Front-End Loader Pallet fork lift for FEL

[dberry]

Hi,

This is my first post here. I've spent the last few days catching up on some of the great info, especially the safety section. What a great resource!

I have a Kioti DK55C tractor with FEL and backhoe. I'm looking for pallet forks to unload supplies from my truck. I've seen some clamp on types from 100 to 300 bucks and some chain on types for similar price. I have a quick disconnect type front bucket and can install a proper pallet loader but they run about 500 on up. I have a 1 ton truck, so really, 2000 pounds is probably the most I'll ever lift. My manual states the bucket can handle 2800 pounds.

My question: Are the bolt on/strap on forks good enough to handle some relatively light material moving? Is it worth the extra money to get the "proper" lift attachement that replaces the bucket?

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Harvster]

It depends on the frequency and type of use. To unload a pallet of something every once in a while I wouldn't spend the extra money. Clamp on or chain on forks are quite adequate for that sort of task. Your lift capacity will diminish as you put the load out further in front of the bucket. So if you plan on lifting 2000 lbs or so you probably couldn't do it with the forks on the bucket. However, 2000lbs is a lot and there may not be very many times where the extra capacity of having forks near the pivot would be needed.

 

[Justaplain]

Go with a regular pallet fork. Fork Frames Skid Steer

I have one and it works great. bcs

 

[hazmat]

Welcome to tbn.

For that size machine, get the "proper" tool. Clamp on forks heavy duty enough to support 2,800# are going to cost near as much as the skid steer QA style. besides the proper ones have adjustable spacing.

Consider yourself lucky - I had to add the skid steer quick attach to my new tractor to be able to do the same thing - it more than doubled the cost of having QA front forks.

 

[shvl73]

I would wonder if lifting that much weight (if possible) could bend the bucket.
I've been looking at forks recently as well. I want the quick attach style but the loader isn't set up for it. Changing mine over is considerable $.

 

[mikim]

I made some chain on forks a couple of years ago .... I want the QA type ....several advantages.. better stability, preferable connection, ability to slide the load against the guard for both safety and stability.....spend the extra - you won't regret it.

 

[dberry]

Thanks for the info!

 

[AndyMA]

I agree. As much as some people get away with clampon forks, I'll never use them again. I lost several loads because they swivel. Load is also very far out. Even if your loader is rated at 2800 lbs, you'll never even come close that far out. I compare clamp-on forks to using a low grade chineese tool rather than a SnapOn. You just may get hurt or hurt someone.

Andy

 

[podagrower]

Skid steer forks are the only way to go. The joy of being able to pull two pins and change from bucket to forks versus the pain of bolting/chaining the forks the bucket. I think that a set of bolt on forks with 2000 pounds on the edge of a loader bucket would be a bad thing. I was able to buy a set of used skid steer forks for my tractor for $300. Maybe you have a dealer near you with a used set?

 

[dberry]

A used set would be perfect! I've been watching ebay and craigslist near my town, but nothing so far. I've sent out a couple price requests to companies and if I can't find anything local, I'll bite the shipping and order one.