Pallet Fork advice bx 2380

JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
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.
 

ferguson

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L3130
Jan 19, 2022
296
115
43
w.v.
If you have a quick connect bucker set up that is way easier to do then bucker forks . Most all the bucket attach kind are made out of tubing the others are solid steel .
 
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xrocketengineer

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BX1880, FEL, Grapple, 36 in. Forks, 48in. MMM, Quick Spade, Ripper
Nov 14, 2020
754
650
93
Merritt Island, Florida
I got these forks in pin on configuration and 36 inches for my BX1880 being the most affordable at the time and appear to be well built. I have used them for several things, including digging and they have worked very well.
IMG_20210605_161241.jpg
IMG_20200926_121416641_HDR.jpg
IMG_20200923_162822481.jpg
 
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UpNorthMI

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L3200, L3901, MX5800, SVL75-2, KX040
May 12, 2020
850
568
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Up North, MI
You have not really stated what your fork use is. If it is just light work, moving brush etc. I would say bucket forks are OK. You also didn't share if you have a quick attach bucket or if it is pin / fixed mount as this is also a key issue. If you have quick attach the decision for me would be easy, buy a set of adjustable width forks, be careful of the frame and fork weight, don't buy too heavy. I have quick attach adjustable width forks for my tractors and skid loader, They are so useful once you have them you will have many uses.
 
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Dave Ogren

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Equipment
BX23S w/FEL &BH &60" Mowing Deck, 48" Dirty Dog Box Blade, 48" Tar River Tiller,
Feb 16, 2022
100
47
28
81
Asheville, N. C.
I have quick attach bucket release on my BX23S. The adjustable solid forks are one of the best investments made.Also the under armor plate from BXpanded works great is easy to attach and remove, I have read about the cost of replacing that small fan that can be ruined by sticks when the mower deck is not on. Good Luck.
Dave
 

JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
I have a quick release bucket but have never taken it off. Gotta say, nothing is "quick" for me--attaching 3-pt implements take me time, so I try not to have to switch implements a lot. Right now, forks would be used to move brush, big rocks that bucket can't handle, firewood. so I'd say lighter use. sounds like you all advise the adjustable fork QR frame version. thanks and also thanks about the under armor verification. I'm amazed I haven't broken that fan yet.
 
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JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
I got these forks in pin on configuration and 36 inches for my BX1880 being the most affordable at the time and appear to be well built. I have used them for several things, including digging and they have worked very well. View attachment 92065 View attachment 92067 View attachment 92070
this is amazing. I hadn't thought of digging with them. is there a shovel mod on the front of them, or is that dirt? I have to rebury cables so this is super interesting
 
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top gnome

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Equipment
b2301 w bh fel grapple back blade snow plow forks
Dec 12, 2021
461
218
43
Fundy shore nova scotia
I also would get the quick connect full forks not the bucket attachment ones. I am amazed at the amount I use them. and going from grapple to bucket to forks takes no time at all. Much Much easier that the 3 point implements. I even moved a 8x8 shed onto a cement pad with them and they make an awesome saw horse, work bench man lift. and that is before you even build a pallet.
 
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MOOTS

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MX6000
Jun 27, 2019
1,946
2,250
113
Canton, Georgia
this is amazing. I hadn't thought of digging with them. is there a shovel mod on the front of them, or is that dirt? I have to rebury cables so this is super interesting
I'm interesting that fork shovel too!
 
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fried1765

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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,847
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this is amazing. I hadn't thought of digging with them. is there a shovel mod on the front of them, or is that dirt? I have to rebury cables so this is super interesting

Go to the Agri Supply website, and search "Subsoiler".
Subsoilers (3 pt.) are also sold at TSC.
The TSC website has a cable laying sleeve attachment for their 3pt. subsoiler, but that attachment is also simple to make.

MUCH easier/faster for cable laying than a backhoe, or the "spade" shown above.
I have the Agri Supply model.
It is a great little tool, and very inexpensive.
 
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GreensvilleJay

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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,718
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113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
I have the SSQA ,HLA 900# pallet forks for my BX23S. They're on probably 50% of the time ! Once you use them, you'll find LOTS more uses for them. If you need to store 'stuff', put it on a skid,on top of a 2nd skid. The btm skid gets eaten by bugs and rots NOT the one with the 'stuff' on it.
Once you get the hang of it, swapping SSQA attachments is maybe a minute or two. Having LEVEL ground really helps though !!
 
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xrocketengineer

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX1880, FEL, Grapple, 36 in. Forks, 48in. MMM, Quick Spade, Ripper
Nov 14, 2020
754
650
93
Merritt Island, Florida
this is amazing. I hadn't thought of digging with them. is there a shovel mod on the front of them, or is that dirt? I have to rebury cables so this is super interesting
Its a Paumco Quick Spade. Its intended for a skid loader but it worked great for me with my 36 in, forks and my tiny BX1880.
 
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rc51stierhoff

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Equipment
B2650, MX6000, Ford 8N, (BX sold)
Sep 13, 2021
2,623
3,208
113
Ohio
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.
Good day. Welcome.

I have a set of SSQA forks for each machine. They are most versatile attachment I have. If I were buying again, I would get a set of SSQA forks:
1. I’d recommend to get a set of forks with a load guard / frame.
2. If planning to pick up a lot of potatoes (large rocks/small boulders 😉), and wanting to use forks, then I would think about some that can adjust in/out hydraulically like what a forklift has.
3. Be realistic on what the machine can or can not pick up if the bucket won’t do it…is it because of weight or not able to rig it?
4. I believe mutiple companies offer some sort of a front spade or hoe…I have an artillian set of forks on my B and it has a front hoe…it’s not fun to swap out but it is functional…it’s sort of limited by the weight of machine and the type of soil / moisture content)…I would not buy a front hoe again for my B machine for picking up rocks / planting trees…not big enough and or machine not big enough for my uses in that type application.
5. If concerned about quick attach…take the bucket on / off a couple times before you decide what to get.
6. If you ever plan to use a pallet, consider appropriate length tines to support the pallet (IMO you want them to stick out other side)
I am not sure if a functional benefit of the clamp on type other than maybe if you don’t have SSQA loader, they would be quicker than taking bucket on off…but that would be a set up issue to me, functional I don’t think there is benefit but maybe others have some opinion…I don’t have the clamp on type so I am not sure.

I hope this helps. 🥃
 
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UpNorthMI

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Equipment
L3200, L3901, MX5800, SVL75-2, KX040
May 12, 2020
850
568
93
Up North, MI
A couple of possible products:





You should size the forks and weight for your BX lift capacity, I would go with 36" forks (42" at max) with a light fork frame, adjustable width is a must have.

Wow costs have gone up! Good luck.
 
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ve9aa

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Equipment
TG1860, BX2380 -backblade, bx2830 snowblower, fel, weight box,pallet forks,etc
Apr 11, 2021
1,202
982
113
NB, Canada
One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I might've missed it) is VISIBILITY !
I made a set of forks (pipes) which I strapped under my bucket. Actually worked pretty well as a $0.00 solution but I couldn't see a dang thing. (also reduced my lifting capacity as the bucket is heavier than the actual "real" forks I bought later.
Also, the forks have protection again your load rolling back onto you.
The bucket won't
 
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JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
Good day. Welcome.

I have a set of SSQA forks for each machine. They are most versatile attachment I have. If I were buying again, I would get a set of SSQA forks:
1. I’d recommend to get a set of forks with a load guard / frame.
2. If planning to pick up a lot of potatoes (large rocks/small boulders 😉), and wanting to use forks, then I would think about some that can adjust in/out hydraulically like what a forklift has.
3. Be realistic on what the machine can or can not pick up if the bucket won’t do it…is it because of weight or not able to rig it?
4. I believe mutiple companies offer some sort of a front spade or hoe…I have an artillian set of forks on my B and it has a front hoe…it’s not fun to swap out but it is functional…it’s sort of limited by the weight of machine and the type of soil / moisture content)…I would not buy a front hoe again for my B machine for picking up rocks / planting trees…not big enough and or machine not big enough for my uses in that type application.
5. If concerned about quick attach…take the bucket on / off a couple times before you decide what to get.
6. If you ever plan to use a pallet, consider appropriate length tines to support the pallet (IMO you want them to stick out other side)
I am not sure if a functional benefit of the clamp on type other than maybe if you don’t have SSQA loader, they would be quicker than taking bucket on off…but that would be a set up issue to me, functional I don’t think there is benefit but maybe others have some opinion…I don’t have the clamp on type so I am not sure.

I hope this helps. 🥃
thanks--this gives me a lot to consider. You guys have pretty much convinced me to go with the QR framed version.
 

JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
A couple of possible products:





You should size the forks and weight for your BX lift capacity, I would go with 36" forks (42" at max) with a light fork frame, adjustable width is a must have.

Wow costs have gone up! Good luck.
Yes the price is crazy plus some brands have 4-6 week wait time. Thanks for the links.
 

JSL

New member

Equipment
BX2380, FEL, Box Scraper
Apr 19, 2022
15
6
3
Maryland
One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I might've missed it) is VISIBILITY !
I made a set of forks (pipes) which I strapped under my bucket. Actually worked pretty well as a $0.00 solution but I couldn't see a dang thing. (also reduced my lifting capacity as the bucket is heavier than the actual "real" forks I bought later.
Also, the forks have protection again your load rolling back onto you.
The bucket won't
good point about rollback and the weight of bucket reducing lift potential of forks. that's a plus for the QR version.
 
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fried1765

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,847
5,072
113
Eastham, Ma
I can help with your
Good day. Welcome.

I have a set of SSQA forks for each machine. They are most versatile attachment I have. If I were buying again, I would get a set of SSQA forks:
1. I’d recommend to get a set of forks with a load guard / frame.
2. If planning to pick up a lot of potatoes (large rocks/small boulders 😉), and wanting to use forks, then I would think about some that can adjust in/out hydraulically like what a forklift has.
3. Be realistic on what the machine can or can not pick up if the bucket won’t do it…is it because of weight or not able to rig it?
4. I believe mutiple companies offer some sort of a front spade or hoe…I have an artillian set of forks on my B and it has a front hoe…it’s not fun to swap out but it is functional…it’s sort of limited by the weight of machine and the type of soil / moisture content)…I would not buy a front hoe again for my B machine for picking up rocks / planting trees…not big enough and or machine not big enough for my uses in that type application.
5. If concerned about quick attach…take the bucket on / off a couple times before you decide what to get.
6. If you ever plan to use a pallet, consider appropriate length tines to support the pallet (IMO you want them to stick out other side)
I am not sure if a functional benefit of the clamp on type other than maybe if you don’t have SSQA loader, they would be quicker than taking bucket on off…but that would be a set up issue to me, functional I don’t think there is benefit but maybe others have some opinion…I don’t have the clamp on type so I am not sure.

I hope this helps. 🥃
I can help with your assessment of clamp on forks.
If someone gives 'em to you.....maybe?
Just don't buy 'em!
 
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marrmanu

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B2620 3pt chipper, box blade, post hole auger, custom 3pt chain box with hooks h
Jan 16, 2021
104
91
28
usa
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.
 
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