My #1 Favorite Tractor Attachment...Pallet Forks!
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- I get asked all the time what tractor attachments I recommend. Top on the list is a set of pallet forks. They're my #1 favorite tractor attachment. I use them more than I use my loader bucket.
Pallet forks are great for moving all kinds of things around. Tree limbs, logs, hay bales, hay feeders, stock tanks, etc. etc. They are a real back saver.
Pallet fork options are pretty limited. You generally can choose from 42" or 48" forks. I've always owned 42" forks, but would be very happy with either. 42" stick out less, but on longer pallets 48" may keep you from having to use a chain to secure the "away" side of the pallet when unloading. Some pallets have a hook or D-ring in the frame, something I've had but never used. I do like a set that's open in the center (the Precision Manufacturing set in the video are the best I've ever seen) so you can see where your forks are going. Make sure to get a set with a heavy guard with a flat top so you can use that as a gauge to keeping your forks level when unloading. Unless you have a self-leveling loader you'll need to adjust the pitch of the pallet on the way down or risk dumping the load forward. With a flat top on your frame you can always tell if the forks are level.
Finally, when moving the forks from side to side, have them tilted forward and keep the rails lubricated with WD-40 Specialist Spray and Stay Gel Lubricant. They're my sponsor and I've used their fine products the better part of my life. Keeping the parts and pieces of all your equipment lubricated will make all of your jobs easier. Just be careful after you've lubricated your pallet forks...the sudden change in their ability to move can enable you to mash a finger if you're not careful! That's the voice of experience talking.
If you're buying a tractor, get pallet forks...you can thank me later!
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The misconception people have about pallets forks is thinking they're just for people who needs to move pallets. I use mine a lot, but never move any pallets with them.
Oh no! Just what I need to do is explain to my wife why I need another attachment. On your next video, give us tips on how to sell it to our wives. I just bought a new John Deere and don’t mind telling you them hotdogs are getting old fast and the backseat in my truck don’t sleep as good as I thought. Lol. Great information and great video! Y’all have a good-un!
Personally having a set of pallet forks also changed how I buy, transport and move things around my property. Ever since I got the tractor (with pallet forks) I've also started palletizing more purchases. It makes it really handy to either have the store load a pallet of purchased material, or put my purchases on a pallet I put in the back of my truck, then when I get home it's just a matter of unloading the entire pallet rather than individual items.
Looking forward to the video on the grapple for pallet forks.
I got my forks the year after I bought my tractor. They spend more time on my loader than the bucket. Great attachment to have and all of this is great advice.
Thanks Mike! Another useful video to help me manage my new Kubota L2501 and all my implements
Thanks Mike for the great vlog. Need to get me a set of 48’s now. 👍🏻
A friend who owns a trailer dealership suggested adding a ball to the end of one fork to move trailers around. Works great - allows more maneuverability for tight turning radius. It's a little sloppy fit but I haven't found the need to shim it yet while moving my loaded 18' pontoon and 12 x 7 utility trailers. Should have done it years ago.
This is soooo true. A buddy got me to buy a set. I was skeptical, but hands down I am now using them for all kinds of things.
I love my Woods 42" pallet forks on my Kioti CK3510. A perfect tool for the orchard. Great advice to purchase them with the tractor instead of afterwards (which I did). Keep up the great work - love your videos.
Thanks for taking time to make all the videos - very informative - keep them coming
WD 40 is a solvent, not a lubricant, like most have ran with. This product you displayed during your video, gel lubricant, makes sense for lubricating. Not generic WD 40 😊👍
As a woodworker I came from a forklift background. I bought my first tractor almost a year ago and it was at the top of my implement list when I was making my deal. You wont believe how handy they are!
I looked at one of your videos 3 years ago when I was buying my tractor and bought pallet forks because of your advice. It was a great purchase. They come in handy. BTW, I really like the way WD40 has a fixed straw. It is so much better than the old red insert straws that shoot off or get lost.
I just got some pallet forks yesterday. I had a huge oak tree fall in my pasture and had to saw it up. The main trunk was pretty big. After cutting into 3-4 foot sections I was able to scoop them up to move them with ease. One man job. Never had to get off of tractor.
I watched an older guy use his forks to remove big rocks while he was bush hogging. Then later he came back with the bucket to scoop them up. Never would have thought of that...
I used my backhoe to dig the rocks up then used the forks to haul them away. It's easier to use forks on five to nine foot long rocks than get them in a bucket.
I got to use pallet forks when I was in the Air Force where we used special AT Forklifts to remove and install cargo on aircraft. I have two tractors, but don't have any forks for them, but there are times when I wish there was forks so I could use them on my tractor to move items around with.
My salesman recommended 48” forks when I got my Workmaster 50. I had no idea how much I’d use them!! Great video - I didn’t know about the trick for removing the forks! Thank you!! I also didn’t know WD-40 now made a gel! Going to have to pick some of that up!
Hey Mike! I agree with the benefit of the 48" tines. I use them on my 2025R a lot and love being able to see the tips. My favorite WD 40 lube for exposed fittings is their spray lithium. I use it around the barn, gate latches, and tractor. I haven't tried it on the forks yet.
New subscriber here, great vidieos! I use my forks far more then I ever do my bucket. One of the best uses for me, is I built a receiver hitch that quick bolts onto the forks, and can move all my trailers all over the property. Never even have to get off of the tractor.
I have a Woods model 4 foot forks. They have a piece of round stock welding where the d ring was on the forks you showed. It's made to hang a shackle on. Very handy. Also I made several heavy, job specific pallets out of some 4x4 and 2x10 I had extra I made one to hold all of my fencing supplies. Real easy to hook up and maintain or fix fence when you have all of your supplies at hand.
I use the gel spray and stay on my various 3-point hitch moving parts. Really helpful.
Agree 100% once you have a set of forks you think of ways to use them. Makes life around the farm easier. Have not messed up forks or loader but dents in the shop and trees! 😁
Thanks for this! I struggled mightily with my new HLA forks the other day. WD 40 is on my list.
Good choice. Very versatile.
Hi Mike! I made sure we bought forks with that Branson I told you about. Before the Branson, I had to wrestle a motor off the baler to get it worked on, that was an ordeal. I made a pallet for the motor so the guy I took it to could unload and move it easy. When I got ig back I just forked it up to the baler and slid it into place, easy peasy.
The other great use fo forks is to lift a work platform so you can get to things without a scaffold. Not a good idea to lift with people in it, but lift a platform to the right height and get up to it with a ladder.
Hi Mike! I have to agree with you. Pallet forks are SO handy. I started out with a set of $150 Titan clamp on pallet forks when I first got my tractor. I used them a lot but they took time to put on and take off and I lost a lot of lift capacity because they attached to the edge of my bucket. So I bought a set of 42” quick attach forks and have absolutely loved having them! They go on and off really quickly and I have much better lift capacity. Thanks for sharing your know-how!
Thanks especially for the section about 48 vs shorter with a compacts. That’s what I was hung up on . Now I know it’s 48” for my general purpose work
Great video as always Mike, great advice, sounds a bit weird mind hope your keeping well
Hey Mike, thanks for doing this video (and all the others)...I'm currently waiting on the delivery of my very first tractor, Kioti DK5810 HST ROPS, and have been thinking about what other implements/attachments I would find useful. Pallet forks! As I'm into my 50's now, shifting pallet loads of material won't be good for my back...so pallet forks is the way to go! Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos, they are very informative and to-the-point - I am learning a lot about tractors. Many thanks, and good health to you.
One of the two best attachments I own the other being the grapple. building all the pipe fence on our place it's a breeze to pick up 32 foot lengths of oil field drill stem and move it around. I can cut post out of the pipe with it on the forks at a comfortable working height. With all the post set and saddles cut it's nice to be able to lift those 32 footers and set them in the saddles of the post, some welding and the top rail is set. I move round bales with them and even stir the compost piles.
I use that D ring all the time on my pallet forks. Great place to hang a chain from, or secure a load to.
I would avoid attaching to the upper frame for safety reasons, on most forks it only bolted on and should your load shift, it might not hold it.
I also use my pallet forks for brush removal, uprooting small trees up to 6" in diameter.
Then I use the forks to carry the brush to my composting area, where I use my PTO wood chipper to bring it down to size for mulch.
Where would I be without my tractor...
Tractor Mike Doesn't "FORK" AROUND When It Comes To Information And Knowledge On Pallet Forks!!!
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I have Massey GC2300 without a quick attach, and I bought some clam on forks for my bucket....yea, they are not as strong as the quick attach, but man have I found them useful already.....I agree with your assessment of the utility of pallet forks!
I bought pallet forks when I bought my used JD compact tractor and they are worth every penny. SO much easier to move stuff around the property, and load/unload into the pickup.
My dad is blind in his left eye from serving in Korea. He ripped a downspout off the house and damaged a corner trim piece the first weekend he had his tractor with 42 inch forks home after keeping it at the cabin for several years. He had gotten used to swinging it around without checking for obstacles.
ike I look forward to yor grapple attachment video, I have been struggling with the purchase of a grapple, with limited use. This will be a great compromise.
Good video Mike. I have 48 inch forks and they work great. I found out that tilting it forward does help sliding the forks as well. Mine is a self leveling loader and that is awesome to use. It’s a John Deere so yes I had to buy from the Deere dealer. You might do a video on all the uses for the forks sometime, could get viewers ideas in the comments.
Mike I got some, oh man that was the smarties thing I could do.
thank you mike again,,
I agree pallet forks are great for sure. In addition to picking up a set if forks, I got a set of bolt on hooks for the loader bucket from Ken's Bolt on Hooks. Those make the bucket a LOT more versatile. With the hooks I don't need the pallet forks as frequently as I would otherwise, but there are definitely times when there is nothing better than a set if forks. I look forward to your fork/grapple review!
Another good video. It is an option to go with a grapple set up on pallet forks, but it does have it's set backs. It could be nice for someone to save some money but it won't do what a real independent grapple can do. I myself am going to purchase a Everything Attachments 55 inch Wicked Root Grapple for my Kubota 2501. It is more versatile as to being able to bring roots and rocks to the surface, removing brush, pulling up and removing small trees and stumps. One could go on. Of course it will cost more money and take up more room but the options are limitless next to a grapple on forks. Something for your viewers to think about. When getting a grapple too one needs to look at the weight because it can cut down your lifting capacity a lot if you have a smaller tractor with not all that much lifting capacity. Another reason I chose the grapple I am going to purchase is it's one of the few lighter weight grapples on the market and the best built of what there is also. Again very good video.
Makes me glad I didn't put one on my tractor. Still wish I bought the quick attach system which was new when I bought my tractor. I thought it was a novelty at the time. How wrong I was.
I had a pair of clamp on forks before, they were very easy to use an affordable. They also had yellow painted tips which made them easier to see. It reduced the capacity you could lift since they were further away from the pivot point on the loader, but the other benefits of having them made it worth losing that capacity. I have a good set of QA forks now, but I need to grease them because they are hard to adjust. I also want to paint the tips yellow because they are harder to see since they are all black. Thanks for the tip on tilting them down. Btw, you should do a video on all the WD40 products and where they are useful on the farm. I bought their white lithium grease spray because of a video you did and it has worked great around the farm. But there are so many types of WD40 I get confused what to buy now.
When I bought my tractor used -it came with forks, I thought "what the heck am i going to do with those?"
Now I think, "what the heck would I do without those....." (best rock remover from your lawn you'll ever find)
Great Info.. Thanks
Thanks from an OLD guy...
BTW glad to see you finally upgraded to an orange tractor.
Add another set of pallet forks and it makes moving brush even easier. 4 forks doubles the fun. Local business had pallet forks left behind by previous owner. Got them cheep.
Saw from another video that you can spray paint (orange) the end of the forks so you can see where you are at entering them into something.
Mike, you should mention the clamp-on model of pallet forks for those that do not have the quick attach buckets. Def not as good, but if you need to lift a few pallets, etc and don't have the cash or quick attach bucket, you can get a set of these for under a few hundred bucks (sites like Titan attachments) that can do what you need in a pinch and do it cheap... Also, more care is in line with these as they are less stable.
Great video, don't own a tractor, and most likely never will be able to afford one...however, just your little input about quick attach and every manufacturer except JD will interchange really was enlightening...not owning a tractor you would never think about it, you walk by attachments in farm stores all the time and to the un-knowledgeable heck they all look the same and I would have no idea if I had a green tractor that those implements at the farm stores probably won't attach...good information as always.
I'm sure some company sells a John Deere style conversion jig to regular skid steer quick attach. There's also a different style called Euro / Global. It's always best to be sure what you need and what you have when you buy.
Here's a JD conversion:www.deere.com/en/attachments-accessories-and-implements/utility-tractors-attachments-accessories/loader-attachments/sa20f-series/
If you already have skid steer attachments then it's a good option, if all you have is a tractor I'm not sure the advantage of skid steer only attachment capability
Fork removal would have been a great use case for the lube shuttle grease gun too lol.
That WD-40 trick would be horrible here. I live in the Mojave Desert, and that stuff attracts and holds sand and wind-blown dust. There's a dry lube product from Blaster that applies a coat of Teflon that would work a lot better in dry climates.
Not sure it would work with the grapple attachment, but for other uses for the extra length for pallet forks, you might consider a set of pallet fork extensions. They slide over your existing forks and provide more length. For grapple purposes, I am not sure, but fear you would either drop them off of your forks or bend the extensions.
Another great video, Mike. Thanks! What are your thoughts on forks that clamp onto the bucket? I can appreciate the capacity of the forks you demo but I don’t expect to encounter any loads much more than 500#. Also, my compact tractor FEL doesn’t have anywhere near a 4000# lift capacity.
John Deere does have a stand-alone skid steer quick attachment system available from the factory and an adapter for the JD system
www.deere.com/en/attachments-accessories-and-implements/utility-tractors-attachments-accessories/loader-attachments/sa20f-series/
The problem I have with your suggestions of now lube previously grease, in my dusty environment it makes things worse. It makes a awful mess.
I am interested in seeing that new grapple. Personally I love pallet forks and probably use them more than the regular bucket. Just last night I used them to rip out stumps from trees the power company cut down. They cut them close the ground so I couldn’t push on them with good leverage to rip them out. With both forks set close together I went round the stump breaking the roots like you would with a backhoe. After I had done that I could get right under them and remove them with ease. Since a dirt bucket spreads the breakout force across such a large space it would have been much more difficult than using the forks. Thanks again for the great videos Mike!
Hey Mike, will the WD-40 gel work well for the PTO Slide? I find that regular grease can make it harder for the PTO to slide.
I think it may even cause a suction effect. Let me know what you think.
Great video Mike, thankyou. When I had my 24hp tractor, I bought a set of clamp on forks. And they worked ok. But the 2 major drawbacks they had were visibility and putting the load a bucket length further foward, thereby reducing my lift capacity. I've used these forks a few times on my 45hp tractor but I regret not buying the quick attach forks. So guess what's on my shopping list now?
The actual forklifts at work had usually been modified with a hole bored or burned through a fork near the end. This has used with a pin, clevis, or trailer ball for dragging pallets or other loads. You had to be careful with loading and balance. I don't own a tractor ( YET ) but watch a lot of the You Tube sites with tractors and I wondered: the fighting at this or that fitting or attachment ( usually the 3 point and PTO ). At least one videos mentioned it - carry a can of WD40 with you always - . better yet a can of regular WD40 and a can of more permanent spray lube. ( W ater D isplacment and light penetrating is great but it isn't a long term lube ). Spray the heck out of the hitch eye/ball and the PTO spline. any place that doesn't have a zirk grease fitting but pivots, slides or turns can stand some type of lube. liquid or spray dry lube ( moly, graphite, silicone ) might attract less dust ( It is a tractor after all ). Thanks always for the education and entertainment [ Who does the orange / Kabota belong to ? ]
If you own a half acre property or more that is wooded and tough, A sub-compact tractor is basically something that is mandatory. I only own 3 acres however I have a John Deere 5083e Limited. I am always moving objects that weigh up to 3000 lbs.
I should make a video for you guys.
I keep my forks on most of the time . Move my round bales out of the field into the shed. A lot faster than a spear . Pick up short logs or posts use it all the time.I also took a torch and burned a hole big enough for a pin 7/8 " on the tip of the fork, I move trailers or a wagon around from the front of the tractor .
Mike, I think you forgot one brand that uses skidsteer quick attach ;-) what tractor brand do you have at home? :-)
Hi Mike. Really appreciate your videos and agree with you on the varied uses of pallet forks. My current Mahindra 4035 doesn't have any and wanted to know if you recommend a particular brand. I'm a fairly new subscriber and greatly appreciate your content.
Terry, some I like better than others, but most are fine. I sell these on my website and they're a good combination for strength and being lightweight: asktractormike.com/product/walk-through-hi-vis-pallet-forks-for-skid-loaders-tractors/, but you may be able to get comparable products locally and save freight. Don't get a set that is so heavy that it takes up over 50% of your lift capacity and don't buy the el-cheapo third world manufactured ones. Somewhere in the middle is a nice compromise.
@@TractorMike Thanks for the advise.
I've been looking at some forks by Artillian, but am unsure which style of fork tine to buy. They offer a standard tine and a full tine. I asked them several days ago how they differ, but they have not replied yet. Do you know what the difference is?
How timely. My wife just me the ok to buy some.
Mike, I have a Kubota M9000 and the bucket is held on with pins. Am I better off taking it to a dealer and have them retro fit a quick release attachment or should I buy forks that just clamp on to the bucket. I have heard that if you put too much of a load on the latter, it can bend the bucket.
What do you think?
Get a quick release style coupler. More expensive, but so worth it!!
I could live without pallet forks but not without a bucket. Actually I can’t live without any of my attachments.
Hey Mike I have a Kabota M7060 should get 48 forks or 60 for my tractor I was just trying to see what you recommend thank you
48". 60" is way too long in my humble opinion.
My pin-on bucket is an odd ball. It has sides and bottom that bolts off with small bedding/hay tines underneath(have you seen this before?). I the top is curled steel, not flat so several of the bolt on designs aren't compatible. Any ideas? -Louisville
Best thing you could do is probably find a compatible quick attach frame.
Hi Mike, I recently bought a set of Titan pallet forks and the frame has a bale spear hole in the center of the upper fork rail. It's conus 2, I believe. Do you know of clevis mount that would fit the hole? Because I won't ever need a bale spear. Thanks in advance.
Interesting...John, I don't know of a clevis mount to go in that hole but that would make it more versatile. They must be using the same frame for pallet forks and bale spears.
The bale spear is an add on option.
Thanks for replying, you put out great info.
Which forks should I get for my Kubota L3901? A set rated at 2,000 lbs?
You want a set that the specs exceed the lift capacity of your tractor, but don't weigh so much that they take up a lot of your tractor's lift ability. You should be okay with 2000 lb lift capacity, but I personally prefer 3500+ lb capacity forks, because you'll have plenty of cushion. The frame and forks are sturdier on the 3500+. Be careful that the frame on the set you're looking at is also rated at 2000 lbs.
Do you guys recommend 42 or 48 inch? I have a 30hp tractor
I prefer 42" unless you're lifting long pallets a lot.
Mike- they’re just trying to reinvent the wheel. Just use the regular WD-40 that you see in every Walmart hardware store automotive store gun store mom and pop shop gas station or whatever. Don’t overthink it-don’t oversell it. I guarantee Plain old regular WD-40 would work just as well as that “Whatever it is a gel.” Folks you heard it here first- “You just can’t go wrong with the original.”
My boda is 25 yrs old, will these fit older tractors?
If you have quick attach on the front of your loader. If not, click here: asktractormike.com/kubota-quick-attach-adapter-plates/.
Do they make pallet forks for 3 point hitch
Todd Mcgough yes they do. 3 point lifts more but you can only go so high with them so they're limited.
I thought your favorite was the Backhoe attachment......🤔
Not sure if you're aware is a great invention called gloves will help protect your hands. You should always have a pair with you on your tractor.
Can’t find your pallet forks in your store
Here's a link to the pallet forks: asktractormike.com/products-for-sale/tractor-attachments/pallet-forks/
If you have any questions, here's my email address: mike@asktractormike.com
Pallet forks......😑