out on the loader.

 

[4570Man]

I had a set made for my old Ford 3400 (the one you guys think I sold for a premium price).
They were forks from an old Clark forklift, modified with a solid round cross bar (sliding forks), and hooks welded to the bucket.
I thought they were great....until....
I bought a set of new EA Q/A forks for my Kubota L48 TLB. It has a 3rd function diverter to lock them on, without dismount.
Much better too, because the lifted weight is not so far out on the loader.

That’s the biggest reason I sold my 310. I kinda wish I had it back, it was a much better backhoe than my M59. But I have a quick connect backhoe bucket, hydraulic thumb, quick connect front bucket and a grapple and forks on the M59. Adding all of that on the 310 would have cost more then the 28k I paid to start with. The M59 backhoe is bad enough I’m taking the dealer a check for a KX040 next week.

 

[Peter 315]

If your digging full time you need a excavator......The backhoe is good for playing around...

 

[fried1765]

If your digging full time you need a excavator......The backhoe is good for playing around...

Absolutely true......but just perfect for me!
80 years old and just "playing around".
I've been retired for 20 years.
Not really much "playing" now though either.

 

[caver]

I have the same sticker as your avatar on my old caving helmet! I forget where I got it, but I always thought it was someone's home brew design.
I quit caving years ago, but still have all of my stuff. We did mostly small private caves in the NE United States. How about you?

Mostly around Missouri in the Perryville area. I got out myself partially around 2000 time frame and did just a few trips over the years. My back couldn't handle it and packing on some pounds didn't help either. I too still have most of my gear including my old carbide cap lamps.