My immediate thought for the headache guard actually became a bonus feature as I was imagining it. First step is to change the top link bracket gooseneck hitch ball hole into a 2” receiver shape. The headache guard then utilizes that 2” receiver as its primary mounting solution. Have locating pins/holes on the ends of the headache guard to limit twisting forces on the 2” mount tube. Then the genius part I realized is that you could use your headache guard as a small platform if you mounted it into the lower 2 inch receiver. Let’s say a simple version was just made out of square tube steel in a hoop with expanded metal mesh. Not only could you use that as a headache guard but you could also put it in the lower 2 inch receiver and utilize it as a small carryall platform, especially for bags of mulch, fertilizer, feed, whatever. Just a thought for you. 😉
Good idea fogle...the reason we haven't used the 2" receiver tube for the gooseneck on the forks nor our VersaBracket is cost...those tubes are actually quite a bit more expensive...perhaps we reconsider though
How about extending the parking stand tubes and using those like a steak pocket for the headache rack? Only a small change that is still out of the way and braces both sides.@@GoodWorksTractors
A suggestion for any set of pallet forks and something we do here. Put a cheap set of LED work lights on the fork frame, back so they don't get hit. This helps tons at night ehen loading/unloading things, also do the same on our bale spear. Work lights rarely ever aim that high and the arms and fork frame block the light.
I finally put my weight brackets onto my SpeeCo quick hitch. What a great product. I took off my Heavy Hitch to install my carry all and haul my tree cutting gear to my neighbors house a quarter mile down the road from me. I dropped the carry all onto her lawn so my equipment was in one central location. After felling part of the tree, I started moving a load of limbs on my forks only to find the tractor was too tipsy. I sprinted home and put the weight brackets on the quick hitch and slung 240 lbs of additional ballast onto the back of my mighty BX (LOL) and what a difference that made. The great thing about your design is the carry all still works with the brackets and weight in place. GWT offers some great products. I currently have a Rhinohide canopy, the SpeeCo Quick Hitch, and the Quick Hitch Weight Brackets. Enjoy the Journey - Cheers
PARKING STAND ……if the receiver tube was extended upwards and made longer this would allow the operator to install the stands upside down. By inserting the stand upside down and only a few inches inward this would leave a foot or so extended above the fork frame and instantly gives the operator a poor man’s headache guard. I currently have this modification on my forks made by AI2 for my Kubota BX. It’s so simple , cost effective and works great when handling logs or other dangerous items. Great video, and you look to have a much needed product. Big thx
I’m definitely interested in a set of these pallet forks for my Kubota MX5400. When you come out with the ssqa version. I also would be interested in a bolt on extension to increase the height of the frame. What a great product. I love the fact that you are a small business and it’s American made . Thanks for putting forth the effort to design and build this fantastic attachment.
Thanks Robert! SSQA version shouldn't be too much longer. Trickiest part was making the back frame work for loader and 3 point without the brackets interfering with one another. I believe we found our winning solution though.
Good morning Courtney, like the commenter before me said, very impressive product. I love it when a product has multiple uses without sacrificing function to get that versatility. Thanks, Ben
Kzoo resident that has had a love of tractors for the past few years. You have been a quality source of info and I thank you for that. These forks look amazing like when I own a tractor that will be my thought process. I'm probably going to buy the most versatile and heavy duty forks that will last hopefully the lifetime of my tractor. I man I love tractors and other heavy machinery. I feel like id be in heaven getting to play with sell and teach folks about all the things they can do in their equipment.
I like it. I would have made the lower pins a double shear. 2 mounts with a pin between them. I would also make a plug that goes into the receiver that looks like a T to keep the forks from coming off if used near the center. Only had that happen once but it was a major pain to recover the fork. I would also add a D ring or a hole in the upper right and left corners, I use those a lot with big rachet straps to secure things on to the forks.
Agreed - with the add on feature of a double-use headache rack/support feet. Have it function as both, using the pin as the locking/securing mechanism.
I like the drop down legs, but would swap the pin with loose pin clip, which I would almost certainly lose, for a square lock/safety pin or clevis pin where a small piece of wire secures the clip to the pin. But I get why you wouldn't ship them that way. It's an operator preference thing and some might never use the leg stands and it would add $7-9 per unit, even if you bought them in bulk. Hardware prices have gotten out of control in the last few years.
I like the way you're thinking on this Courtney. I think you need to make an optional bolt on and off headache rack. That's how our forklifts are at work. I like mine with it off such as taking off a camper topper. But if you're lifting boxes or round tube objects that are not bandit correctly the headache rack would be great. Keep up the great ingenuity you've got going on there. I wish my wife wanted to move I wouldn't mind working for you and growing this 'Tractor thing ' but who moves from the beautiful warm south to the Iceland... LOL
I purchased the Chinese "Titan" forks with the 2" receiver and it was an excellent feature. WAS - I destroyed it using a heavy hitch plow/ripper to dig a trench. My bestbsuggesting to you is to reinforce that 2" receiver. If/when you do, I will buy this product to replace my pot-metal junk. Also, love the 3-pt option... great idea.
Would come in handy for anyone wanting to carry a 250gal tote on the back, load it up with fire wood and the grapple on the front and carry a chainsaw in that accessory you got as well. Full 250 gal tote with wood would probably be 600-800 lbs depending on if it's wet or not.
Instead of a bolt on headache rack, how about adding a 2" square vertical tube on either side of the frame, and having the headache rack drop in, and then pinned like the parking stands? That would make it easier to install or remove. Perhaps to avoid adding the cost of the tubes to every rack, the rack kit would include a 2" tube welded to a plate, and the plate can be bolted to the frame. Something I'd like to see on ANYTHING with pins are wire lanyards to keep from dropping the darn clip. I make my own, but it'd nice if they all came that way.
Yeah, might do something like that....I also thought about just making it 4-6 vertical stantions....no horizontal bracing...the vertical posts would serve the purpose, while keeping weight down and oprator visibility to a maximum
@@GoodWorksTractorsI think the key takeaway is making it easy to install or remove as necessary. I'd be inclined to leave it off most of the time, but if I'm moving brush or a pallet loaded with straw bales, I'd want the height so I can move more in a load. Also, 2" tube was supposed to be 1". 2" is too large and too heavy.
TowSmart makes clevis pins with the wire already attached and wider heads so they are easier to remove. I really like them, along with square safety/lock pins.
I know its not a common practice, but to get almost 2' more height, turn your forks unside down. Be careful with the back rack so your load doesnt fall off the back onto you and tractor. Very good ideas. Thankyou.
good morning have a mock up like this for personal use but on larger 4 series. adding the 2"receiver at the top for round bale spear. will make it more useful for a larger market.always like your channel.and Merry Christmas to you and your brother.
Thanks for your feedback Dan! We've found bale spears to be one of the least popular items we sell. This is why there's currently no provisions to add spears to these forks. It would drive up product cost and provide value to a very small minority of operators. Not saying some wouldn't use it, but most wouldn't see the value.
I have thought of making this contraption for several years now. a two for one tool is a good idea. The snow pusher on the rear 3 point would be useful to me.
I’m currently making a carrier for a set of 60” forks I bought at an auction. I think I am gonna mount the backstop directly on the backs of the forks. I cannot claim to have come up with the idea as I have seen it a time or two before. Having a full backstop on a loader tractor is t such a big deal, but it’s a real PITA on a skid steer
I think this is a really good redesign for one of the most useful implements you can buy for a tractor. I especially like the gooseneck ball support bracket. A 48" 4K lbs version with the headache rack would be a nice day 2 option.
This fork setup is perfect for the guys that use front mount snowblowers on their tractors. It’s way easier to swap out your rear blade and toss this on versus installing your loader again. Obviously your reach height is the only sacrifice here. That’s something you can probably plan around. This is an awesome tool!
My home made fork frame has the 3 point hitch pins mounted higher up so its usable. If you don't do this you not only will have difficulty to hook up, but you also can't get the forks low enough to go into a pallet, or under a log. I also thought about adding a tray on the back side of the frame for a place to store chains and chokers for skidding. (Similar to some wenches)
Wow what a well thought out and engineered product. You are in a unique position as a reseller to see what the market wants and it’s neat to see you pivot into engineering and design of better options.
I like the headache rack. Gives me better visibility to the level of my forks when they are close to the ground. Can only see the fork tips over the hood when the forks are 8-10in off the ground.
One thing I just flashed my mind with - Forks holding a load that is not balanced. not an array of bricks/blocks but maybe a tool or machine or box that is side loaded and would tilt the tractor - so you can weight down the other side to balance the load preventing tipsy on flat ground. Just a thought.
Looks like the quick hitch would interfere with suit case weights when using it on the 3pt, or the upper pallet fork frame mount would interfere if the suit case weights tried to hang out back. I certainly could be missing something though. Could you show how the suitcase weights work on the 3pt? I think I understand how they work when on the loader. I like the design and idea. I also think it is good that you left the headache rack off, making a removable one would be preferable for sure. I have both the VersaBracket and the Hitch Hangers, bundled with all the 70 lb weights they can hold, love both of them. I have 2 of the red SpeeCo E-Hitch's as well (second one is going to be customized....), so thanks GWT. Have a good one!!👍
That squeaky top link sounds like my body before my 1st cup of coffee in the morning! Great adaptability for getting use on both ends; wish this was available before I had gotten my forks with the tractor as this would have been an easy yes. Keep up with product development, you never know what somebody was also thinking about but couldn’t put it from concept to production.
I would add some deep chain slots towards the end of the upper cross member where the notches are for the tines. Or add some pre-drilled holes on the sides to allow straps to be attached to tie down loads.
Cool product Courtney. Came to the comments to see what additional ideas people thought of. Love foglebr idea. One idea I had was to add bale spear tine pockets also.
Having the 3 point pins adjustable for height would help. You need to be able to back into and out of a pellet with the forks. As you stated, not all 3 points go down to the same height from the ground. Even the same tractor model with different tires will vary on the minimum height. Great idea. Thanks
Very impressive product. Some constructive criticism on my rear fork experience a few years ago. I wasn't impressed at all with the capacity of my BX when using three-point-forks. On the BX the rear forks work for light loads but I paid way more than what I was able to accomplish with the one I have. So maybe their could be a light-version that has limits for subcompacts if it at all lowers the price in a more sellable way. & on the BX I actually carry large logs on-the-loader behind-the-bucket, it dumps off as if the practice was part of the design.
@@GoodWorksTractors My experience is in alignment with the 'Implement weight list'. The rear-blade wight limit for a BX2380 is 248lbs which is about where I experienced my rear-fork limitations. Odd as the rear-blade on my BX2370 is 306 lbs & works great. The manual suggests 1765 lbs for a trailer load but I doubt a BX could lift 350 lbs with rear-forks. I also wanted to use it for a 100 gallon water-tank but a BX can only transport about 40 gallons of water on the rear.
That looks like a great idea. One thing that I would really like to see is a way to move 3 point (quick hitch) attachments with the loader. Maybe this could mount where the forks mount? Just something I've been looking for. I run smaller tractors so no need for a headache rack and would rather have the lift capacity.
On the rare occasion when I wud need a headache rack a piece of plywood wud work fine. Meaning it wud go down to the forks and up as far as needed. Nice job.
Haven’t seen anyone use trailer quality steel mesh to protect the grill and front remotes. Would be cool to have grapple attachments top and a bottom…I love my 42” titan pallet forks, but they’re heavy for the Max26HST. Cool product!
I have been looking for this type of attachment also, but in a universal quick tach / 3 point version with a 3500 to 4000 pound rating. A back guard that pins on would be desirable. one concern is the lower 3 point pin brackets look weak, I think they will bend and twist very quickly, overall looks like a great idea. this will give the small tractor owner the ability to lift and carry loads heavier than the front end loader can carry and do it safely.
if you are using it for ballast, it would be nice to have feet that prevent the unit from tipping over. Look like right now you would need to remove weight to unhook it from the 3 point. I use brush forks from earth and turf attchments all the time. I would consider making a set of forks that could work as brush forks.
Cool idea, I like it. An idea for a zero to very minimal added weight headache rack might be to extend the tubes for the parking stand feet to the top of the frame and then place the hole for the pin to go front to back of the frame rather than side to side as they are for parking, so that the feet are wider side to side. That would add a good height to the top of the frame and maybe drill a hole part way up the foot post to allow the customer to attach a 2x6 or 2x8 across it with a single carriage bolt for each foot post. You are free to use my idea and sell it, just send me a discounted Versaforks Pallet forks attachment please.
Regarding the headache rack, I personally wouldn't add it on mine. That said, if you're entertaining the option, I suggest having your fabricator pre-drill to save your customer the job.
These are sweet! Why weren't you making these 5 years ago when I bought my 1025R? (Just kidding) I modified my Frontier pallet forks to be able to move my 16-foot gooseneck dump trailer. A word of caution: Of course, my only option is to use the front-end loader. I only attempt to move the trailer when it is completely empty. It is fine when pushing it forward but pulling it backward can lift the back wheels off the ground, especially on soft ground or even the slightest uphill grade even with Frontier's largest ballast box full of sand and 200 lbs of wheel weights.
I only wish to say that with chain hooks on the front loader arms or the 3-point hitch you must be carefull that you do not put too much pressure pulling against the arms as you can damage the cylinders as that is an expensive fix. And you can mess up a 3point hitch also. if you have a really heavy pull with the rear of the tractor put a D ring on your draw bar
Don't know what kind of loader you have but there are brackets available for Mounting loader attachments to the 3 point hitch and those are very heavy duty as far as I know. They are meant for the bigger tractors with cat 2 Hitch. Those aren't that rediculously expensive but you got to demount them every time you want to switch from 3 point to frontloader though. I think they can be fitted with a hydraulic lock. Even seen a skid steer version to 3 point. Or vice versa.
Make the fork fasteners bidirectional, so they can be attached to the fence upsidedown. This way you will give a tractor extra 18" or so for unloading pallets from high shelves.
Perhaps an optional add on could be a single grapple thumb mounted off of the 3 points top link point. Of course this would limit you to just a front loader mount.
The headache rack would be a good idea. One thing I’d like to see is a heat house for the smaller tractors, I have a JD2210 and have yet to find one for my machine
I just thought of something you might consider Courtney. A friend of mine has a Frontier PG-11 pallet fork grapple attachment that I might buy. Will you still be able to use this tool on your new frame? I use the GWT root bucket and HLA pallet forks I got from you quite a bit. Looks like you have a winner.
I love the versaforks! They look great. I would probably use them on the front mostly but my tractor has 1,000 pounds more lift capacity on the rear so that could be extremely useful too. This may be asking for too much but I wonder if it would be possible to add the ability to take the fork tines off and make it a quick hitch as well?
What about placing chain hooks on the top so you could wrap a chain around something just to keep the load from rolling IF you need to? Just a thought. Time and place. But i really like it.
Looks like a good product. The lower 3pt mounting point looks like a potential weak point though. Looks like the tabs the pins are mounted to could be bent easily. Just sayn.
I'd add a socket for a hay bale spear and also a bracket to hook in an overhead boom, maybe 6 feet long with a hook. Remove the fork tines, bolt up (or insert) the boom, presto, you can lift or carry things that the forks wont.
Hey Courtney, any thoughts of a lateral brace between the lower 3 point pins? Amazing design, love the versatility. Anything to avoid swapping implements!
Great video Courtney, funny thing is that about half way through the video I was thinking that a bucket attachment instead of forks would be neat and then a few minutes later you mention the Versabucket in early development! Nice work!
Like some of the features, question some others, but you still have one thing that all cheap pallet forks have in common. the bottom rail that the pallet forks slide on is too thin and will bend with the leverage of the forks...especially if you use these in brush or other applications the bottom rail needs to be at least half inch just like the top rail. the only exception to this would be to use the hardox steel on the bottom rail....cost would go up, but overall, the customer would be very happier in the end not worrying about the rails bending! It's not just your forks that are built this way....and i do like some of the built in features you are trying for...may i add also try to incorporate a back rack or load guard for safety just like a forklift has....especially if you are designing it.....vicarious iability stinks!
Is the cutout on the bottom big enough to remove both tines at the same time? I like to slide mine together to the center and then lower the loader and drop the forks standing up in a position I can come back and scoop them up without lifting them by hand. Hurry up and get the SSQA version coming 😅 thanks for the video
I hate headache, racks on forks, they always just get Ben up and then when they’re bent they’re in the way. They also usually get bent because somebody hooks a chain to them. Your attachment, of course offers a better opportunity. In the case of a skid steer reduces visibility.
Courtney is this compatible with the Deere iMatch? It looks like there could be interference with the top hook & gooseneck ball mount if using the iMatch top bushing.
I would be a bit worried about the lower 3 point hitch mounts, if you get a 2000 pound side load from a bounce on those long lower 3 point mounts it could end up bending near the frame.
My immediate thought for the headache guard actually became a bonus feature as I was imagining it. First step is to change the top link bracket gooseneck hitch ball hole into a 2” receiver shape. The headache guard then utilizes that 2” receiver as its primary mounting solution. Have locating pins/holes on the ends of the headache guard to limit twisting forces on the 2” mount tube. Then the genius part I realized is that you could use your headache guard as a small platform if you mounted it into the lower 2 inch receiver. Let’s say a simple version was just made out of square tube steel in a hoop with expanded metal mesh. Not only could you use that as a headache guard but you could also put it in the lower 2 inch receiver and utilize it as a small carryall platform, especially for bags of mulch, fertilizer, feed, whatever. Just a thought for you. 😉
Good idea fogle...the reason we haven't used the 2" receiver tube for the gooseneck on the forks nor our VersaBracket is cost...those tubes are actually quite a bit more expensive...perhaps we reconsider though
How about extending the parking stand tubes and using those like a steak pocket for the headache rack? Only a small change that is still out of the way and braces both sides.@@GoodWorksTractors
The simplicity of a versatile tool is genius. Great job.
A suggestion for any set of pallet forks and something we do here. Put a cheap set of LED work lights on the fork frame, back so they don't get hit. This helps tons at night ehen loading/unloading things, also do the same on our bale spear. Work lights rarely ever aim that high and the arms and fork frame block the light.
I finally put my weight brackets onto my SpeeCo quick hitch. What a great product. I took off my Heavy Hitch to install my carry all and haul my tree cutting gear to my neighbors house a quarter mile down the road from me. I dropped the carry all onto her lawn so my equipment was in one central location. After felling part of the tree, I started moving a load of limbs on my forks only to find the tractor was too tipsy. I sprinted home and put the weight brackets on the quick hitch and slung 240 lbs of additional ballast onto the back of my mighty BX (LOL) and what a difference that made. The great thing about your design is the carry all still works with the brackets and weight in place. GWT offers some great products. I currently have a Rhinohide canopy, the SpeeCo Quick Hitch, and the Quick Hitch Weight Brackets. Enjoy the Journey - Cheers
Awesome, that is great to hear. I love em too :)
PARKING STAND ……if the receiver tube was extended upwards and made longer this would allow the operator to install the stands upside down. By inserting the stand upside down and only a few inches inward this would leave a foot or so extended above the fork frame and instantly gives the operator a poor man’s headache guard. I currently have this modification on my forks made by AI2 for my Kubota BX. It’s so simple , cost effective and works great when handling logs or other dangerous items. Great video, and you look to have a much needed product. Big thx
Good morning. Looks like a great product. A bolt on headache rack is a great option. Keeps your cargo from damaging your tractor.
Appreciate the input!
Keep preaching tractor ballast and safety. So important.
Absolutely!
I’m definitely interested in a set of these pallet forks for my Kubota MX5400. When you come out with the ssqa version. I also would be interested in a bolt on extension to increase the height of the frame. What a great product. I love the fact that you are a small business and it’s American made . Thanks for putting forth the effort to design and build this fantastic attachment.
Thanks Robert! SSQA version shouldn't be too much longer. Trickiest part was making the back frame work for loader and 3 point without the brackets interfering with one another. I believe we found our winning solution though.
Good morning Courtney, like the commenter before me said, very impressive product. I love it when a product has multiple uses without sacrificing function to get that versatility. Thanks, Ben
Thank you sir!
Kzoo resident that has had a love of tractors for the past few years. You have been a quality source of info and I thank you for that. These forks look amazing like when I own a tractor that will be my thought process. I'm probably going to buy the most versatile and heavy duty forks that will last hopefully the lifetime of my tractor.
I man I love tractors and other heavy machinery. I feel like id be in heaven getting to play with sell and teach folks about all the things they can do in their equipment.
Same for buckets. I put a debris screen on mine.
Or I cut the back out of my rear weight box, then added a quick release tray on top.
Have you thought about 2x4 pockets for an extended headache rack? That’s one cut and two 90 degree bends. Lightweight and easy to remove and install.
Another cool thing would be to have hay spear collars. Don’t need to provide the spears but just having the collars they screw in would be great.
I like it. I would have made the lower pins a double shear. 2 mounts with a pin between them. I would also make a plug that goes into the receiver that looks like a T to keep the forks from coming off if used near the center. Only had that happen once but it was a major pain to recover the fork. I would also add a D ring or a hole in the upper right and left corners, I use those a lot with big rachet straps to secure things on to the forks.
If you decide to offer headache rack, make it secured by pins! Easy on or off when needed.
Yeah, that does seem like a logical solution.
Yup I second the motion to use pins for the headache rack. Easy on easy off
Agreed - with the add on feature of a double-use headache rack/support feet. Have it function as both, using the pin as the locking/securing mechanism.
Finally! I've been looking for these for years and years. Thank you for bringing these to market!
Very welcome!
I like the drop down legs, but would swap the pin with loose pin clip, which I would almost certainly lose, for a square lock/safety pin or clevis pin where a small piece of wire secures the clip to the pin. But I get why you wouldn't ship them that way. It's an operator preference thing and some might never use the leg stands and it would add $7-9 per unit, even if you bought them in bulk. Hardware prices have gotten out of control in the last few years.
Hardware is pricey! Never know, we may make tweaks over time
A very nice, well thought out system.
Appreciate it!
I love the name VersaForks because it looks very versatile, I like all the possibilities and especially the 3 point option. Well done Courtney 👍🏻
Appreciate it!
I like the way you're thinking on this Courtney. I think you need to make an optional bolt on and off headache rack. That's how our forklifts are at work. I like mine with it off such as taking off a camper topper. But if you're lifting boxes or round tube objects that are not bandit correctly the headache rack would be great.
Keep up the great ingenuity you've got going on there. I wish my wife wanted to move I wouldn't mind working for you and growing this 'Tractor thing ' but who moves from the beautiful warm south to the Iceland... LOL
Yeah, we probabably will. Just need to determine the best way to proceed.
I purchased the Chinese "Titan" forks with the 2" receiver and it was an excellent feature. WAS - I destroyed it using a heavy hitch plow/ripper to dig a trench. My bestbsuggesting to you is to reinforce that 2" receiver. If/when you do, I will buy this product to replace my pot-metal junk.
Also, love the 3-pt option... great idea.
Would come in handy for anyone wanting to carry a 250gal tote on the back, load it up with fire wood and the grapple on the front and carry a chainsaw in that accessory you got as well. Full 250 gal tote with wood would probably be 600-800 lbs depending on if it's wet or not.
Good call with the headache rack by not having it permanently fit but definitely work towards the attachment option. Enjoyed the video.
Instead of a bolt on headache rack, how about adding a 2" square vertical tube on either side of the frame, and having the headache rack drop in, and then pinned like the parking stands? That would make it easier to install or remove. Perhaps to avoid adding the cost of the tubes to every rack, the rack kit would include a 2" tube welded to a plate, and the plate can be bolted to the frame. Something I'd like to see on ANYTHING with pins are wire lanyards to keep from dropping the darn clip. I make my own, but it'd nice if they all came that way.
Yeah, might do something like that....I also thought about just making it 4-6 vertical stantions....no horizontal bracing...the vertical posts would serve the purpose, while keeping weight down and oprator visibility to a maximum
@@GoodWorksTractorsI think the key takeaway is making it easy to install or remove as necessary. I'd be inclined to leave it off most of the time, but if I'm moving brush or a pallet loaded with straw bales, I'd want the height so I can move more in a load. Also, 2" tube was supposed to be 1". 2" is too large and too heavy.
TowSmart makes clevis pins with the wire already attached and wider heads so they are easier to remove. I really like them, along with square safety/lock pins.
This method of attachment would be ideal & easy to add or remove. Some sort of headache rack is all but essential if used an a Utility tractor.
I know its not a common practice, but to get almost 2' more height, turn your forks unside down. Be careful with the back rack so your load doesnt fall off the back onto you and tractor.
Very good ideas. Thankyou.
good morning have a mock up like this for personal use but on larger 4 series. adding the 2"receiver at the top for round bale spear. will make it more useful for a larger market.always like your channel.and Merry Christmas to you and your brother.
Thanks for your feedback Dan! We've found bale spears to be one of the least popular items we sell. This is why there's currently no provisions to add spears to these forks. It would drive up product cost and provide value to a very small minority of operators. Not saying some wouldn't use it, but most wouldn't see the value.
With the forks mounted on the 3 pt hitch, super easy to find a pallet and add ballast to counter the fel weight while moving dirt, rocks, hay,etc.
I have thought of making this contraption for several years now. a two for one tool is a good idea. The snow pusher on the rear 3 point would be useful to me.
Thanks for watching!
I’m currently making a carrier for a set of 60” forks I bought at an auction. I think I am gonna mount the backstop directly on the backs of the forks. I cannot claim to have come up with the idea as I have seen it a time or two before. Having a full backstop on a loader tractor is t such a big deal, but it’s a real PITA on a skid steer
Yeah, gotta have a walk through rack on the skid steers.
I think this is a really good redesign for one of the most useful implements you can buy for a tractor. I especially like the gooseneck ball support bracket. A 48" 4K lbs version with the headache rack would be a nice day 2 option.
This fork setup is perfect for the guys that use front mount snowblowers on their tractors. It’s way easier to swap out your rear blade and toss this on versus installing your loader again. Obviously your reach height is the only sacrifice here. That’s something you can probably plan around. This is an awesome tool!
Good idea on the stands. I have to put blocks under my 3 pt forks to hook and unhook them.
My home made fork frame has the 3 point hitch pins mounted higher up so its usable. If you don't do this you not only will have difficulty to hook up, but you also can't get the forks low enough to go into a pallet, or under a log.
I also thought about adding a tray on the back side of the frame for a place to store chains and chokers for skidding. (Similar to some wenches)
Wow what a well thought out and engineered product. You are in a unique position as a reseller to see what the market wants and it’s neat to see you pivot into engineering and design of better options.
Cool idea, I love the multi-multi functionality of this.
Just saw this...I was thinking of pallet forks and this video sold me. Within 20 mins I ordered it, with a HD Stump Wrecker. Using a Deere 3033r.
I like the headache rack. Gives me better visibility to the level of my forks when they are close to the ground. Can only see the fork tips over the hood when the forks are 8-10in off the ground.
One thing I just flashed my mind with - Forks holding a load that is not balanced. not an array of bricks/blocks but maybe a tool or machine or box that is side loaded and would tilt the tractor - so you can weight down the other side to balance the load preventing tipsy on flat ground. Just a thought.
Looks like the quick hitch would interfere with suit case weights when using it on the 3pt, or the upper pallet fork frame mount would interfere if the suit case weights tried to hang out back. I certainly could be missing something though. Could you show how the suitcase weights work on the 3pt? I think I understand how they work when on the loader. I like the design and idea. I also think it is good that you left the headache rack off, making a removable one would be preferable for sure. I have both the VersaBracket and the Hitch Hangers, bundled with all the 70 lb weights they can hold, love both of them. I have 2 of the red SpeeCo E-Hitch's as well (second one is going to be customized....), so thanks GWT. Have a good one!!👍
That squeaky top link sounds like my body before my 1st cup of coffee in the morning! Great adaptability for getting use on both ends; wish this was available before I had gotten my forks with the tractor as this would have been an easy yes. Keep up with product development, you never know what somebody was also thinking about but couldn’t put it from concept to production.
Haha, like the tin man :)
I would add some deep chain slots towards the end of the upper cross member where the notches are for the tines. Or add some pre-drilled holes on the sides to allow straps to be attached to tie down loads.
Cool product Courtney. Came to the comments to see what additional ideas people thought of. Love foglebr idea. One idea I had was to add bale spear tine pockets also.
Having the 3 point pins adjustable for height would help. You need to be able to back into and out of a pellet with the forks. As you stated, not all 3 points go down to the same height from the ground. Even the same tractor model with different tires will vary on the minimum height. Great idea. Thanks
Very impressive product. Some constructive criticism on my rear fork experience a few years ago. I wasn't impressed at all with the capacity of my BX when using three-point-forks. On the BX the rear forks work for light loads but I paid way more than what I was able to accomplish with the one I have. So maybe their could be a light-version that has limits for subcompacts if it at all lowers the price in a more sellable way. & on the BX I actually carry large logs on-the-loader behind-the-bucket, it dumps off as if the practice was part of the design.
These are about as light as we can make them...designed for subcompacts too. Definitely suitable for the BX...once we release the SSQA version.
@@GoodWorksTractors My experience is in alignment with the 'Implement weight list'. The rear-blade wight limit for a BX2380 is 248lbs which is about where I experienced my rear-fork limitations. Odd as the rear-blade on my BX2370 is 306 lbs & works great. The manual suggests 1765 lbs for a trailer load but I doubt a BX could lift 350 lbs with rear-forks. I also wanted to use it for a 100 gallon water-tank but a BX can only transport about 40 gallons of water on the rear.
That looks like a great idea. One thing that I would really like to see is a way to move 3 point (quick hitch) attachments with the loader. Maybe this could mount where the forks mount? Just something I've been looking for. I run smaller tractors so no need for a headache rack and would rather have the lift capacity.
On the rare occasion when I wud need a headache rack a piece of plywood wud work fine. Meaning it wud go down to the forks and up as far as needed. Nice job.
The built-in 3pt feature is brilliant.
The parking stands are a wonderful feature.
Thanks Dave, appreciate your feedback!
Just wondering if you have to use the stands how do you pick up something off the ground 😮
Haven’t seen anyone use trailer quality steel mesh to protect the grill and front remotes. Would be cool to have grapple attachments top and a bottom…I love my 42” titan pallet forks, but they’re heavy for the Max26HST. Cool product!
I have been looking for this type of attachment also, but in a universal quick tach / 3 point version with a 3500 to 4000 pound rating. A back guard that pins on would be desirable. one concern is the lower 3 point pin brackets look weak, I think they will bend and twist very quickly, overall looks like a great idea. this will give the small tractor owner the ability to lift and carry loads heavier than the front end loader can carry and do it safely.
if you are using it for ballast, it would be nice to have feet that prevent the unit from tipping over. Look like right now you would need to remove weight to unhook it from the 3 point. I use brush forks from earth and turf attchments all the time. I would consider making a set of forks that could work as brush forks.
An added grapple clamp would also be a handy feature!
Cool idea, I like it. An idea for a zero to very minimal added weight headache rack might be to extend the tubes for the parking stand feet to the top of the frame and then place the hole for the pin to go front to back of the frame rather than side to side as they are for parking, so that the feet are wider side to side. That would add a good height to the top of the frame and maybe drill a hole part way up the foot post to allow the customer to attach a 2x6 or 2x8 across it with a single carriage bolt for each foot post. You are free to use my idea and sell it, just send me a discounted Versaforks Pallet forks attachment please.
Can you create a kit to sell with the 3 point hitch brackets so I can weld to my current forks?
Great thought out piece of multi use equipment
Regarding the headache rack, I personally wouldn't add it on mine. That said, if you're entertaining the option, I suggest having your fabricator pre-drill to save your customer the job.
These are sweet! Why weren't you making these 5 years ago when I bought my 1025R? (Just kidding) I modified my Frontier pallet forks to be able to move my 16-foot gooseneck dump trailer. A word of caution: Of course, my only option is to use the front-end loader. I only attempt to move the trailer when it is completely empty. It is fine when pushing it forward but pulling it backward can lift the back wheels off the ground, especially on soft ground or even the slightest uphill grade even with Frontier's largest ballast box full of sand and 200 lbs of wheel weights.
Yes, good advice...every piece of equipment will have limitations. Thanks for sharing!
Really nice innovation in the pallet forks realm
I only wish to say that with chain hooks on the front loader arms or the 3-point hitch you must be carefull that you do not put too much pressure pulling against the arms as you can damage the cylinders as that is an expensive fix. And you can mess up a 3point hitch also. if you have a really heavy pull with the rear of the tractor put a D ring on your draw bar
This is an awesome tool! I look forward to seeing the SSQA model; I would order that. Great invention!
Really like mine...no complaints and I would be a buyer for a headache rack add-on.
Glad to hear it sir :)
I'd be interested in a heavy duty version of that. Something with a 4000#+ capacity.
Thanks, perhaps down the road.
Don't know what kind of loader you have but there are brackets available for Mounting loader attachments to the 3 point hitch and those are very heavy duty as far as I know. They are meant for the bigger tractors with cat 2 Hitch. Those aren't that rediculously expensive but you got to demount them every time you want to switch from 3 point to frontloader though. I think they can be fitted with a hydraulic lock. Even seen a skid steer version to 3 point. Or vice versa.
You have nice options with these pallet forks. A bolt on headache rack to add on would be nice.
Thanks Greg!
Make the fork fasteners bidirectional, so they can be attached to the fence upsidedown. This way you will give a tractor extra 18" or so for unloading pallets from high shelves.
Perhaps an optional add on could be a single grapple thumb mounted off of the 3 points top link point. Of course this would limit you to just a front loader mount.
Looks like you need to get busy with a can of spray lube on those 3 point treads. Helps a lot!
Looks like a great product!
The headache rack would be a good idea. One thing I’d like to see is a heat house for the smaller tractors, I have a JD2210 and have yet to find one for my machine
Thanks Larry!
"Perfection is the enemy of completion"
No back rack. Never used them myself. Love your idea. Can you get them with 36 inch forks. All my smaller machines had them. But nice job.
Thanks Dan, yes sir, 36" forks are now an option.
I just thought of something you might consider Courtney. A friend of mine has a Frontier PG-11 pallet fork grapple attachment that I might buy. Will you still be able to use this tool on your new frame? I use the GWT root bucket and HLA pallet forks I got from you quite a bit. Looks like you have a winner.
I love the versaforks! They look great. I would probably use them on the front mostly but my tractor has 1,000 pounds more lift capacity on the rear so that could be extremely useful too. This may be asking for too much but I wonder if it would be possible to add the ability to take the fork tines off and make it a quick hitch as well?
What about placing chain hooks on the top so you could wrap a chain around something just to keep the load from rolling IF you need to? Just a thought. Time and place. But i really like it.
Looks like a good product. The lower 3pt mounting point looks like a potential weak point though. Looks like the tabs the pins are mounted to could be bent easily. Just sayn.
I'd add a socket for a hay bale spear and also a bracket to hook in an overhead boom, maybe 6 feet long with a hook. Remove the fork tines, bolt up (or insert) the boom, presto, you can lift or carry things that the forks wont.
I NEED this for my 1025R!!!! (and the canopy as well)
Nice Product Thanks again
Nice design!
I wanted to see how the weight hangers worked on the 3pt, looked like the quick hitch might be in the way?
This is a brilliant idea ! 👍
Spray or drip some used oil on the threads helps a bit.
Hey Courtney, any thoughts of a lateral brace between the lower 3 point pins? Amazing design, love the versatility. Anything to avoid swapping implements!
Great video Courtney, funny thing is that about half way through the video I was thinking that a bucket attachment instead of forks would be neat and then a few minutes later you mention the Versabucket in early development! Nice work!
Hehe...yeah that one might become the most challenging product yet!
Might run into patent issues with Artillian? (I have hardly any idea how parents and such actually work)
They have a snow pusher/bucket combo?
@@GoodWorksTractors oh idk about that, it sounded like you were going to bring back a bucket that attached to the fork frame
Like some of the features, question some others, but you still have one thing that all cheap pallet forks have in common. the bottom rail that the pallet forks slide on is too thin and will bend with the leverage of the forks...especially if you use these in brush or other applications the bottom rail needs to be at least half inch just like the top rail. the only exception to this would be to use the hardox steel on the bottom rail....cost would go up, but overall, the customer would be very happier in the end not worrying about the rails bending! It's not just your forks that are built this way....and i do like some of the built in features you are trying for...may i add also try to incorporate a back rack or load guard for safety just like a forklift has....especially if you are designing it.....vicarious iability stinks!
What a fantastic tool/implement. How do I order one to Australia?
Can you extend the Tubes for the feet and use those to pin the ends of the headache guard?
Is the cutout on the bottom big enough to remove both tines at the same time? I like to slide mine together to the center and then lower the loader and drop the forks standing up in a position I can come back and scoop them up without lifting them by hand. Hurry up and get the SSQA version coming 😅 thanks for the video
have one on my wish list.
Thanks for watching!
Definitely could use a hay spear socket/bushings one top center and 2 lower so you could take the forks off and stick a 49in spear with 2 17in spears
Could you also add in a bale spear option
Can you also add a removable hay spear.
Very, very cool!😊
I hate headache, racks on forks, they always just get Ben up and then when they’re bent they’re in the way.
They also usually get bent because somebody hooks a chain to them. Your attachment, of course offers a better opportunity.
In the case of a skid steer reduces visibility.
When do you envision a set for Kioti?
Courtney is this compatible with the Deere iMatch? It looks like there could be interference with the top hook & gooseneck ball mount if using the iMatch top bushing.
I would be a bit worried about the lower 3 point hitch mounts, if you get a 2000 pound side load from a bounce on those long lower 3 point mounts it could end up bending near the frame.
We had this on our vineyard over 30 years ago! Nothing new here.
Now this is nice.
I have a of years of fork truck experience and I never turned sharp with a big load or moved with it high in the air
Good call, easy way to tip!
Where you guys been?