Pallet forks for your tractor

[fruitcakesa]

The loader/forks/grapple all came from ALO, and that grapple is a perfect match to those forks and is super strong!!

I can stab those forks deep into the ground, grapple a boulder and pull it right out of the ground,

Try that with a dedicated grapple...

SR

I discovered that too and it is really useful on my stony, bony land.

 

[sodamo]

As I’ve posted elsewhere, another of the get QA pallet fork team. The only way you’d regret it is if you don’t use your tractor.
I really like that thumb idea

 

[4570Man]

Another vote for real forks...

I salvaged an old set off a fork truck from work and built my own frame to match the John Deere quick attach system on my tractor, they have only been off the tractor 2 times in the past 2 months when I needed the bucket to load manure. Otherwise, forks are good for feeding cows round bales, moving logs, I've got stuff on pallets, IBC totes for firewood, truck parts (axles, frames, beds), forks are so much more useful.

That’s the main reason I bought this junk forklift for $300. I’ll come close to getting my money back in scrap plus I’ve got a good set of forks. It’s got a shuttle transmission so I may see about fixing it.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Good job on building in extra rollback, shown by the red lines I added :thumbsup:.

View attachment 649532

Thanks... rollback wasn't the goal (but nice fringe benefit), keeping the level indicator rod accurate for both the forks and the regular bucket was important to me.

4570man, the forklift will offer the forks and the mounting system, I had to fab my own... and it lacks what yours has, the guard above the frame that holds the forks. Looks like yours has a round pin at the top, will they allow down pressure at the tips, or just pivot on the rod?

 

[4570Man]

4570man, the forklift will offer the forks and the mounting system, I had to fab my own... and it lacks what yours has, the guard above the frame that holds the forks. Looks like yours has a round pin at the top, will they allow down pressure at the tips, or just pivot on the rod?

It’s the track system with a catch at the bottom so they don’t pivot.

 

[not2old]

I wanted a set with a quick attach for my GC2610 but the adapters all were very heavy which took away too much capacity for my little machine so I made my own. Just finished them recently so they haven't been used a lot. They aren't adjustable now but more receivers can be added if necessary.
Since this picture, I've also added a short piece of pipe to the top of the adapter in order to move my 5th wheel trailer.

 

[shooterdon]

That’s the main reason I bought this junk forklift for $300. I’ll come close to getting my money back in scrap plus I’ve got a good set of forks. It’s got a shuttle transmission so I may see about fixing it. View attachment 649572

That is a very wise investment! Even though I have SSQA forks I would be tempted to get a dedicated forklift for less than $1000. Useless in the winter or in the woods but so handy for moving stuff around the homestead. All my wood processing is done in an area I can use a forklift. It would be handy to use the grapple to handle logs and have the forklift to move the IBC totes I use for storage.

 

[sodamo]

I wanted a set with a quick attach for my GC2610 but the adapters all were very heavy which took away too much capacity for my little machine so I made my own. Just finished them recently so they haven't been used a lot. They aren't adjustable now but more receivers can be added if necessary.
Since this picture, I've also added a short piece of pipe to the top of the adapter in order to move my 5th wheel trailer.
View attachment 649652

Nice job

 

[PEJ5]

Yes BUT, it's very heavy!! I'm sure a lighter version could be bought, for a smaller tractor.

It slides off sideways, but I never take it off, because it's never in the way.

The forks/grapple combo, works REALLY GOOD for moving brush, I do quite a bit of that too...

SR

I went with the HLA forks.HLA Attachments - 4,2 LB Cap. - Heavy Duty Pallet Fork
They also sell a single arm log grapple HLA Attachments - Single Arm Log Grapple that is compatible with certain models of their forks. It is about the same price as the 4200 lb forks plus I need a third function valve. I'll live without it for now.
OP: HLA sells 900lb and 1200lb capacity forks as well.

 

[Thunder chicken]

^ Peter, here's the HLA set-up.


The only thing that would make it work better for logs, and i saw a picture on here but can't find it or remember who posted it, was adding a 3rd fork blade. I measured and having the blades set to grab a pallet and the 3rd far out on one side would work, and make picking up logs easier, i think.
Mind you, i'm always grabbing into a log pile with mostly little wood (4-12" dia) 8', so it rolls and slides around, and gosh darn it it's no fun getting out of the cab to straighten them up!!!
Finding that 3rd blade is the hard part in my area, without ordering new and shipping.....($400). Guess i'll climb in and out of the cab for a while.

 

[PEJ5]

I am needing a set to use intermittently at this point. I dont want to buy the cheapest unit I can on E-bay but not sure I need to spend several hundred either.

What have you guys had luck with?

I need to move a large compressor and a very heavy toolbox at this point from one shipping container to another thru the sand. Im thinking that when I start building my home Im gonna find more uses for them such as moving building material around.

Maybe I do need to stay clear of the bolt on forks ( bucket forks ) and go with the quick attach deal for the tractor?

Small Kubota L2501

Buying the larger forks is gonna mean having to store them inside though and I am limited on storage space so I need to weigh my options.

If you have had luck with a certain unit please provide a link or description. Thanks

The HLA HD1248s would be ideal. Your L2501 gives a loader range of 1200 to 1500 lbs. The forks may weigh a bit more than the bucket you'll remove, but not enough to lose capacity. Go for 48" forks. They are easier to see.

I commented on HLA forks but did not answer any of your questions. Quick attach is the only way to go because bolt on forks will be so far out beyond your pins that you lose significant lift capacity you cannot afford to give up on an L2501. Also, I understand they are way harder to see - buckets are not clear.
I am not sure why you need to store them inside(theft maybe?), but that's okay as they take up no room - how so you ask?? Once you own forks, everything is stored on pallets. You will now likely always have a heavy item or two on pallets in your garage. Just slide the forks in a pallet and disconnect. No extra space taken. If that pallet is on wheels then all the better to roll around.
Building materials - you bet. Here are two 1000lb pallets of cellulose insulation with the forks stored in one. The delivery guys were happy to not have to unload it by hand and so was I.
Go for it. You'll double the usefulness and value of your tractor and save your back.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here are some storage ideas:

 

[Doloe]

I bought some clamp on forks from Titan for my TC30. I've been very satisfied with them.
I don't think think the quick hitch option is very good for light tractors.

 

[sodamo]

I bought some clamp on forks from Titan for my TC30. I've been very satisfied with them.
I don't think think the quick hitch option is very good for light tractors.

Can’t imagine why you’d say that if you had it. My Kioti CK30 had quick attach and now I wouldn’t have a tractor without.

 

[MercRec]

Going from knocking pins to a quick attach setup for me the biggest downside is the cost. New/next tractor will def have it.

 

[Jstpssng]

I don't know what the OP finally decided but I'm another who will advise against the bolt on units, especially for a smaller tractor. Aside from the fact they are a royal PITA they also will bring your load out farther from the pins. I have a set of el cheapo Titans which need a new backing plate; and am looking to upgrade to a better quality SSQA set.

 

[Peter 315]

I don't know what the OP finally decided but I'm another who will advise against the bolt on units, especially for a smaller tractor. Aside from the fact they are a royal PITA they also will bring your load out farther from the pins. I have a set of el cheapo Titans which need a new backing plate; and am looking to upgrade to a better quality SSQA set.

I have a set of blue diamond qa forks, Well made.......

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't know what the OP finally decided but I'm another who will advise against the bolt on units, especially for a smaller tractor. Aside from the fact they are a royal PITA they also will bring your load out farther from the pins. I have a set of el cheapo Titans which need a new backing plate; and am looking to upgrade to a better quality SSQA set.

I have the Artillian set, 3000 lb rated frame and 48" forks. Very well made. Used them this evening to unload Mrs. Slim's new oven out of the back of my truck and set it down on the front porch. Very handy to have a set.

 

[fried1765]

I am needing a set to use intermittently at this point. I dont want to buy the cheapest unit I can on E-bay but not sure I need to spend several hundred either.

What have you guys had luck with?

I need to move a large compressor and a very heavy toolbox at this point from one shipping container to another thru the sand. Im thinking that when I start building my home Im gonna find more uses for them such as moving building material around.

Maybe I do need to stay clear of the bolt on forks ( bucket forks ) and go with the quick attach deal for the tractor?

Small Kubota L2501

Buying the larger forks is gonna mean having to store them inside though and I am limited on storage space so I need to weigh my options.

If you have had luck with a certain unit please provide a link or description. Thanks

Take a look at the Everything Attachments forks.
You will NOT like the price, but you will LOVE the quality!
Forks are a lifetime purchase/investment.
You will come to find out that forks are much more useful than a bucket.

For MUCH less expensive, but seemingly good forks, try Titan Attachments.
Titan currently is having a sale on almost everything.

 

[KennK]

I used to have a set of Titan forks which were junk but not that bad for a small tractor.

Huh. I've had Titan pallet forks on my JD 3320 tractor for several years, and they've done real well for me. Then again, I just use them here around the house and horse barn. I don't run a warehouse.

Last fall I also purchased a hay spear frame & spears from Titan to handle large square bales (800+ lbs) and am equally happy with the frame/spears and their service - especially with the help they provided over the phone to make sure that I got the spears that I needed.

I'd buy again from them without hesitation.