Question on Pallet Forks

[Lowcountry Rebel]

I just bought a set of the chain on titans- could have gone SSQU but wanted to be able to get as much width as possible- my bucket is 78" wide inside, we are using them to move concrete hog slat panels, heavy timbers and 10" diameter x 25' and 12" diameter x 35' dock pilings and they are working great, supposed to be 3500lb capacity.

 

[PILOON]

Well I have a set of DIY clamp on forks made from 2 x 3 channel stock that do everything I had planned for.
Many suppliers offer similar products and at fair prices but note that capacities are somewhat limited.
However on a CUT it would be within the limits of most FEL lifting capacities.

 

[man00]

Not saying it hasn't happen but I still haven't seen a pic of bent bucket caused by these clamp on forks..I'm talking on compact tractors.
I'm starting to believe that some of this talk is like the kid diving in rock quarry and was bitten 100 times by snakes

 

[tomplum]

Where could I get the type of clamp screws they use if I needed them? I can use standard bolts and nuts for a prototype.

My first thought would be acme thread. A great hardware will stock the thread stock and nuts. You can I think buy bench vice kits for these wood working vises. Either that or destroy a cheap c clamp and see if the thread is standard to where an acme nut will fit.

 

[Professor Marvel]

Not saying it hasn't happen but I still haven't seen a pic of bent bucket caused by these clamp on forks..I'm talking on compact tractors.
I'm starting to believe that some of this talk is like the kid diving in rock quarry and was bitten 100 times by snakes

When I bought my NH the guy showed me how he had to repair (reweld) the bucket from the guy before him using clamp on forks. Pretty sure it is now stronger than ever but can still see indentations on the cutting edge of the bucket.

 

[AchingBack]

I think the clamp on forks are an excellent way to bend your bucket cutting edge. Save up and get a regular set of pallet forks. In the long run you'll be happier. :2cents:

I personally have a set of Titan 42", I use them as much as I do the bucket if not more.

How did you get onto the platform? Is the tractor running while you are up there? I plan on building a platform for my forks, too. I know I will need to keep my engine running while in the air. Otherwise the cylinders won't hold me up there for very long.

 

[Jstpssng]

I went a different route with my last tractor; bought the material, then welded angle iron on the end and another piece just before the fork left the bucket, so that I could bolt them in the rear and front of the bucket.
I didn't want to drill holes in my new bucket (and have ssqa) so I bought a pair of Titan forks. I now wish that I had bought a bolt on tooth bar instead, and used the same holes to attach my forks.
That is probably my next project.

 

[Diggin It]

To the question above, no, I don't have a tooth bar. So far, I haven't found a need for one and I'm at a point where I need to limit additions to needs more than wants.

For added strength, I can see adding a piece of bar stock and/or channel across the width of the bucket under the clamps that should do the same type of reinforcing.

 

[deezler]

To the question above, no, I don't have a tooth bar. So far, I haven't found a need for one and I'm at a point where I need to limit additions to needs more than wants.

For added strength, I can see adding a piece of bar stock and/or channel across the width of the bucket under the clamps that should do the same type of reinforcing.

Oh man, I dunno! A tooth bar is pretty much NEEDED on any loader bucket, IMO. haha. Helps with digging, penetrating piles of material, snagging/popping roots, holding chains to lift things, and of course strengthens and stiffens the bucket. Many of these helpful points take stress off the rest of the tractor/loader, too.
The only real downside to a tooth bar is that it makes back-dragging dirt smooth a little trickier, and of course takes away as much lifting capacity as the bar weighs itself. Worthy trade offs for the huge gains in overall functionality.

But anyway! According to the LS website the loader for the MT125 does have quick-attach (EDIT: wait, do they maybe just mean the loader quickly attaches on/off to the tractor? oy). Yours does, right? Definitely go with a dedicated, light duty quick attach set of real pallet forks. WAYYYY better than any clamp on junk. I struggle with clamp-ons only because I don't have quick tach. In fact I'm trying to convince my wife (and myself still, a bit) that I need a new tractor - primarily to get a stronger loader, with quick-attach.

 

[Diggin It]

According to the LS website the loader for the MT125 does have quick-attach. Yours does, right?

Seems to be some different interpretations of QA. My FEL is pin-on, but can be quickly attached and detached.

 

[cat fever]

How did you get onto the platform? Is the tractor running while you are up there? I plan on building a platform for my forks, too. I know I will need to keep my engine running while in the air. Otherwise the cylinders won't hold me up there for very long.

Yes the tractor was running. Most of the time my wife was in control moving the tractor, lifting/lowering me. (I know, very scary) I built that whole barn using the tractor every day. It was a life/time saver. Here is another platform I built for setting post.

This is the main reason I suggest getting pallet forks for the OP they are just to handy not to have.

 

[Diggin It]

How did you get onto the platform? Is the tractor running while you are up there? I plan on building a platform for my forks, too. I know I will need to keep my engine running while in the air. Otherwise the cylinders won't hold me up there for very long.

There are a couple of threads talking about using IBC Totes for work platforms. Plastic pallets with metal cages that act as railings with one side cut open as a door. I have one made up and ready to go for various things including trimming some taller hedges. For the time being, I can turn the FEL bucket up and strap the tote on top of it with ratchet straps. It won't lean at all that way. Use a short ladder to climb in once it''s in position.

 

[GSVette]

It seems odd that LS would use a different quick attach system on the MT loaders compared to the XR series. My XR4155HC definitely uses the SSQA standard lever actuated pin lock. I have a couple of SSQA attachments from Titan (48” pallet forks and 72” dual lid grapple/root rake). Very happy with both

 

[cathy liebchen]

Yes the tractor was running. Most of the time my wife was in control moving the tractor, lifting/lowering me. (I know, very scary) I built that whole barn using the tractor every day. It was a life/time saver. Here is another platform I built for setting post.

This is the main reason I suggest getting pallet forks for the OP they are just to handy not to have.

View attachment 591615View attachment 591616

can't one set that post standing on the ground and not in the air like that?

 

[Diggin It]

Looks like a pretty big post to try and stand up without help. That may be a job for a grapple that can be turned vertical. I'd at least have strapped it to the forks and spear to position and maybe even lift/drop in the hole.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
You have to be careful how you strap it though. I tried to set a utility pole by strapping it to the bucket of my old L275... when I got it up in the air the pole twisted and almost took the tractor to the ground with it. I was in the driver seat and woiod have gone along on that ride.
I then worked it onto the body of a ton dump truck, we lifted the body and dumped the pole in place.

 

[cat fever]

can't one set that post standing on the ground and not in the air like that?

They were 6x8x18 post....very heavy. Hard to see but we chained the post to the hay spear. My son just guided the post into the hole as I lifted it up.

 

[Diggin It]

A; I'm guessing this is 14-16', considerably shy of a utility pole.

B; in that nearly unfortunate event, I'd much rather be in the seat than on a platform 6-8' up with no siderails or harness.

 

[Diggin It]

Hard to see but we chained the post to the hay spear.

Thought that was spear shadow.

 

[cat fever]

It worked very well, no heavy lifting and the post was set straight into the hole.