Forks Pallet Fork Qusetions

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I have a Bush Hog M446 FEL on my tractor. When I bought the tractor I priced pallet forks. I got sticker shock when the dealer quoted me a price of $1100.00 for the forks. Are there any good after market forks that aren't so pricey? What about those forks I see advertised on TBN that connect to the bucket? What say ye?

 

[Darren]

I have a Kubota with a factory FEL and factory quick connect for the bucket/forks. The forks are from ATI who advertises on this website. They didn't cost anywhere near $1,000 when I bought them 3 years ago but you need to get a couple of quotes now that steel pricing has gone through the roof.

 

[TN75Jason]

I recently bought a M446 loader for my TN along with pallet forks and a hay spear. The loader has the skidsteer quick attachment mechanism, which allows for lower priced attachments. My dealer said that forks would be $1100 for the older style bush hog-type quick connect, but an aftermarket set of forks for the bobcat-type attachement system was around $600. If yours has the bobcat-type attachment, many different brands of forks would be available to you. I can look at the name on mine, if that would help.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Mine has quick attach system but not sure what you mean by skidsteer quick attach mechanism. Can you explain Jason?

 

[DDT]

They are selling skid steer compatable pallet forks here for $600.

 

[xxxsandman]

Check with Aldomi to see if they make them for your loader. They had the most reasonable deal I could find for my LG Montana 4540 loader. $495, 3,000lb capacity, quick disconnect like my bucket, and about $80 freight. You'll have to buy them from one of their dealers, but they list several on the website. It doesn't matter where the dealer is located, since they will drop ship from the MO factory. I was quoted the best price from Creek County Equip. Inc. 918-324-5998.

I'm VERY happy with pallet forks. They are very high quality and fit perfectly.

 

[MadDog]

I have clamp-on Payne forks for the FEL on my B7800. They handle as much as the FEL can lift, take about a minute to attach or remove and cost about $300. I have used them for off-loading pallets with pretty heavy attachments (1000#) from 18 wheelers w/no problems. They're one of the most useful and cost-effective attachments that I own.

 

[dholly]

MadDog - I'm leaning towards buying those Paynes light duty forks. Seem like just the ticket to move some piles out to the road for the semi-annual town brush pickup. Ever have problems with the clamp turnhandles loosening up while working? Thanks.

 

[MadDog]

dholly: the short answer is no. They have very beefy handles and they are long enough so that you can tighten them down very tight, even if you don't have gorilla forearms and hands (which I don't). Once you tighten the forks down on your bucket, they aren't goin' anywhere.

BTW, I thought a bit about getting the "light" vs. "medium" duty Payne's forks. I haven't regretted getting the "light." There really isn't anything light about them. As I remember it, their weight rating is slightly less than my FEL specs but I can say from experience that they have carried pallets with weight greater than what my FEL can lift; at least what it can't get more than 2" off the ground.

I've said it before --on the basis of usefulness compared to price, my pallet forks and toothbar are the two best attachments that I have.

 

[dholly]

Thanks, one more question. Do they fit on with your toothbar in place?

 

[MadDog]

Yes. And its a very good idea to use them that way since the toothbar gives more strength and stability to the leading edge of the FEL.

 

[TN75Jason]

The skidsteer-type FEL attachments mount to the loader using the same attachement as a Bobcat bucket for example. Let me see if I can describe it: There is a vertical plate spanning between the loader arms that slips under a lip on the attachment, then you lift the attachment which settles into position on the plate. Then, you flip two spring-loaded handles on the backside of the plate to lock the implement in position. This is not to be confused with the quick-attach system on a previous Bush Hog loader that I had which had spring-loaded T-handles to lock the implement in two (top & bottom) C-shaped receivers on each side. If that doesn't make it clear enough to determine which type you have, send me your email address and I will email a picture.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Thanks for the explanation Jason. Apparently I don't have the skidsteer type quick attach. This is the first FEL I have had on a tractor, and I am very staisfied with the quick attach system I have. Are there any advantages to the skidsteer type quick attach system?

 

[8561]

Does anyone know if there is a pallet fork product or adaptor that would allow the use of the forks in the bucket, as well as converting them for use on the three point hitch. I need a set of forks, but for some jobs I need the lift height and not the lift weight that loader mounting would provide, for other jobs, I don't need the lift but I do need the strength the 3 point would provide. Is there any way to do both with a single set of forks? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[stuart]

Yes there is a way to use them as quick attach to a fel and also as a 3 pt hitch attachment. I started with a set of forks and welded hooks to a frame just like the bucket hooks on my fel. Then I welded another set of attachment places for the 3 pt hitch and it works at either location.

 

[Scozz]

I have a home made set of 3pt forks. I can take the entire frame and set it in my FEL. Drilled two holes and bolt it in the bucket with 2 1/2" grade 8 bolts. Moved about 20,000 lbs of slate into a dump truck with it last night. A few of the slabs exceeded 1000 lbs ... worked great ... Scozz

 

[tcbjr]

I have a Bush Hog M446 FEL on my tractor. When I bought the tractor I priced pallet forks. I got sticker shock when the dealer quoted me a price of $1100.00 for the forks. Are there any good after market forks that aren't so pricey? What about those forks I see advertised on TBN that connect to the bucket? What say ye?

we bought pallet forks for an m446 through Maus Implement, Morrilton, AR. The forks were made to Original Equipment Specks by Tri-L Manufacturing Ozark, Mo. the original Bush Hog equipment could not be better quality. Price 995.00 Hope this helps