How to add forks???

richamor · Mar 31, 2011

The limited use of my BX25 has shown that there are times I could use a set of forks on the front. So, I found a set of forklift forks local for 75 bucks.

The only problem is I'm not sure of the best way to mount them on the bucket.

Any suggestions? I'm not looking for a permanent addition and I'd like something easily on/off.

beenthere · Mar 31, 2011

There are many ideas that have been put on TBN regards adding forks to buckets.
I'll try to find some with a search of the previous threads on forks bucket and see what comes up.

There are almost 4000 threads that have those words, but reading down the titles of the threads will get you fewer to browse through to get some good ideas.

countrybumpkin · Mar 31, 2011

Are the forks rail mounted or rod mounted type?

dusty3030 · Mar 31, 2011

How heavy are the forks?

richamor · Mar 31, 2011

These are the clip on type forks.

And they're pretty heavy. I'd say around 60lbs each.

Mighty Dodge · Mar 31, 2011

You'll be able to lift more and see what you're lifting better with with dedicated forks as opposed to bucket forks. Bucket forks are less expensive though. It comes down to how much you'll use them. If you think you'll use them a lot I'd go for dedicated forks. I use mine all the time, they stay on the tractor unless I need the bucket. Just my opinion.

M.D.

SixHoeBob · Mar 31, 2011

Deduct the accurate weight of the forks plus the mounting brackets from the lift capacity of the loader. I would guess you would have about 200Lbs for the payload, and that sounds high. Removing the BX bucket and installing forks in it's place would not be that difficult.

jb62901 · Mar 31, 2011

I made mine for the 3ph early last year and in the fall set them up for FEL use also.

http://oi37.tinypic.com/wlytqh.jpg

http://oi55.tinypic.com/14uyjia.jpg

richamor · Apr 1, 2011

That's kinda what I was looking at jb. How do you attach them to your fel bucket?

And.... I have thought about buying a quick attack for the fel. Problem is the price! Jari and TnG want 650-700. The W.R. Long is 775 and weighs 175lbs! That's a bit rich for my blood right now. I have a welder (and I'm not afraid to use it

), so I may go get me some steel and make my own quick attach.

My welding may not be good enough, but my certified pipe welding nephew's should be fine. I do like the Jari design and it shouldn't be too hard to fab something similiar. I Like having the receiver in like the TnG as well, so maybe I could combine the best of both.

jimmysisson · Apr 1, 2011

A neighbor of mine made a setup I haven't seen elsewhere, mostly for logging and brush moving. His forks are rod-mounted, and the rod is on the top lip of the bucket (Kubota, maybe 40 hp size). The back of the fork rests on the cutting edge of the bucket, so when the bucket is flat on the ground the forks are up about 30-40 degrees. I think they're chained into the bucket back so they don't swing.
It's a good setup for carrying logs and brush, easy to see, and simple. I don't know if he made them easy to remove or not. They look funny but work well. He's used them a lot, for over 10 years that I know of, and they look fine.
You could do that with clip style but would need a way to pin them onto a heavy angle or some such on the bucket top. Just a thought.
Jim