Forks:Quick Attach vs. Bucket

[Tororider]

Ok, I know there have been a lot of threads regarding some aspect of this, so we will see if this strikes a chord with any of you.

I am wondering from those of you who have forks, of both types, what the perceived(sp) benefits and downfalls of each type are?

Quick Attach better view of load?
Cost comparison?
Load rating?
Strain on bucket from bucket forks?
Adjustable vs. fixed forks(cost inclusion)?
Ease of use for each type?
Anything else you all in your infinite wisdom could add.

Thanks.

Saw this one on ebay for a total of $630.

42" Pallet Forks for 3-point or Loader Arm Mounting - (eBay item 7553423081 end time Oct-30-07 14:10:59 PDT)

Not meaning to include three point forks as my intended use will be for loading things onto pallet racks at a height that the three point won't reach.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

We do not manufacture the forks that slip over the front edge of the bucket for the exact reason you stated. It is very hard on your bucket and will over time ruin your bucket and/or cutting edge. It will cause the welds to break. In the long run you will end up spending the money you saved on the forklift on a new bucket. When you have quick-attach system, using the right tool for the job is easy. When purchasing a forklift, make sure that there is a spill cage. Especially if you are a new loader user, have hired help or a son that will be operating the attachment.

Adjustable forks are versatile - some can be adjustable, yet fixed at the bottom to keep the forks from swinging up when you try to get under a pallet.

If you are going to be using it on a regular basis, look for industrial strength teeth that match or better yet, slightly exceed your loader's lifting capacity. (i.e. if you have a 5000# lift capacity, teeth should be 3000# each minimum)

Another solution is a rear, 3pt. mount forklift unit. These are a real economical option, but are ideal for the seasonal user that handles seed.

 

[Andy-H]

I have the same tractor and have used bucket forks, but bought the JD quick attach, they fit the 430 and 460 loader and are well over built for my tractor, but I will never bend the forks. I'd buy them again in a second. the forks are 48", slide back and forth when you lift the pin on the top and secured on the bottom so they stay attached. I paid 900 @ JD and worth every penny. I use them for putting up impelements on the pallet racks on my barn.

 

[AndyMA]

I bought a pair of bucket forks and traded them it within a week. They are unsafe as they tend to swivel and drop loads. They are too far out, do not have a areasonable backstop and impose a lot of stress on a bucket in a way it wasn't designed to handle. Also because they are so far out, the lift capacity is greatly diminished. I traded for a set of Woods 4000# quick attach forks and love them.

Andy

 

[VA_Joe]

I agree with the above - go quick attach. It costs a little more but is well worth it.

 

[EastTnFarmboy]

I have a set of Bobcat pallet forks, so obviously they are quick attach. I love them. They adjust side to side and are very versatile. A friend of mine gave them to me because his Bobcat is sitting at the bottom of a lake I hate it for him, but the forks were a blessing to me. You can't beat free. The quick attach are much better than the other version I had on my old tractor.

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with those favoring real QA forks rather an bucket forks. The cost may be double but you get a much more versatile, stronger and safer lifting attachment. There is a weight penalty if you just look at skid steer forks but some companies are even making light duty QA models for CUTs now.

 

[jimmysisson]

I have qa 48" forks on my Ford 7109 loader, can't see the xxxx things unless everything is just perfectly aligned. I imagine bucket forks would be worse. BUT, the real forks are strong enough you don't have to wonder about them, and they don't slip sideways. A friend has some and welded a big flat washer in the bucket where the screw hits, which helps, but they still slip around. Not safe, in my opinion. Go for the qa.
Jim