Forks Recommend forks for JD 4600 (460 loader)

[TreePointer]

I'm looking to get pallet forks for my John Deere 4600 w/460 loader. (460 loader has JD quick attach and not universal quick attach.)

Specs on 460 loader lift capacity:

@ max height at pivot: 2325 lb
@ max height: 1705 lb

@ 1.5m off ground at pivot: 2988 lb
@ 1.5m off ground: 2383 lb

Here's what I'm considering so far (no, I don't weld):

Construction Attachments 42" Compact Pallet Forks 220 lbs, 1800 lbs capacity (I'd like to see this higher)

Bradco 42" Compact Tractor Loader Pallet Forks 108308 280lbs, 2300 lbs capacity. (I like this but seemingly can't get it w/JD quick attach)

Construction Attachments Std Frame, 42" John Deere Pallet Forks 1PF-JD-42 324 lbs, 3000 lbs capacity (Has potential, but with reduced visibility w/tubular frame?)

Artillian pallet forks 197 lbs, 2300 lbs capacity.
However, Artillian doesn't recommend these for the JD4600/460:
Compatible Loaders

Frontier pallet forks seem to be heavier than the previously mentioned models.

Well, that's what I've come up with after doing some reading here. Any thoughts?

 

[Villengineer]

I would contact Artillian and ask if he could modify his to get the extra capacity to match the 460 loader.

 

[TreePointer]

I would contact Artillian and ask if he could modify his to get the extra capacity to match the 460 loader.

I was thinking the same thing. Since my first post, Artillian replied to an email I sent by stating that higher capacity forks are in upcoming plans, but they are currently focused on keeping up with high demand for their 2300 lb model. I really like their current design.

I crunched some numbers for the forks I mentioned. Considering the 460 capacity , weight of the fork set, and fork set capacity, I've come to a few conclusions:

1. The 460 loader can lift much more than the 1800 lb capacity of the CA 42" Compact Forks.

2. The CA Standard Frame and Artillian forks can each get me over 2000 lbs in most situations.

3. The CA Standard Frame can handle much more weight when lifting at loader pivot. (460 loader max weight @ 1.5m is 2988 lb and CA Standard Frame is rated for 3000 lbs.)

4. I like the added safety of the taller frame on the CA standard forks.

...so I'm leaning toward the CA Standard Frame.

 

[Hilltop Hillbilly]

I'm looking to get pallet forks for my John Deere 4600 w/460 loader. (460 loader has JD quick attach and not universal quick attach.)...

<snip>

Construction Attachments 42" Compact Pallet Forks 220 lbs, 1800 lbs capacity (I'd like to see this higher)

Bradco 42" Compact Tractor Loader Pallet Forks 108308 280lbs, 2300 lbs capacity.

<snip>

Well, that's what I've come up with after doing some reading here. Any thoughts?

Funny what a small world it is. You and I are seemingly at the same stage of trying to figure this out. I'm looking at forks too, and came up with these same two options, as I'm looking for a set of fixed forks.

I've got a 2k lbs loader as well, and want something light but strong. I'd just about settled on a set, but then I started doing more homework on the length (42" vs. 48"). As with most things, there's people in both camps who swear by their choice, so that may delay my decision trying to figure that out.

However, if I decide I can live with the 42", here's what I was thinking:

CA 42" Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight (maximizes loader lift capacity)
- Good visibility (frame doesn't block my view)
- Easy to adjust forks (slide system seems good)
CA 42" Cons:
- A little light in capacity (I could probably overwork these)
- How well will the fork slide system hold up over time? Will it seize up and prevent movement down the road?

Bradco 42" Pros:
- Higher capacity
- Meets all my needs (weight and size of loads)
- Traditional fork adjustment mechanism
Bradco 42" Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Slightly heavier
- Slightly less visibility

Given the two, the Bradco seems to win, as the cons don't seem to outway the pros. I'd rather spend a few dollars more to get something more solid, as long as the weight penalty is insignificant.

I don't have a JD so I can't really comment on the others you were thinking of. However, I find that trying to lay out the important aspects of how I will use whatever I'm considering, usually settles the decision for me.


HH

 

[TreePointer]

I like that Bradco unit for my tractor, but it would mean more expense for me. I'd have to convert from a John Deere quick attach to universal quick attach.

 

[Eric102]

I'm using the Frontier 42" AP12F on my JD 3320 with 300CX loader and don't feel that they are to heavy (380 lbs) for my smaller tractor. They are definitely heavy duty rated at 3750 lbs and fit nicely to the John Deere's quick attach system.

 

[TreePointer]

Well I just ordered the Construction Attachments Std Frame, 42" John Deere Pallet Forks 1PF-JD-42.

At 324 lbs, it's 44 lbs. more than the Bradco, but it's rated to lift more weight (it actually surpasses the 460 Loader's max. lift weight). It's also lighter and less expensive than the comparable Frontier/John Deere model. I also like the taller frame for safety. In all honesty, I think any one of these would serve my tractor & loader combination well.

I'll be sure to post a review after giving it a good workout over the next month. Thanks to you all for your input. :drink:

 

[Hilltop Hillbilly]

Well I just ordered the Construction Attachments Std Frame, 42" John Deere Pallet Forks 1PF-JD-42.

At 324 lbs, it's 44 lbs. more than the Bradco, but it's rated to lift more weight...<snip>

I'll be sure to post a review after giving it a good workout over the next month. Thanks to you all for your input. :drink:

Please do! We'd all love to hear how it works out. (And post pictures!)

I just added another option to my short list. I found that North American Implements (maybe former Markham / Gator?) sells a set of 42 inch "mini pallet forks" for about $600. (see page 4 in the pdf)

The reason that's attractive to me is that they're listed at only 275lbs, but rated for 3700lbs lift. With those I'd get the best of both worlds: A really high weight rating AND a lightweight unit. So now I've got a third option to think about.

I think sometimes I make things harder for myself than it needs to be.


HH