Vendor/make for chain/bolt on forks?

[Ken P]

Folks -

I'd like to get a set of bolt on or chain on bucket forks for occasional use. I've read a lot of the posts on these, and feel that despite the limitations (poor visibility, less weight capacity due to the geometry) that for my expected occasional use, this is the way to go.

I've looked around online, and I keep getting confused by the range of prices, from around $100 to many hundreds, all being described as heavy duty and so forth, although some of the more expensive ones list lower weight capacity (like the Paynes forks)

Chain on seems like a better attachment method, any thoughts on this? I have a set of heavy straps with a ratchet tightening mechanism from my ratchet rake, could this be used instead of the chains? (it'd save a few bucks if I didn't have to get the binders, since those seem to universally be extra $$).

If folks who've gotten these types of forks could chime in with what vendor, what brand name (if any) and how satisfied or not they are with the purchase, I'd be very appreciative. All the vendors I've found so far I've listed below.

Many thanks,

Ken Platt in Granby, CT

The vendors I've bookmarked so far are:

Loader forks - Yankee Warehouse

Loader Forks Bucket Forks Skid Tractor Pallet Fork | eBay

Fast Forks - tractor bucket attachments, clamp on forks

https://skidsteerexpress.securesites.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=FORK4FORK

Medium Duty Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

Bucket Accessories | Farm + Acreage | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Greenpole bandit]

I have a set of forks from northern tool and have been very happy with them they are the type that you tighten down on the bucket and have done a good job for my limited use. All my use has been less than 600 lbs but has worked without problem. I have the light duty 1200lb model and paid $300 for them

 

[catdozer]

My dads got a pair of paynes forks (6000lb) for a cat 416D backhoe. They work super when you need the medium stuff moved. We live very close to Laporte IN which is were their made.and they give a lot better deal if it's in cash. We paid $550 for them and he still uses them today, very strong I would buy a pair if I didn't have bobtach on everything