Forks Using pallet forks as a root bucket?

11B2620 · May 28, 2019

Hilo forks are a spring type steel. They will bend a bit then go back. Plus they are mounted on a rail. Those will work without a problem with the forks. The bolt on the bucket type is normal steel and once bent your done haha. I bought hilo forks and made a quick attach mount and allowing them to adjust side to side. I beat them up pretty bad towing giant logs or ripping roots. Watching them bend is horrifying to watch but they always spring back... The bobcat quick attach system has to be the best thing I have done yet to my tractors. If you haven't, you are truly missing out!

mikester · May 28, 2019

Im guilty of using forks to pull large rocks out of the ground that dont fit the bucket. Be aware that forks are made for lifting, not pushing. Its easy to bend your fork rack. Remember the lever principle- you are applying a lot of force on the end of a long lever and you can easily overload your forks, fork rack, loader arms and tractor while pushing.

Stomper · May 29, 2019

I haven't used my forks for digging stumps or rocks for fear of bending them. I searched for a smaller narrow stump buck simply because of the size of my tractor, Kubota L2501. Most of the stump buckets I found were designed for the power and weight of a skid steer and were too big and heavey for my little tractor, so I built my own. It is only 9" wide and 30" long and I installed two bucket teeth on it as well as a grapple. I couldn't be happier. It's small enough to where I can almost drive the whole bucket into the ground for digging out rocks and the roots of stumps. The two teeth on it are great for ripping and digging. I smile everytime I install it on my FEL because I know it's going to be a fun time.

fruitcakesa · May 29, 2019

I finally got around to seriously using the grapple fork as a rock/root remover.
Pried out 4 very large embedded stones and 2 stumps/bushes that I have mowed around for years
The M is strong and heavy enough and I don't pry much since the forks allow for
a steep angle to get under and wiggle things a little before grappling and lifting the rock out.

hks003 · May 29, 2019

dusty3030 said:
For what you describe this is what I've used and it worked great! Back dragging with the ratchet rake will pull up the small stumps and roots well plus it's fast.

Ratchet Rake, LLC - All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety, Home fire safety, Fire prevention, John Deere, skid steer attachment, tractor implement

This. I couldn't be happier with my ratchet rake. From raking pinestraw, limbs, and leaves to smoothing out ruts from driving my tractor over wet ground, to ripping roots and small bushes/trees right out of the ground, it's an all around good tool. I opted for the turnbuckle and chains over the ratchet strap because I've experienced ratchets that are left tightened for a long time and rust up, and that was on smaller buckles. I figured if I left the rake on for months at a time, those ratchets would be a booger to get loose. Plus, chains and turnbuckles just seem sturdier and I'm hard on stuff...

Sawyer Rob · May 30, 2019

mikester said:
Im guilty of using forks to pull large rocks out of the ground that dont fit the bucket. Be aware that forks are made for lifting, not pushing. Its easy to bend your fork rack. Remember the lever principle- you are applying a lot of force on the end of a long lever and you can easily overload your forks, fork rack, loader arms and tractor while pushing.

GOOD forks will take some abuse.....but "cheapo" forks won't!

I drive my forks under rocks like this,

grapple them and pop or pull them out of the ground, loading them on my wagon,

I've done it lot's and LOT'S of times, clearing rocks out of hay fields...

It's another thing that pallet forks/grapple will do that a dedicated grapple won't.

SR

fruitcakesa · May 30, 2019

Sawyer Rob said:
GOOD forks will take some abuse.....but "cheapo" forks won't!

I drive my forks under rocks like this,

grapple them and pop or pull them out of the ground, loading them on my wagon,

I've done it lot's and LOT'S of times, clearing rocks out of hay fields...

It's another thing that pallet forks/grapple will do that a dedicated grapple won't.

SR