Clamp-on bucket forks

I found a guy selling a set of MDS clamp on forks 49" model 6000, 6000lb capacity for, asking $500. I have all sorts of use for them but started to think of the strain they would put on the hydraulics. Anyone use them, had success with them???

Here is what I know about backhoe forks.

Style 1 that you are looking at beats not having forks at all but the downsides are: 1) They put a lot of bending/twisting load on the bottom of the bucket. 2) the operator can not see what he's driving into/about to "spear" because the view is blocked by the bucket. 3) the load is carried out in front of the bucket which will have less leverage to lift than style 3. But an upside is they are quick attach.

Style 2 is better than 1 because it lessens the bending/twisting load, but still, the operator can not see what you are going to drive into. Issue 3 above remains too. Another upside is they are quick attach.

Style 3 is (in my opinion) is the best because you should be able to see the tips of the forks when approaching the item, and the lift point is closest to the machine, and you are not lifting the weight of the bucket, so you should have a higher capacity. The downside is putting one on is probably the slowest to switch over. I'm just about done making my style 3 for my backhoe.

Style 1:
http://www.jbcolandscape.com/Kubota-with-Paynes-Forks-Ma.jpg

Style 2:
http://myconstructionphotos.smugmug...ecialties/i-vVS4hvv/0/L/deere-210c_3295-L.jpg

Style 3:
https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48806&stc=1&d=1254562449

here is a pic of my home made forks with a quick- tatch

I have a set of something similar. Can't see squat. Unless you have a helper to direct you'll be on and off to see what you're doing. Better than nothing is about the best that can be said about them. Joe H

#1 is a real pain, they don't stay tight. #2 are ok #3 the better of the 3

Cat has a set that are attached to a 4 in 1 bucket. They fold back and store on the hoe, not the best but work

I just purchased these....they say they are rated for 6000lbs. I know they are solid forged steel these suckers are heavy, the welds/construction look very good.
I got the stabilizer in order to keep them straight on the machine



http://stores.palletforks.com/-strs...lamp on Pallet Forks:HD Clamp on Pallet Forks

I hope to use them to move loads of firewood. Took about 5 days shipping.

outbackrider said:

I just purchased these....they say they are rated for 6000lbs. I know they are solid forged steel these suckers are heavy, the welds/construction look very good.
I got the stabilizer in order to keep them straight on the machine



http://stores.palletforks.com/-strs...lamp on Pallet Forks:HD Clamp on Pallet Forks

I hope to use them to move loads of firewood. Took about 5 days shipping.

Click to expand...

Thanks everyone for your input. outbackrider, I like the looks of those forks, it looks like they can be shortened by sliding them back. I have a couple of crazy ideas for fork use. One is to space them about a foot apart and slide them in and under Fraser fir trees that are about 8-12' tall and pop them out of the ground (Very shallow roots). Now I am pulling them out with a chain or using the hoe but both are slow and make a mess out of the ground. I have about 900 trees to do but I'm in no hurry.

The other crazy is to space them 16" apart and scrape the ground to cut out a 30" deep trench. I have a foundation to dig and the other option is to get a 16" bucket. I really doubt if the fork idea would work, in sand maybe?

This weekend I'm off to NC to get the machine up and running but the driveway and perk test are in the works this trip. I'll deal with the trees and trench ideas when I get home.