Forks Need Advice on Bucket Forks

[veresjwv]

Hi guys... I need some advice from TBN Pro's. I want to purchase a set of bucket forks and I have searched this forum and found a ton of info on all different types. I am very interested in the clamp-on and the chain-on type. The only info I can not find is anyone talking about which is better? Here is my question - If you where going to buy one of these type of forks which would you prefer and why? :confused2: I am not really concerned about price difference. I have a L3400 Kubota and I plan to use them for moving brush piles, logs, pallets and equipment. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I want to get the most bang for my buck!!!
Thanks,
Joe

 

[rut3556]

I have a set of clamp-on bucket forks I bought last year, and no matter how hard I cinch those suckers down they don't stay put worth a ****. Were I to do it again, I'd spend the extra money and get a set that attached in a more positive manner. (whatever that might be)

 

[Casco1]

I was able to get my dealer to sell me a full set of forks, an ATI quick disconnect with bucket for $ 700 and my old bucket. It was more than I wanted to spend but after two seasons I'm am happy I went this route. I'm convinced this setup has better control, I can see the forks when I'm working and the obvious ability to pick up more weight.

 

[MikeD74T]

I have clamp-on bucket forks & a quick connect FEL forks. Clamp-ons don't stay put real well unless you custom fit them. Originally bought clamp-on to use on either my 580 Case or Kioti DK45S because the tractors live 150 miles apart. Forks could use some welded shims to get a perfect fit, which would be more stable, but then wouldn't fit both tractors. QC set was built by me with a bought adapter plate, scrap steel, & used forklift forks. Used on Kioti only because Case doesn't have quick connect & they're too big to lug back & forth. QC forks have more lifting capacity because they're closer to the pivot points on the FEL & weigh less than bucket with clamp-on. Clamp-on can be set to full bucket width, in my case 6', which is nice for moving longer materials, logs, etc. I now keep the clamp-on near the Case tractor but would keep them if I sold the Case because I can throw them in the Kioti bucket for occasional use on my property easier than going back to the barn for a swap. If I had only one it would be the QC. As Casco1 pointed out, visibility is much better with QC forks.
I also have a 3pt fork mast that will lift up to 12' but that's another story. It's for sale in northern NH if anyone is interested. MikeD74T

 

[jimmyj]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too.

I really really really want forks but have been holding off so I can afford an actual fork mount unit to put on after I take the bucket off. They are so darned expensive though.

Joe, please note I am not trying to hijack, but I think we have the same questions in general and your post is exactly like the questions I have.

Jim

 

[JJZ 109]

I have a set of clamp-on bucket forks I bought last year, and no matter how hard I cinch those suckers down they don't stay put worth a ****. Were I to do it again, I'd spend the extra money and get a set that attached in a more positive manner. (whatever that might be)

Agreed. I have a set of Payne's Forks that I got almost 6 years ago. I even welded some angle iron "ears" (for lack of a better word) to keep them from pivoting side to side on the bucket. It didn't help a whole lot.
Although it may take some time, the next move is to an ATI or Washburn skid steer quick attach and a set of real forks. As casco points out, it's much easier to see the forks. Big blind spot on clamp ons.

 

[Beltzington]

I am by no means a "pro" however I did use (borrow) the chain on type pallet forks for several hours last summer for clearing brush and larger junk. While they got the job done I found a few problems with this setup some of them already mentioned. They come loose, hard to see the forks becuase of the bucket, hard to push the forks into a brush pile as the bucket is not a flat surface and the load shifts, for the same reasons you have to be careful when lifting a load of limbs/junk as it will easily roll over the top of the bucket onto the operator. For these reasons I will be buying quick attach pallet forks. Good Luck!

 

[J_J]

If you have the skills, I believe I would try and find a used forklift 16 in frame, and weld up some brackets that fit your tractor, and then you can put any fork you desire, similar to these.

The second picture is a forklift frame with one fork on with a 2 in ball for moving trailers, but you can dig up plants with it also with the ball removed.

 

[dboacres]

I have two set of clamp-on forks. These have a 1 1/2 rod between clamps and forks can be ajusted for width on the rod. No problems of coming loose. Have thought about taking one set apart and using 3 clamps one one rod so I can lift even better. One set have extended forks. Never have needed to use two seta at once.

 

[MikeD74T]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too. Jim

Both my tractors have pretty substantial buckets. The Kioti won't lift enough with the clamp-on forks to worry the bucket. The Casebucket will lift enough to bend the forks so I pay attention to what I'm lifting. My forks are rated for 1K lbs. MikeD74T

 

[homedad]

My neighbor's son bought the neighbor a set of clamp on's for his case 580 back hoe. The first time he used them one of them bent at the attachment point at the bucket. I elected to go with the quick attach in order to maximize my lifting capacity. I got mine from everythingattachments.com and never regretted it. Very informative video as well in the under 50hp tractor forks.

 

[veresjwv]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too.

I really really really want forks but have been holding off so I can afford an actual fork mount unit to put on after I take the bucket off. They are so darned expensive though.

Joe, please note I am not trying to hijack, but I think we have the same questions in general and your post is exactly like the questions I have.

Jim

Hey Jim, nothing to worry about, I also hope this helps some other people too!
I thank everyone for the input but I still have the question "Are the ratchet chain type more secure than the clamp-on type? It seems to me that the ratchet type with the chain around the bucket would give you a better attachment then the clamp-on. What have any users found?

Joe

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have the ratchet type but can't compare to clamp ons since I've never owned them. Had the ones that had the SSQA for my L3240 but traded them when I traded tractors. The ratchet type tips have turned and slid on me but I may not have really tightened them down.I guess some type of clamp, drilled bolt or some such devise could keep them from sliding but keeping the tips from turning in or out would require some other type of preventative measure. Here's pictures, I like them, won't sell or trade them and use them but that wasn't your question.
After reviewing pictures, more hooks across the top of the bucket would keep them from sliding and could use the hooks for other things.

 

[Tongy]

I just looked at eezs.com and they have some reviews on the ratchet type. They seem to go under the bucket further then some, so maybe they stay put better. I am also in the market for some type of forks.

 

[scoutcub]

2 important factors are what type/size of bucket you have and what type of forks you get. I bought a middle of the road set of clamp on forks, bent the forks and bent the bucket. I was picking up a 1000 lb backhoe on a pallet....I think the problem lies with lifting the load too far out on the forks. Just too much stress on the bucket at that point. (compact 32 HP) I still have them, and would use them again for light duty use, but purchased a set of nice adjustable implement forks that replaces the bucket that do a much better job.

 

[jimcolt]

Clamp on forks are great for homeowner type use, assuming you get ones that are designed properly. I shopped around and tested a few....some put a big load on the clamp screw (no good), and some fit the cutting edge and bucket tightly....only using the clamp screw to keep them on the bucket. A well designed (or well fit) pair of clamp on forks will lift the same weight with or without the clamp screw tightened! Here are some "mini forks" that are extremely light weight.....work well on 30 HP and less tractors, and can be bought for less than $250 with free shipping. I have not been able to break this set!

 

[jerrynycom]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does anyone here have any advise on these:

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

Medium Duty Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

 

[mjncad]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does anyone here have any advise on these:

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

Medium Duty Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

Holy crap! The bucket solutions Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks looks almost exactly like the one I made for myself a few years ago. Picasa Web Albums - Matt - John Deere 42...#

Bucket Solutions is even in my backyard so to speak, as I used to work relatively close to their corporate office, and their manufacturing facility in Keenesburg is not terribly far away either.

 

[JJZ 109]

I was looking at 2 clamp on forks.....Does
The bucket solutions version seems to not "damage" the bucket.....

I dont like the chain type.....

Please anyone with any of these forks lets us know...:confused2:

You'll also notice on that link that Bucket Solutions also sells a fork stabilizer for an extra $59. There's a reason for that.
I've got a set of Payne's. Even welded some angle iron "ears" onto the things to try and prevent the things from pushing sideways in the event that you don't hit something squarely enough. That idea doesn't seem to be working that great.
In my opinion, if you're going to be using the forks any amount, get a skid steer quick attach and a set of real forks. That's my next step when finances permit.

 

[Taiser]

I just got a pair of the chain types for my B7800. They are ok but did spread open once in a while. They were also bending the top lip of my bucket down when I wratcheted down too hard to stop them from moving.

Simple fix. I welded a 1" square tube to the top of the bucket and then welded the same type tube in between the forks just in front of the cutting edge of the loader. ROCK solid now, and even easier to put on as they go on as a single unit now. I got them off e-bay for 135$ so the price was hard to beat, even with the small amount of fab work I added! They are a godsend for my brush/debris clearing, even hauling freshly cut trees is sweet!