Are pallet forks for a BX2680 even worth it?

[dhmeiser]

I have a BX2680 with quick attach
the spec lifting capacity is 683 lbs
The lightest Quick attach pallet forks are around 250 pounds
so the effective lifting capacity is around 300 pounds
So with this limited lift capacity is this really worth it?

 

[85Hokie]

Typically the "lifting caps" are with the bucket installed - SO if you take the bucket OFF - you should be able to lift a wee bit more since the forks should be less weight than the bucket.

 

[OrangeKrush]

Sure are! I think my Land Pride forks are 212lbs and they are very handy.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

The HLA pallet fork unit for my BX23S is only 190# and rated for 900#. There's ZERO need to buy a 'heavy duty' unit that grossly exceeds the lifting capaclty of your tractor.You can lift 739# MAX so you don't need one that will carry 1000#. or 2000#.
They are extremely useful ! Put 'stuff' on skids ONCE then move the 'skid of stuff'. I also use as a non-clamping grapple. Once you have them you'll wonder WHY didn't I get them earlier !
None of us are getting younger, the older we get....... !!!

 

[PaulR]

The HLA pallet fork unit for my BX23S is only 190# and rated for 900#. There's ZERO need to buy a 'heavy duty' unit that grossly exceeds the lifting capaclty of your tractor.You can lift 739# MAX so you don't need one that will carry 1000#. or 2000#.
They are extremely useful ! Put 'stuff' on skids ONCE then move the 'skid of stuff'. I also use as a non-clamping grapple. Once you have them you'll wonder WHY didn't I get them earlier !
None of us are getting younger, the older we get....... !!!

This x2.
I have the exact same setup. Amazingly useful, can lift a lot more than 250 lbs. Not 1,000, but a lot more than 250.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Forks are more useful than the bucket IMO.

 

[majorwager]

I have a BX2680 with quick attach
the spec lifting capacity is 683 lbs
The lightest Quick attach pallet forks are around 250 pounds
so the effective lifting capacity is around 300 pounds
So with this limited lift capacity is this really worth it?

I have a 8 ft wide X 4 ft deep sq. tube frame w/ expanded metal floor, & fork pockets of course, provides a portable work table @ any height, any location. Must be functional, as it is on loan to neighbors more often than it is available to me.

 

[radas]

Being able to move brush piles makes it 100% worth it

 

[ve9aa]

I just got a set of Landpride PF1242 pallet forks (I think that's the part #) for my BX2380 and just shuffled a few things around here and there.....so basically almost no experience with them yet.

My completely unscientific and anecdotal impression is that they are somewhat "lighter" than my bucket and I can lift stuff quicker, easier, more accurately.

Definitely worth the $1k I paid.

EDIT: I am pretty sure you've confused the lifting capacity of them WAY low @ 250lbs.
I bet I could lift 2 or 3 times that amount.

 

[B737]

Forks from Earth & Turf attachments weigh about 120 pounds.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Forks are more useful than the bucket IMO.

I have a 8 ft wide X 4 ft deep sq. tube frame w/ expanded metal floor, & fork pockets of course, provides a portable work table @ any height, any location. Must be functional, as it is on loan to neighbors more often than it is available to me.

I do same thing with plywood.

 

[xrocketengineer]

I got these in the pin on version and I am happy with them: Redline Systems Forks

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

I wouldn’t typically make a blanket “you should get suchandsuch” statement without knowing a lot of details about someone’s needs. However, I agree with the general sentiment around here that forks are so handy every tractor owner (with a FEL) should have them.

I used them all the time on my b series. Palletized more things than I could have ever dreamt of before having them, carried long things like lumber/plywood/etc, mover brush, put appliances over the few steps and right through my front door, popped out small trees from the roots, used straps to lift things from above, loaded stuff in the back of pickups…

 

[torch]

Made my own lightweight SSQA forks out of rectangular tube. 42" long tines. Manually adjustable width. Lifting capacity <1,000 lbs. Use them all the time.

I can't lift a full pallet of bricks or concrete sacks, but I can transfer some to spare pallets and carry the load in 3 or 4 trips.

The only problem is popularity. My son wants me to bring them over today to relocate his generator. <lol>

 

[GreensvilleJay]

NICE !!!! love all the pictures,especially the sled transporter !
GREAT design for the forks, simple and strong.

 

[ve9aa]

Great pix ! I have to move my mower deck later and am debating bucket(with hooks) or palette forks.

 

[OrangeKrush]

Great pix ! I have to move my mower deck later and am debating bucket(with hooks) or palette forks.

Sounds like an easy task for the forks!

Edit; Since you are getting use to them if sitting the deck on the forks.. maybe strap it so it doesn't slide side to side.

One thing I've noticed is the forks seem to respond differently.. depends on what and how you lift but just take it easy. Keep the RPMs lower when adjusting or lowering loads.. easy to over due it!

 

[Mrlunchbox]

I have just a half acre of property and probably have used my forks more than my bucket. Worth every penny IMHO. I have a walk out basement and moving stuff from the first floor to the basement is so much easier these days. The older I get the more work smarter not harder makes sense.

 

[ve9aa]

Sounds like an easy task for the forks!

Edit; Since you are getting use to them if sitting the deck on the forks.. maybe strap it so it doesn't slide side to side.

One thing I've noticed is the forks seem to respond differently.. depends on what and how you lift but just take it easy. Keep the RPMs lower when adjusting or lowering loads.. easy to over due it!

Mr. OKrush !

I'll post a pic later but yes, I used the forks. I had just the right strap to "hook' the deck.
The forks were WAY easier than the bucket, as I could see what I was doing.

Cheers

 

[michigander]

Great pix ! I have to move my mower deck later and am debating bucket(with hooks) or palette forks.

Pallet forks , not the smartest Idea I'm sure I put in the air for cleaning /changing blades. I need to find some cylinder stops for next time.