Rankin Northstar 1200UNIV User manual

QUICK-ATTACH BUCKET FORKS
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Models: 1200UNIV, 2500UNIV,
4000UNIV, 6000LB, 6000LBE,
6000UNIV, 8000UNIV, 11000UNIV,
16500UNIV AND 22000UNIV

LIMITED WARRANTY
RANKIN EQUIPMENT/NORTHSTAR ATTACHMENTS warrants each new
RANKIN/NORTHSTAR product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from date of purchase to the
original purchaser. This warranty shall not apply to implements or parts that
have been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, or that have been altered in
any way.
Our obligation shall be limited to repairing or replacement of any part, provided
that such part is returned within thirty (30) days from date of failure to RANKIN/
NORTHSTAR through the dealer from whom the purchase was made,
transportation charges prepaid.
This warranty shall not be interpreted to render us liable for injury or damages
of any kind or nature, direct, consequential or contingent, to person or property.
This warranty does not extend to loss of crops, loss because of delay in
harvesting or any other expenses, for any other reasons.
RANKIN/NORTHSTAR in no way warranties engines, tires, or other trade
accessories, since these items are warranted separately by these respective
manufacturers.
RANKIN/NORTHSTAR reserves the right to make improvements in design or
changes in specication at any time, without incurring any obligations to owners
or units previously sold.
RANKIN EQUIPMENT/NORTHSTAR ATTACHMENTS
3205 BAY STREET
UNION GAP, WA 98903
Always refer to and heed machine operating warning decals on machine.

1Introduction ........................................................ 1
2Safety................................................................... 2
2.1 General Safety...................................................... 3
2.2 Equipment Safety Guidelines ............................... 4
2.3 Safety Training...................................................... 5
2.4 Safety Signs.......................................................... 5
2.5 Preparation ........................................................... 6
2.6 Operating Safety................................................... 7
2.7 Transport Safety ................................................... 8
2.8 Maintenance Safety .............................................. 8
2.9 Hydraulic Safety.................................................... 9
2.10 Storage Safety...................................................... 9
2.11 Sign-Off Form ..................................................... 10
3Safety Sign Locations ...................................... 11
4Operation........................................................... 12
4.1 To the New Operator or Owner .......................... 12
4.2 Machine Components......................................... 13
4.3 Machine Break-In................................................ 13
4.4 Pre-Operation Checklist...................................... 13
4.5 Field Operation ................................................... 14
4.6 Mounting To Bucket............................................ 20
4.7 Transporting........................................................ 22
4.8 Storage ............................................................... 22
5Trouble Shooting .............................................. 23
6 Specifications ................................................... 24
6.1 Mechanical ......................................................... 24
6.2 Bolt Torque ......................................................... 25
7Index .................................................................. 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
Always give your dealer the serial number of your Quick-Attach Bucket Forks when ordering parts or
requesting service or other information.
The serial number plate is located where indicated. Please mark the number in the space provided for
easy reference.
Model Number
Serial Number

1
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of Quick-Attach Bucket Forks to complement your fork lift operation. This
equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet the needs of a discriminating buyer for the
efficient lifting and moving of objects.
Safe, efficient and trouble free operation of your Quick-Attach Bucket Forks requires that you and anyone
else who will be operating or maintaining the machine, read and understand the Safety, Operation,
Maintenance and Trouble Shooting information contained within the Operator's Manual.
This manual covers the Quick-Attach Bucket Forks Models 1200UNIV, 2500UNIV, 4000UNIV, 6000LB,
6000UNIV, 8000UNIV, 11000UNIV, 16500UNIV and 22000UNIV. Differences are explained where
appropriate. Use the Table of Contents and Index as a guide to locate required information.
Keep this manual handy for frequent reference and to pass on to new operators or owners. Call your
dealer or distributor if you need assistance, information or additional copies of the manuals.
OPERATOR ORIENTATION - The directions left, right, front and rear, as mentioned throughout this
manual, are as seen from the driver's seat and facing in the direction of travel.

2 SAFETY SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Why is SAFETY important to you?
The Safety Alert symbol identifies
important safety messages on the
Quick-Attach Bucket Forks and in
the manual. When you see this
symbol, be alert to the possibility of
personal injury or death. Follow the
instructions in the safety message.
This Safety Alert symbol means
ATTENTION! BECOME
ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!
Accidents Disable and Kill
Accidents Cost
Accidents Can Be Avoided
3 Big Reasons
WARNING   
  
  Indicates a potentially hazard-


DANGER   
  
   Indicates an imminently hazardous
CAUTION   
  
   Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be
used to alert against unsafe
practices.
ous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious
injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed.
It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to
the most extreme situations typi-
cally for machine components
which, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.
SIGNAL WORDS:
Note the use of the signal words DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION with the safety
messages. The appropriate signal word for
each message has been selected using the
following guide-lines:
If you have any questions not answered in this manual or require additional copies or the manual is
damaged, please contact your dealer.
2
SI NO LEE INGLES, PIDA AYUDA
A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA
QUE LE TRADUZCA LAS
MIDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.

1. Read and understand the
Operator’s Manual and all
safety signs before operating,
maintaining or adjusting the
Quick-Attach Bucket Forks.
3
2.1 GENERAL SAFETY
2. Have a first-aid kit available
for use should the need
arise and know how to use
it.
3. Have a fire extinguisher
available for use should the
need arise and know how to
use it.
4. Wear appropriate
protective gear. This
list includes but is not
limited to:
- A hard hat
- Protective shoes
with slip resistant
soles
- Protective goggles, glasses or face shield
- Heavy gloves
- Protective clothing
5. Install and secure all guards before starting.
8. Lower bucket/forks to the ground, set park
brake, remove ignition key and wait for all
moving parts to stop before servicing, adjust-
ing and repairing.
9. Clear the area of people, especially small
children, before starting.
10. Review safety related items annually with all
personnel who will operating or maintaining
the Quick-Attach Bucket Forks.
6. Do not allow riders.
7. Wear suitable ear protection
for prolonged exposure to
excessive noise.
SAFETY
YOU are responsible for the SAFE operation and
maintenance of your Quick-Attach Bucket Forks.
YOU must ensure that you and anyone else who
is going to operate, maintain or work around the
Forks be familiar with the operating and mainte-
nance procedures and related SAFETY informa-
tion contained in this manual. This manual will
take you step-by-step through your working day
and alerts you to all good safety practices that
should be adhered to while operating the Forks.
Remember, YOU are the key to safety. Good
safety practices not only protect you but also the
people around you. Make these practices a
working part of your safety program. Be certain
that EVERYONE operating this equipment is
familiar with the recommended operating and
maintenance procedures and follows all the safety
precautions. Most accidents can be prevented. Do
not risk injury or death by ignoring good safety
practices.
• Fork owners must give operating instructions
to operators or employees before allowing
them to operate the machine, and at least
annually thereafter per OSHA (Occupational
Safety and Health Administration) regulation
1928.57.
• The most important safety feature on this
equipment is a SAFE operator. It is the
operator’s responsibility to read and under-
stand ALL Safety and Operating instructions
in the manual and to follow these. Most
accidents can be avoided.
• A person who has not read and understood all
operating and safety instructions is not quali-
fied to operate the machine. An untrained
operator exposes himself and bystanders to
possible serious injury or death.
• Do not modify the equipment in any way.
Unauthorized modification may impair the
function and/or safety and could affect the life
of the equipment.

4
2.2 EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. Safety of the operator and bystanders is one
of the main concerns in designing and devel-
oping a machine. However, every year many
accidents occur which could have been
avoided by a few seconds of thought and a
more careful approach to handling equipment.
You, the operator, can avoid many accidents
by observing the following precautions in this
section. To avoid personal injury or death,
study the following precautions and insist
those working with you, or for you, follow
them.
2. In order to provide a better view, certain
photographs or illustrations in this manual
may show an assembly with a safety shield
removed. However, equipment should never
be operated in this condition. Keep all shields
in place. If shield removal becomes neces-
sary for repairs, replace the shield prior to
use.
3. Replace any safety sign or instruction sign
that is not readable or is missing. Location of
such safety signs is indicated in this manual.
4. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which
can hinder alertness or coordination while
operating this equipment. Consult your doctor
about operating this machine while taking
prescription medications.
5. Under no circumstances should young
children be allowed to work with this
equipment. Do not allow persons to
operate or assemble this unit until they
have read this manual and have developed
a thorough understanding of the safety
precautions and of how it works. Review
the safety instructions with all users annually.
6. This equipment is dangerous to children and
persons unfamiliar with its operation. The
operator should be a responsible, properly
trained and physically able person familiar
with farm machinery and trained in this
equipment's operations. If the elderly are
assisting with farm work, their physical limita-
tions need to be recognized and accommo-
dated.
7. Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over
Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seat belt.
8. Never exceed the limits of a piece of machin-
ery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely,
is in question - DON'T TRY IT.
9. Do not modify the equipment in any way.
Unauthorized modification result in serious
injury or death and may impair the function
and life of the equipment.
10. In addition to the design and configuration of
this implement, including Safety Signs and
Safety Equipment, hazard control and acci-
dent prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the
machine. Refer also to Safety Messages and
operation instruction in each of the appropri-
ate sections of the Tractor and machine
Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety
Signs affixed to the Tractor and the machine.

2.3 SAFETY TRAINING
1. Safety is a primary concern in the design and
manufacture of our products. Unfortunately,
our efforts to provide safe equipment can be
wiped out by a single careless act of an
operator or bystander.
2. In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the aware-
ness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, trans-
port, maintenance and storage of this equip-
ment.
3. It has been said, "The best
safety feature is an in-
formed, careful operator."
We ask you to be that kind
of an operator. It is the
operator's responsibility to read and under-
stand ALL Safety and Operating instructions
in the manual and to follow these. Accidents
can be avoided.
4. Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to
careless injuries. Read this manual, and the
manual for your tractor, before assembly or
operating, to acquaint yourself with the
machines. If this machine is used by any
person other than yourself, or is loaned or
rented, it is the machine owner's responsibility
to make certain that the operator, prior to
operating:
a. Reads and understands the operator's
manuals.
b. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
5. Know your controls and how to stop tractor,
engine, and machine quickly in an emer-
gency. Read this manual and the one pro-
vided with your tractor.
6. Train all new personnel and review instruc-
tions frequently with existing workers. Be
certain only a properly trained and physically
able person will operate the machinery. A
person who has not read and understood all
operating and safety instructions is not quali-
fied to operate the machine. An untrained
operator exposes himself and bystanders to
possible serious injury or death. If the elderly
are assisting with farm work, their physical
limitations need to be recognized and accom-
modated.
2.4 SAFETY SIGNS
1. Keep safety signs clean and legible at all
times.
2. Replace safety signs that are missing or have
become illegible.
3. Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign
should also display the current sign.
4. Safety signs are available from your author-
ized Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or
the factory.
How to Install Safety Signs:
• Be sure that the installation area is clean and
dry.
• Be sure temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
• Determine exact position before you remove
the backing paper. (See Section 3).
• Remove the smallest portion of the split
backing paper.
• Align the sign over the specified area and
carefully press the small portion with the
exposed sticky backing in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and
carefully smooth the remaining portion of the
sign in place.
• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin
and smoothed out using the piece of sign
backing paper.
5

6
2.5 PREPARATION
1. Never operate the tractor and machine until
you have read and completely understand this
manual, the Tractor Operator's Manual, and
each of the Safety Messages found on the
safety signs on the tractor and machine.
2. Personal
protection
equipment
including hard
hat, safety
glasses, safety
shoes, and
gloves are
recommended
during assem-
bly, installation, operation, adjustment, main-
taining, repairing, removal, or moving the
implement. Do not allow long hair, loose
fitting clothing or jewellery to be around
equipment.
3. PROLONGED EXPOSURE
TO LOUD NOISE MAY
CAUSE PERMANENT
HEARING LOSS!
Tractors with or without
equipment attached can
often be noisy enough to
cause permanent, partial
hearing loss. We recommend that you wear
hearing protection on a full-time basis if the
noise in the Operator's position exceeds
80db. Noise over 85db on a long-term basis
can cause severe hearing loss. Noise over
90db adjacent to the Operator over a long-
term basis may cause permanent, total
hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud
noise (from tractors, chain saws, radios, and
other such sources close to the ear) is cumu-
lative over a lifetime without hope of natural
recovery.
4. Operate the machine only
with a tractor equipped with
an approved Roll-Over-
Protective Structure (ROPS).
Always wear your seat belt.
Serious injury or even death
could result from falling off
the tractor ---particularly
during a turnover when the operator could be
pinned under the ROPS or the tractor.
5. Clear working area of stones, branches or
hidden obstacles that might be hooked or
snagged, causing injury or damage.
6. Keep bucket/forks away from overhead power
lines. Electrocution can occur without direct
contact with an overhead power line.
7. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
8. Be sure machine is properly mounted, ad-
justed and in good operating condition.
9. Before starting, give the machine a "once
over" for any loose bolts, worn parts, cracks,
leaks, frayed hoses and make necessary
repairs. Always follow maintenance instruc-
tions.
10. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety
signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
11. Check that mounting pins are in good condi-
tion and all locking pins are installed.
12. Move wheels or tires to their widest position
for maximum stability.
13. Add wheel ballast or rear weight for maximum
stability.
14. Do not use on tractors with narrow front ends.
Use wide front axle only.

7
2.6 OPERATING SAFETY
1. Please remember it is important that you read
and heed the safety signs on the Loader and
Forks. Clean or replace all safety signs if
they cannot be clearly read and understood.
They are there for your safety, as well as the
safety of others. The safe use of this
machine is strictly up to you, the operator.
2. All things with moving parts are potentially
hazardous. There is no substitute for a
cautious, safe-minded operator who recog-
nizes potential hazards and follows reason-
able safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed these Forks to be used with all its
safety equipment properly attached, to mini-
mize the chance of accidents. Study this
manual to make sure you have all safety
equipment attached.
3. Practice raising, lowering and tilting unit and
its load when learning to operate loader and
forks. Become familiar with controls before
operating.
4. If a safety shield or guard is removed for any
reason, it must be replaced before the ma-
chine is again operated.
5. Keep the loader arms and forks at a low
position when moving and when working on
inclines.
6. Do not operate near the edge of drop-offs or
banks.
7. Do not operate at an angle on steep slopes.
Drive up or down but not across. Keep
bucket, forks and arms low.
8. Make allowances for increased length and
weight of tractor during operation and moving.
9. Remove all sticks, stones, roots, and wires
from working area before starting. Take care
not to contact overhead obstructions during
operation.
10. Never operate controls from the ground.
Operate only from the operators seat to
prevent unexpected loader and fork move-
ment that can lead to crushing between frame
members.
11. Use extra care when handling large round
loads or other shiftable objects unless loader
and forks are equipped with an attachment
designed to secure objects. A grapple fork
anchor devise is recommended.
12. Large round loads or loose objects can roll
back down loader arms. Secure objects
before raising arms. Keep arms low.
13. Keep bucket/forks away from overhead power
lines. Electrocution can occur without direct
contact with an overhead power line.
14. Do not exceed machine lift capacity. Over-
loading can cause structural damage and lead
to unsafe operating conditions.
15. Never carry, lift or move people on arms,
forks or bucket. Do not use machine as a
work platform.
16. Always use two people to handle heavy,
unwieldy components during assembly,
installation, removal or moving.
17. Never place any part of your body where it
would be in danger if movement should occur
during assembly, installation, operation,
maintaining, repairing, removal or moving.
18. Do not walk or work under a raised machine
or attachment unless it is securely blocked or
held in position. Do not depend on the tractor
hydraulic system to hold the machine or
attachment in place.
19. Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which
can hinder alertness or coordination while
operating this equipment. Consult your doctor
about operating this machine while taking
prescription medications.
20. Do not allow riders on the machine or tractor
at any time. There is no safe place for any
riders.
21. Do not go under raised loader or forks. Keep
others away.
22. Before you operate the machine, check over
all pins, bolts, and connections to be sure all
are securely in place. Replace any damaged
or worn parts immediately.
23. Review safety instructions annually.

2.7 TRANSPORT SAFETY
8
1. Comply with state and local laws governing
highway safety and movement of farm ma-
chinery on public roads.
2. The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable
in most localities. However, some localities
prohibit their use. Local laws should be
checked for all highway lighting and marking
requirements.
3. At all times, when driving the tractor and
equipment on the road or highway under 20
mph (32 kph) use flashing amber warning
lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV)
identification emblem. Do not exceed 20 mph
(32 kph). Reduce speed on rough roads and
surfaces.
4. Keep tractor in gear to provide engine braking
when going downhill. Do not coast.
5. Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
6. Do not drink and drive.
7. Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield
to oncoming traffic in all situations, including
narrow bridges, intersections, etc. Watch for
traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
8. Turn into curves or go up or down hills only at
a low speed and at a gradual steering angle.
Make certain that at least 20% of the tractor's
weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe
steerage. Slow down on rough or uneven
surfaces.
9. Keep loader in a low position when traveling.
Remember, the higher the loader, the higher
the center of gravity with increased risk of the
unit upset.
10. Never allow riders on either tractor or ma-
chine.
2.8 MAINTENANCE SAFETY
1. Good maintenance is your responsibility.
Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
2. Follow good shop practices.
- Keep service
area clean and
dry.
- Be sure electrical
outlets and tools
are properly
grounded.
- Use adequate
light for the job at
hand.
9. Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws
and check that all cotter pins are properly
installed to ensure unit is in a safe condition.
10. When completing a maintenance or service
function, make sure all safety shields and
devices are installed before placing unit in
service.
8. A fire extinguisher
and first aid kit
should be kept
readily accessible
while performing
maintenance on
this equipment.
3. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
Never operate the engine in a closed building.
The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
4. Before working on this machine, lower loader
arms and forks to the ground, shut off the
engine, set the brakes, and remove the
ignition key.
5. Never work under equipment unless it is
blocked securely.
6. Use personal protection devices such as eye,
hand and hearing protectors, when performing
any service or maintenance work.
7. Where replacement parts are necessary for
periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine
factory replacement parts must be used to
restore your equipment to original specifica-
tions. The manufacturer will not be responsi-
ble for injuries or damages caused by use of
unapproved parts and/or accessories.

2.10 STORAGE SAFETY
1. Store the unit in an area away from human
activity.
2. Do not permit children to play on or around
the stored machine.
3. Store the unit in a dry, level area. Support the
frame with planks if required.
9
2.9 HYDRAULIC SAFETY
1. Make sure that all the components in the
hydraulic system are kept in good condition
and are clean.
2. Replace any worn, cut, abraded, flattened or
crimped hoses and metal lines.
3. Relieve pressure before working on hydraulic
system.
4. Do not attempt any makeshift repairs to the
hydraulic lines, fittings or hoses by using
tapes, clamps or cements. The hydraulic
system operates under extremely high-
pressure. Such repairs will fail suddenly and
create a hazardous and unsafe condition.
5. Wear proper hand and
eye protection when
searching for a high-
pressure hydraulic leak.
Use a piece of wood or
cardboard as a backstop
instead of hands to
isolate and identify a
leak.
6. If injured by a concentrated high-pressure
stream of hydraulic fluid, seek medical atten-
tion immediately. Serious infection or toxic
reaction can develop from hydraulic fluid
piercing the skin surface.
7. Before applying pressure to the system, make
sure all components are tight and that lines,
hoses and couplings are not damaged.
8. When disconnecting hydraulic lines, shut off
hydraulic supply and relieve hydraulic pres-
sure.

10
EMPLOYEES SIGNATURE EMPLOYERS SIGNATURE
SIGN-OFF FORM
2.11 SIGN-OFF FORM
The Manufacturer follows the general Safety Standards specified by the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers (ASAE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Anyone who will be
operating and/or maintaining the Quick-Attach Bucket Forks must read and clearly understand ALL Safety,
Operating and Maintenance information presented in this manual.
Do not operate or allow anyone else to operate this equipment until such information has been reviewed.
Annually review this information before the season start-up.
Make these periodic reviews of SAFETY and OPERATION a standard practice for all of your equipment.
We feel that an untrained operator is unqualified to operate this machine.
A sign-off sheet is provided for your record keeping to show that all personnel who will be working with the
equipment have read and understand the information in the Operator’s Manual and have been instructed in
the operation of the equipment.
DATE

11
REMEMBER - If safety signs have been
damaged, removed, become illegible or parts
replaced without signs, new signs must be
applied. New signs are available from your
authorized dealer.
3 SAFETY SIGN LOCATIONS
The types of safety signs and locations on the equipment are shown in the illustration below. Good
safety requires that you familiarize yourself with the various safety signs, the type of warning and the
area, or particular function related to that area, that requires your SAFETY AWARENESS.
B
ADANGER
CAUTION
• Read Loader and Fork Manuals.
• Lower bucket/forks to the ground, stop engine, set
park brake, remove ignition key and wait for all
moving parts to stop before servicing, adjusting or
repairing.
• Do not leave machine unless the forks are lowered
to the ground.
• Do not overload forks or machine.
• Know what they can handle.
• Add weight to rear of frame to balance bucket/fork
load.
• Move wheels to their widest position to reduce the
chance of tipping.
• Keep forks as low as possible when moving.
• Keep load centered on tines.
• Do not operate on hillsides, on rough terrain or in
soft conditions. Unexpected surface conditions
can cause instability.
• Do not carry people on tines or frame.
• Do not roll-back forks to prevent load roll-back
down loader arms.
• Use only with a ROPS and seat belt equipped
loader.
• Stay away from overhead power lines. Electrocu-
tion can occur without direct contact.
• Review safety instructions annually.
A
A
B
B
CAUT005
DANG002

12
OPERATING SAFETY
1. Read Operator's Manual.
2. Lower bucket/forks to the ground, stop
engine, set park brake, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting and repairing.
3. Do not carry people in bucket or on frame.
4. Add weight to rear of frame to balance
bucket load.
5. Stay away from overhead power lines.
Electrocution can occur without direct
contact.
6. Widen wheels or tires to prevent tipping.
7. Use only with a unit with ROPS and a seat
belt.
8. Secure load in bucket to prevent roll-back
down loader arms.
9. Carry load close to the ground when mov-
ing.
10. Do not go under raised bucket. Keep
others away.
11. Review safety instructions.
4.1 TO THE NEW OPERATOR
OR OWNER
Quick-Attach Bucket Forks are designed as a
quick-attach and quick-detach set of forks to
increase the productivity of your bucket mounted
equipment and material handling needs.
It is the responsibility of the owner or opera-
tor to read this manual and to train all other
operators before they start working with the
machine. Follow all safety instructions ex-
actly. Safety is everyone's business. By
following recommended procedures, a safe
working environment is provided for the
operator, bystanders and the area around the
worksite. Untrained operators are not quali-
fied to operate the machine.
Many features incorporated into this machine are
the result of suggestions made by customers like
you. Read this manual carefully to learn how to
operate the machine safely and how to set it to
provide maximum field efficiency. By following
the operating instructions in conjunction with a
good maintenance program, your Quick-Attach
Bucket Forks will provide many years of trouble-
free service.
4 OPERATION

13
4.2 MACHINE COMPONENTS
Quick-Attach Bucket Forks are
attached to the spill plate of a
loader bucket with brackets.
Fig. 1 MACHINE COMPONENTS
4.3 MACHINE BREAK-IN
Although there are no operational restrictions on
the Quick-Attach Bucket Forks when used for the
first time, it is recommended that the following
mechanical items be checked:
A. After Operating For 1 and 5 Hours:
1. Check all nuts, bolts and other fasteners.
Tighten to their specified torque level.
2. Check that the forks are in good condi-
tion.
4.4 PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
Efficient and safe operation of the Quick-Attach
Bucket Forks requires that each operator reads and
understands the operating procedures and all related
safety precautions outlined in this section. A pre-
operation checklist is provided for the operator. It is
important for both the personal safety and maintain-
ing the good mechanical condition of the Quick-
Attach Bucket Forks that this checklist is followed.
Before operating the machine and each time thereaf-
ter, the following areas should be checked off:
1. Use the forks on a tractor/loader unit with the
appropriate lift capacity. Do not exceed fork
specifications.
2. Check that the fork brackets are properly at-
tached to the loader bucket. Be sure locking
latches are engaged on the mounting rod.
3. Be sure extra weights are mounted on the rear of
the tractor/loader if required to balance the load.
4. Check the forks. Be sure they are not damaged
or broken and are not badly worn. Repair or
replace as required.
5. Check for entangled material. Remove this
material.
A Forks
B Rod
C Mounting Bracket
D Locking Latch
E Bucket
A
C
A
BD
E

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4.5 FIELD OPERATION
OPERATING SAFETY
1. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual
and all safety signs before operating, servic-
ing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
2. Do not allow riders.
3. Install and secure all guards and shields
before starting or operating.
4. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away
from moving parts.
5. Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor
engine, set park brake, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
6. Place all tractor and machine controls in
neutral before starting.
7. Never start or operate machine unless sitting
on tractor seat.
8. Clear the area of bystanders, especially
small children, before starting.
9. Clean reflectors, SMV and lights before
transporting.
10. Use hazard flashers on tractor when trans-
porting.
11. Do not put hands or feet under machine
while tractor engine is running.
12. Review safety instructions with all operators
annually.
Fig. 2 BRACKET ALIGNMENT
Quick-Attach Bucket Forks are designed as a
light to moderate duty set of forks that mounts
to the spill plate of the bucket on a loader.
The forks are designed specifically for quick
and easy attaching and detaching. However
the operator has the responsibility of being
familiar with all operating and safety proce-
dures and following them.
Each operator should review this section of the
manual at the start of the season and as often
as required to be familiar with the machine.
When using, follow
this procedure:
1. Review and follow the
Pre-Operation Checklist.
2. Attach forks to the bucket:
a. Align the brackets on the
bucket with the rod on the
forks.
b. Dump the bucket completely
and tip it as far forward as
possible.

15
Fig. 3 LOCKING LATCHES
Fig. 4 LOCKING COLLAR
c. Drive slowly forward to insert the fork rod
into the brackets on the spill lip of the
bucket.
d. Be sure the locking collar on the
end of the rod is positioned
outside the outer bracket.
e. Raise the bucket a little and roll
the bucket back.
IMPORTANT
Be sure the bracket latches are
locking the rod in the bracket.
3. Before going to the working area review
Section 4.7 Transporting.
4. Drive to the working area and stop in a level
area.
5. Align with the load and lower into working
position.

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6. Drive slowly into the load
while adjusting the fork
angle if required.
Fig. 5 DRIVING IN
Fig. 6 RAISING
7. Raise the load.