Forks Need Advice on Bucket Forks

[veresjwv]

Hi guys... I need some advice from TBN Pro's. I want to purchase a set of bucket forks and I have searched this forum and found a ton of info on all different types. I am very interested in the clamp-on and the chain-on type. The only info I can not find is anyone talking about which is better? Here is my question - If you where going to buy one of these type of forks which would you prefer and why? :confused2: I am not really concerned about price difference. I have a L3400 Kubota and I plan to use them for moving brush piles, logs, pallets and equipment. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I want to get the most bang for my buck!!!
Thanks,
Joe

 

[rut3556]

I have a set of clamp-on bucket forks I bought last year, and no matter how hard I cinch those suckers down they don't stay put worth a ****. Were I to do it again, I'd spend the extra money and get a set that attached in a more positive manner. (whatever that might be)

 

[Casco1]

I was able to get my dealer to sell me a full set of forks, an ATI quick disconnect with bucket for $ 700 and my old bucket. It was more than I wanted to spend but after two seasons I'm am happy I went this route. I'm convinced this setup has better control, I can see the forks when I'm working and the obvious ability to pick up more weight.

 

[MikeD74T]

I have clamp-on bucket forks & a quick connect FEL forks. Clamp-ons don't stay put real well unless you custom fit them. Originally bought clamp-on to use on either my 580 Case or Kioti DK45S because the tractors live 150 miles apart. Forks could use some welded shims to get a perfect fit, which would be more stable, but then wouldn't fit both tractors. QC set was built by me with a bought adapter plate, scrap steel, & used forklift forks. Used on Kioti only because Case doesn't have quick connect & they're too big to lug back & forth. QC forks have more lifting capacity because they're closer to the pivot points on the FEL & weigh less than bucket with clamp-on. Clamp-on can be set to full bucket width, in my case 6', which is nice for moving longer materials, logs, etc. I now keep the clamp-on near the Case tractor but would keep them if I sold the Case because I can throw them in the Kioti bucket for occasional use on my property easier than going back to the barn for a swap. If I had only one it would be the QC. As Casco1 pointed out, visibility is much better with QC forks.
I also have a 3pt fork mast that will lift up to 12' but that's another story. It's for sale in northern NH if anyone is interested. MikeD74T

 

[jimmyj]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too.

I really really really want forks but have been holding off so I can afford an actual fork mount unit to put on after I take the bucket off. They are so darned expensive though.

Joe, please note I am not trying to hijack, but I think we have the same questions in general and your post is exactly like the questions I have.

Jim

 

[JJZ 109]

I have a set of clamp-on bucket forks I bought last year, and no matter how hard I cinch those suckers down they don't stay put worth a ****. Were I to do it again, I'd spend the extra money and get a set that attached in a more positive manner. (whatever that might be)

Agreed. I have a set of Payne's Forks that I got almost 6 years ago. I even welded some angle iron "ears" (for lack of a better word) to keep them from pivoting side to side on the bucket. It didn't help a whole lot.
Although it may take some time, the next move is to an ATI or Washburn skid steer quick attach and a set of real forks. As casco points out, it's much easier to see the forks. Big blind spot on clamp ons.

 

[Beltzington]

I am by no means a "pro" however I did use (borrow) the chain on type pallet forks for several hours last summer for clearing brush and larger junk. While they got the job done I found a few problems with this setup some of them already mentioned. They come loose, hard to see the forks becuase of the bucket, hard to push the forks into a brush pile as the bucket is not a flat surface and the load shifts, for the same reasons you have to be careful when lifting a load of limbs/junk as it will easily roll over the top of the bucket onto the operator. For these reasons I will be buying quick attach pallet forks. Good Luck!

 

[J_J]

If you have the skills, I believe I would try and find a used forklift 16 in frame, and weld up some brackets that fit your tractor, and then you can put any fork you desire, similar to these.

The second picture is a forklift frame with one fork on with a 2 in ball for moving trailers, but you can dig up plants with it also with the ball removed.

 

[dboacres]

I have two set of clamp-on forks. These have a 1 1/2 rod between clamps and forks can be ajusted for width on the rod. No problems of coming loose. Have thought about taking one set apart and using 3 clamps one one rod so I can lift even better. One set have extended forks. Never have needed to use two seta at once.

 

[MikeD74T]

This is a helpful post. Can the people who use the clamp on's comment about whether they bend the bucket? I worry about having the load "that much further out" too. Jim

Both my tractors have pretty substantial buckets. The Kioti won't lift enough with the clamp-on forks to worry the bucket. The Casebucket will lift enough to bend the forks so I pay attention to what I'm lifting. My forks are rated for 1K lbs. MikeD74T