Pallet Fork advice bx 2380

[OntheRidge]

I am planning on getting pallet forks but am unsure whether to go with forks that attach to my FEL bucket, or get a set that requires removal of the bucket etc. I am just working on my home acres, not commercial, and I think the ease of attachment/removal is a big selling point for loose pair of forks. I am looking at the BXpanded forks which seem well designed and will not damage bucket. I am concerned about the idea of a full fork attachment bringing the pivot center back closer to the tractor--this seems the safer option. I generally use my box blade for rear ballast now when I think I need ballast (I have been lot clearing and putting in lawn areas). I am also going to get an under carriage cover (skid plate) because I keep reading about damage to underside from sticks. Is this a real concern? I'd really appreciate any advice on the type of forks: loose or attachment. Thanks in advance--you guys are always really helpful to this newbie.

Not sure where in Maryland you are, but I picked up a set of 42" Tar River ssqa forks from Antietam Equipment this summer, around $800 and in stock. They are in Hagerstown.

 

[JSL]

Not sure where in Maryland you are, but I picked up a set of 42" Tar River ssqa forks from Antietam Equipment this summer, around $800 and in stock. They are in Hagerstown.

thanks I'll check them out

 

[JSL]

Tarter Quick Attach Pallet Fork, 1,200 lb. Capacity at Tractor Supply Co.
anyone used this brand? I am wondering if the forks would stay stable if I used the "shovel" attachment mentioned previously in this thread--would the pressure of digging pop the elbow of the forks up? Several of the other manufacturers are months out on delivery. I'd have to buy this one from TSC online then look at it and "return" it at the store if it looks skimpy. It's pretty heavy and would cut down lift to 400-500lbs.

 

[fried1765]

Tarter Quick Attach Pallet Fork, 1,200 lb. Capacity at Tractor Supply Co.
anyone used this brand? I am wondering if the forks would stay stable if I used the "shovel" attachment mentioned previously in this thread--would the pressure of digging pop the elbow of the forks up? Several of the other manufacturers are months out on delivery. I'd have to buy this one from TSC online then look at it and "return" it at the store if it looks skimpy. It's pretty heavy and would cut down lift to 400-500lbs.

I recommend almost nothing made by Tarter Gate.
They are a low end supplier to TSC.

You can buy Everything Attachments forks for a few less bucks, no sales tax, and with free delivery.
Many OTT members have EA forks!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I had a look and both it and the 'regular' EA unit look and spec 'similar'. Both have forged forks ,so adding a 'spade' shouldn't be a problem.
The BIG thing is to CONFIRM stock and shipping dates ! Just because the 'computer' says in stock doesn't MEAN it is.
My HLA 900# forks are forged and speced more than what my BX23S can lift. Yes, the krappy powered coat 'paint' has chipped off the frame... happems to ALL of them......

 

[i7win7]

Don't know how soon this will be available, good works tractor showing off a set of forks that connect to FEL & 3pt skip to 9:15 to see it

 

[Bugzilla46310]

I have the quick attach bucket but got the clamp on from VEVOR for about $100. Figured at that cost couldn't go wrong and not out much if I wanted to go to the quick connect style. Mainly moving brush and been very happy with them.

 

[Watchmaker]

I had some clamp on and ended up selling them, mainly because they reduce the lifting capacity as it places the weight further out. They also had a tendency to rotate a bit.

I am going to get the EA 42 inch fork set. In looking at the loader spec sheet, moving the load out 50 CM reduces the lift capacity by a large percentage. Lift capacity is max at the loader pin. I can't begin to fathom the stresses on the bucket with clamp on pallet arms. Not to mention the lost lift capacity. Hard to argue against leverage.

For heavy lifts I will use just the pallet frame and loadstraps; the arms for loads on pallets. Load straps would be used to rig the load under the pallet frame high and tight to avoid swinging. I have B2601 and there is no point in getting 3000 lb arms. But it appears the fame is the same approach to construction used on EAs heavier pallet forks.

My material handling involves 500-800 lb rocks, the occasional log, some brush piles and then storage pallets. Nothing that requires high lifts. Thought about a grapple but the cost/use ratio weighs toward taking time for rigging. Would rather secure a rock on the forks (maybe pallet) under the frame with a load strap than deal with it in the bucket.

Taking the arms off the lift frame also increases my effective lift capacity.

The forks, a wicked bar and spacers are in the next budget. I am building the utility carry all this winter and may well buy a singe point subsoiler for some trenching and drainage work.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I moved tons of rocks and boulders with my pallet forks this summer, forks spread about 12-16" worked for the majority of them. Easy to slide forks under,up a bit, curl, get rock to slide to hit the 'frame', raise a bit more, go deliver it,then repeat..again and again and again and......4-6 hrs a day 3-4 days a week, for a month. Don't ask me how many...ok.... a terminal moraine's worth......
The one's I couldn't lift, ended up pushing them which was surprisingly easy and fast.

 

[JSL]

Thanks everyone. the Land Pride forks cost $1100 right now, and a couple of the other good QR options are on pretty long wait lists. I'll keep hunting. I appreciate all your advice, it really helps.

 

[nbryan]

SSQA Quick Attach is the way to go. My Martatch 42" 1t adjustable pallet forks are on the loader more often than the bucket, by far.
And start keeping an eye out for good used free pallet sources. Don't grab just any (like I did at first), pick and choose and get well built pallets all of the same size as much as possible. There's LOTS around!

 

[ve9aa]

I have the PFL1242 Landpride/Kubota brand for my BX2380. Salesman tried to sell me some offbrand thing for $200 less but it looked like it was built out of tinfoil and had no backfence (or whatever it's called) protection device on it in case things rolled back onto you.

I bet I use it more than the bucket !