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.

 

[kennyd]

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.

You maybe correct on the "clamp" on's-but the OP also mentioned chain-ons and they would certainly take longer than any QA setup.

 

[grsthegreat]

i was going to get some clamp on forks, but when i saw my neighbors bent bucket from his clamp on forks...i desided to buy a quick attach style of forks.

they arnt too expensive and have a 4,000# rating. Mind you my loader only can lift about 2700# (3700 breaking lift).....so its probibly overkill, but i feel safer.
Also, the added safety of the frontt shield to protect my tractor and hood makes the $650.00 well spent cash.

 

[lhfarm]

I just used my QA forks a couple of days ago to install the mower deck under my Cub Lo-boy. I position the Cub behind the deck, then use the forks to lift the front of the Cub and ease it over the deck. I real like the visibility you have with the QA setup.

I originally got the forks for unloading and moving our whole house generator. As I'm sure you have read here, forks are one of those attachments you find lots of use for and will wonder how you got things done without them.

 

[The Haymaker]

Get a set of real forks. You'll be amazed the uses you will find for them. I think my forks are on more than the bucket, between moving firewood, downed trees, popping stumps, popping larger objects such as those shown below. The ability to slide the forks anywhere you want lends itself well to using the forks as a digging implement also.

You are severely limited by having the load so far forward with clamp-ons, not to mention the potential bucket damage. The item below, I couldn't even get it off the ground if it was more than a foot from the backrack. With it all the way back, I could lift it 3".

 

[bironacad]

Get a set of real forks. You'll be amazed the uses you will find for them. I think my forks are on more than the bucket, between moving firewood, downed trees, popping stumps, popping larger objects such as those shown below. The ability to slide the forks anywhere you want lends itself well to using the forks as a digging implement also.

You are severely limited by having the load so far forward with clamp-ons, not to mention the potential bucket damage. The item below, I couldn't even get it off the ground if it was more than a foot from the backrack. With it all the way back, I could lift it 3".

I agree with most here, my Horst quick attach forks have already paid for themselves in saved time. I put my attachments on skids and move them around, I want to palletized my wood at some point to minimize handling, I did some tree removal the other day and used them to pile brush for my chipper then move the logs to my splitting pile. They are used all the time it seems. They snap on and snap off in the time it takes me to get off and on the tractor to through the lock pins arms.:thumbsup:

 

[daveinnh]

I too would recommend a dedicated sytem vs. bolt-ons.

I have a ATI Quick-Tach that works well. Down side is that you need to have your bucket welded with a reciever plate. But switching to forks or grapple is easy.

 

[qed-cat225]

I heard Bradco makes a set for compact tractors too, lightweight etc, anyone know what the bradco website address is?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

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

Loader Forks Bucket Forks Skid Tractor Pallet Fork | eBay

I agree the high end stuff is nice to have.

For my $135 this set of forks works for me. They can be installed and removed very quickly and really need no storage.

As you can see in the last photo (power line poles) the cutting edge does not carry the load as the clamp on type. I tried to see if our 60 HP back hoe would break them but the loader bucket would by-pass when overloaded and they did not bend or break.

They are round which at first I was upset about because I did not catch that when I ordered them but it turns out in the hollow line of forks the oil well pipe is stronger of the options.

Keep in mind they are only $135 forks and the bucket blocks the view but I found putting a 2x4 in the standard loop helped know their angle. I have a spotter in most cases anyway.

 

[kennyd]

I heard Bradco makes a set for compact tractors too, lightweight etc, anyone know what the bradco website address is?

Click this: LMGTFY

 

[qed-cat225]

always a funny guy, did you not think I tried that first. so let me rephrase, who makes bradco?? is paladin the master importer or??