Forks bolt-on pallet forks

[bx24d]

I'm thinking about buying some bolt on pallet forks for my subcompact Kubota BX 24 tractor. This would enable me to lift pallets holding my snow plow, wood pellets, other items and move them around. Looking at the medium duty models (2000lb capacity) at Northern Tool. My FEL lift capacity is listed by Kubota to be "518lbs 19.7 inches forward" and 992 lbs breakout force 19.7 inches forward".
Would like to know people's experience using these bolted onto FEL. I would imaging that controlling the dump angle takes a little getting used to (to keep your loaded pallet level). Also, is the stabilizer bar helpful in preventing shifting of the pallet forks or is it an unnecessary cost? I'm sure I'm not asking at lease ten other important questions.

 

[Vern1]

Greetings,
Have had great luck with these:
Loader forks - Yankeewarehouse
I have the 3000 pound capacity on my L35 and have used them for pretty much everything you can imagine from round bales to pallets of paintballs and even for deerstand repair this weekend.
I like these better than the clampon type as they don't swing around when using them to move roundbales and don't fall off when you point the bucket down if they have moved around and loosened up.
Pretty fast on and off WITHOUT tools, too.
Hope that helps!

 

[bx24d]

I don't have welded-on hooks on my FEL. Are these required for these particular forks?

 

[SkunkWerX]

BX24d,

I made a set of bolt-on forks for my FEL, just bolt on, with no straps or chains. They work fine, but I don't know how much weight we can expect to lift with our machines. I plan on lifting small pallets of firewood, I'll adjust based on feel. I did use them for hauling some uncut logs, they did fine.

Besides lifiting capacity, I think the equal issue is weight-forward of the bucket that is going to magnify the lift of the rear end.
Use rear weight, no matter what you lift.

I lifted my landscape rake, from the 3PH end of the rake, so the rake tines were way out forward. The rear end was a bit loosy-goosy, even with my grader blade hooked up for some rear weight.

The 2,000 lb. models of forks are certainly well above the limits of a BX, that is for sure. You won't break them.
Use plenty of rear weight and watch for the front edge of your bucket, so as not to bow/bend the bucket edge downward.

 

[bx24d]

Considering the limited lift capacity of bolted-on forks and the possibility of bending the front lip of the FEL, (not to mention the difficulty in not being able to visualize for pallet pick up from the driver's seat) would a three-point hitch pallet fork set up make any sense. I see one advertised at Northern Tool. It's cheaper and can lift more. (Unfortunately, quick attach skid steer capability is not an option on BX24s).

 

[Oleozz]

My one and only experience with the bolt-ons is that they were a pain. You had to be Superman to lift them around and attaching them was not easy. Once they were on they worked very well. I guess they would be the next best thing if you don't have quick attach on your tractor.

 

[Vern1]

Greetings,
The ones I use from Yankee Warehouse use a chain to hold them on - it goes around the bucket and tightens with a standard chain boomer - no welding or cutting required - on and off in minutes.
I am using them on a L35TLB and not a toy tractor......these are rated at 3000 pounds total load altho they make a set rated at 1200 pounds for smaller tractors - no disrespect for the little BXs as they are very capable tractors but I rented one for a week BEFORE I bought the L35 and couldn't get much done with one...well, I COULD but didn't have that much TIME.
I have lifted pallets of paintballs listed on the bill of lading at 1940 pounds and they didn't bend the bucket at all but think of this: when you hang a stump or big rock with the edge of the bucket, how much does the edge of your bucket bend? Plus the chain OVER the bucket takes some of the load off of the cutting edge.
I also handle round bales that are sometimes rain soaked so they weigh a lot. The chain keeps them from spreading too much in the front and letting the bale fall thru whereas the bolton versions I tried just swung apart and let the bale fall and cut groves inside the bucket from the bolts trying to hold them in place.
ANYTHING you slip on your bucket will not give you the sight picture of a real forklift or a FEL with quick disconnects and a the associated QD fork lift setup but only you can balance the cost vs. use vs. convience of whatever you buy.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Considering the limited lift capacity of bolted-on forks and the possibility of bending the front lip of the FEL, (not to mention the difficulty in not being able to visualize for pallet pick up from the driver's seat) would a three-point hitch pallet fork set up make any sense. I see one advertised at Northern Tool. It's cheaper and can lift more. (Unfortunately, quick attach skid steer capability is not an option on BX24s).

I used the 3ph style of forks for many years on my Ford1210. You get increased lifting capacity, for sure. I could easily lift a full szie pallet of hardwood firewood, and set it by my back door.
You do give up the ease of angle adjustment you would have with the FEL forks.