Pallet Forks

[DrZaius7]

I'm looking to purchase a set of pallet forks for my JD FEL. Mostly I want to use them for unloading large purchases from delivery trucks: Box blade, cultivator, large furniture, etc. This will save me a ton of money in shipping charges so I don't need to pay for lift gate service.

Since my use will be limited I'm looking for some that clamp or chain on the bucket. Any thoughts on pallet forks that clamp on the bucket versus those that attach using a chain?

Thanks

 

[jake98]

I have the clamp on type, they work fine for my limited use. I don't know how much luck you're gonna have saving freight charges tho, unless you have a commercial location. I've tried to go that route and the seller always talks me out of it.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Is there any concern with bending the bottom of the bucket with the clamp on ones?

 

[dusty3030]

What tractor / loader combo do you have.

I bought a set of the lighter rate JD quick attach forks from Everything Attachments. There are similar skus from a few other aftermarket vendors that are very similar. I couldn't be happier. If you have skid steer quick attach or JD quick attach bucket this is the route I would suggest and skip the clamp on type. Easier to use and you can see better what you are lifting.

 

[jdonovan]

Since my use will be limited I'm looking for some that clamp or chain on the bucket. Any thoughts on pallet forks that clamp on the bucket versus those that attach using a chain?

Unless you have significant lift, or a getting light attachments, this might be a bit of a problem.

The clamp on forks put the load WAY out there. You have very little curl force with a load center that is 2-3 feet from the loader arms. Also the lift capacity is reduced with the load far from the arms.

I think you'd be better off with a fork set that replaces the bucket. That keeps the load closer in, and makes it much easier to deal with.

I'm more of an orange guy, but the green's swear by these forks. Artillian Pallet Forks for John Deere Tractor Loaders

 

[kennyd]

I see in your profile that you have a 3320 so most likely you have the JDQA setup. You will regret not getting forks that fit your loader's QA setup. The clamps on forks will greatly reduce your lift capacity, they are hard to see and hard to keep straight. They will also take longer to install than the clamp/chain on ones. Once you have forks, you will use them more than your bucket.

Three choices are the Frontier one from your dealer, the Everything Attachments one already mentioned, And these from user Ensoll (Chris): Artillian Pallet Forks for John Deere Tractor Loaders

 

[k0ua]

I got the Everything Attachments (Construction Attachments) Lightweight compact 42 inch pallet forks. for my Kubota L3400HST. Really like them. I paid the money to get the Quick Attach put on my loader arms.. and a new bucket. The QA forks are great, a lot less time to put on, you can see much better, and the load is way closer to your loader. The others worked, and I converted my clamp on to chain on, much better, the clamp idea, at least on the ones I had, always moved sideways, and scraped off when you went in reverse. The chain on conversion solved all that, but you cant fix the fact you cannot see very well, and the load power is reduced. I sold my clamp/chain on forks to one of the members here. I hope he is getting some good use from them.

James K0UA

 

[castiman]

Just my 2 cents, I bought a set of artillian forks from chris, only takes a couple of minutes to switch from bucket to forks. About the lightest set out there which increases your lifting ability. Very well built , very professional, alot of attachments including my jd I match still had weld splatter under the paint,not these like I said very well built and great looking.

 

[Localmotion]

To echo what's already been said, I would definately look at getting a "proper" set of forks rather than clamp / chain ons... If you're unloading deliveries, you will find the visability a lot better and (as has already been said) you will have greater lift capacity and machine stability...

 

[jake98]

The clamps on forks will greatly reduce your lift capacity, they are hard to see and hard to keep straight. They will also take longer to install than the clamp/chain on ones.

I don't know how they could take longer than any other forks to put on, it takes about 30 seconds to install clamp-ons. I won't argue any of the other shortcommings, but there can't be a faster type to hook up. Plus they don't take up any space in the truck bed if you're trailering.