Clamp-on vs QA pallet forks

[TORQUIN]

I have clamp-on forks. Used them on my WR Long 4n1 bucket. Had to modify them because of the angled plates in the bucket(for strength). Once I modified them, they would no longer pull off the bucket at any time, as they would when I first got them, but they would still easily push from side to side. Sometimes that was useful, but it was mostly a pain.
I finally took the plunge and converted my loader to SSQA and bought some hydraulic-width-control forks at auction. I am extremely happy with those SSQA forks. Since I have a 4N1 bucket, I use the same hoses and controls for the width of my forks. It's wonderful!
I drilled a 1" hole in the end of one of the forks to mount a screw pin shackle for connecting lift chains/straps. I am very happy with this setup and wouldn't think of going back to clamp-on forks.
My set is a Wolverine brand, rated at 3500 lbs. That's way more than my tractor can actually lift, so they are perfect.

Regarding getting some forks. It looks like you are in MD, and it might not be unreasonable to come to Richmond, Va., to get some forks. Motley's auction, in Richmond, is where I found mine. They were brand new. Check out their industrial/construction auctions. They seem to have a lot of new stuff that is considered surplus by the state of Va.

Chris

 

[ktm250]

Don't even think twice about getting a set of QA forks. You'll be wonder why you didn't get them a long time ago.

Just for the visibility alone, it's well worth it. Yes, most forks do lock in place. It will have just a little bit of play which is there to allow you to slide them but not an issue during use.

The one I use on my tractor, uses the forks from my forklift. When I built the frame, I didn't even bothered with putting the notches so the forks can lock. It really doesn't slide around.

Totally agree, I use my forks more than the bucket. Cutting big trees by myself, into 12'-16' lengths and load in dump trailer, unload trucks a couple time a week. In the summer I have the mower out back for weight, winter I leave the snow blower on. Best attachment I ever bought.

 

[CompShooter]

I have the clamp on forks. Initially I was disappointed they would slide around while using them no matter how tight I put them on with my hands. Then I learned this...

1) Always use the slip on cross bar that ties the two together. Be sure to tighten the locking nuts on it. It helps a lot more than you'd think.
2) Instead of tightening the forks with my hands I use a 3 lb sledge hammer to bang the handle around. You can get quite a bit more tight with it.
3). While banging the handles tighter use your left hand to lift the fork up and down. You'll find you can get it even tighter.

Using that method my forks stay together and don't slip side to side unless I'm trying to poke something sideways with them. Then all bets are off.

Good luck!

 

[CliffordK]

I bolted used forklift forks to my bucket. And I'm not doing a lot of scraping, so they've stayed on the bucket for quite some time.

Pros and cons of that. The forklift forks are heavy, and add that to the bucket weight. A tubular steel fork may be much better matched to the capacity of my tractor.

It is nearly impossible to see the fork tips when lining up a pallet.

I have a fixed width. I set them narrow for a project I was working on at the time. I didn't make sure all my holes were precise enough to move them 6" to the side and reuse the holes from the opposite side of the forks. I'm not too worried about the holes I've drilled.

Attaching the forks at the top and bottom gives generally good stability to them.

Ultimately my tractor isn't an all terrain forklift.

 

[Jaygyver]

Me too on QA forks. I lucked out on mine, I only needed the base as I was parting out my old fork lift at the time and just used the forks. I ended up using it more on my tree cuttings then my 4 in 1 bucket. The one draw back on the 4-1 bucket is it can only lift what it can clamp on. My trees were too large. I wasn't using them for fire wood so I just had to get them to the burn pile. The more I could carry the least trips I had to make.

I ended up ordering a bunch of landscaping bricks so that worked out great. I did have to drop a layer and a half to lift them completely but way better than hand loading them in the bucket or onto a trailer.

I also use them for my attachments that will fit on a pallet. So much easier to move around.

 

[nepa]

From the OP - great tips and advice from all. I just bought and mounted 4000 lb capacity QA forks that I purchased from Oedro. Perfect fit on my TYM T574 which the bucket is slightly bent from the clamp ons. Tines lock in place and a release button must be lifted to move them closer/farther apart. Backstop seems a little light but strong enough and gives good visibility of the load. With the cash back credit card it only put me back $540 delivered and for some reason there was no sales tax. Listed my clamp ons on Craigslist for $60 and sold them in 12 hours with 3 interested people. Thanks to all for writing.