Star Industries Over-The-Bucket Forks

Star Industries Over-The-Bucket Forks add forklift versatility to your loader without leaving the operator's seat

Specifications

1-1/2" x 4" x 42" Tines — 5,500 lb. capacity per pair

1-3/4" x 4" x 48" Tines — 6,900 lb. capacity per pair

Brackets & Shafts

Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks for Loaders

The Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks are heavy-duty loader bucket forks designed to add forklift-style material handling capability to compatible loaders without requiring a dedicated fork carriage. Built for construction, landscaping, agriculture, material yards, rental fleets, and industrial applications, these forks allow operators to lift and move pallets, lumber, pipe, equipment, and other bulky materials using the loader they already own.

Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks feature adjustable tine spacing and are designed to fit buckets with or without teeth. The system uses universal-fit weld-on brackets and a heavy-duty solid steel shaft, allowing the forks to be installed and removed efficiently from the operator's seat.

Available in 5,500 lb and 6,900 lb capacities per pair, these loader bucket forks provide a durable solution for contractors and equipment operators who need greater versatility from their wheel loaders or similar equipment.

Turn Your Loader Bucket Into a Fork Handling System

A standard loader bucket is excellent for moving loose materials, but many jobs require the ability to lift pallets, bundled materials, equipment, or other loads from underneath.

Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks allow operators to add fork functionality to the loader bucket without permanently dedicating the machine to pallet handling.

Common applications include:

• Pallet handling
• Lumber and timber
• Pipe
• Construction materials
• Roofing materials
• Landscaping supplies
• Equipment and machinery
• Bundled materials
• Jobsite deliveries
• Agricultural supplies
• Warehouse and yard materials
• Concrete products
• Building supplies

This makes the system especially valuable for businesses that need one loader to perform several different tasks throughout the workday.

Heavy-Duty One-Piece Forged Fork Tines

The fork tines are forged from a single piece of premium-grade carbon steel for strength and durability. Star Industries designs its forks for demanding material handling applications where resistance to bending and long service life are important.

The Over-the-Bucket Fork system is available with two tine configurations.

5,500 lb Capacity Forks

The LBA170 series uses a pair of:

• 1-1/2" x 4" x 42" fork tines
• 5,500 lb rated capacity per pair

Available configurations include:

• LBA170-36
• LBA170-42

These models are designed for different vertical bucket opening dimensions.

6,900 lb Capacity Forks

The heavier-duty LBA180 series uses a pair of:

• 1-3/4" x 4" x 48" fork tines
• 6,900 lb rated capacity per pair

Available configurations include:

• LBA180-36
• LBA180-42
• LBA180-48
• LBA180-54

The different models accommodate a wider range of loader bucket opening heights.

Available Models and Specifications

LBA170-36

The LBA170-36 is designed for vertical bucket openings up to 36 inches.

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 5,500 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 36"
• Fork Back Height: 43"
• Approximate Weight: 285 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-1/2" x 4" x 42"

LBA170-42

The LBA170-42 is designed for buckets with vertical openings up to 42 inches.

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 5,500 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 42"
• Fork Back Height: 49"
• Approximate Weight: 305 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-1/2" x 4" x 42"

LBA180-36

The LBA180-36 is a higher-capacity option for bucket openings up to 36 inches.

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 6,900 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 36"
• Fork Back Height: 43"
• Approximate Weight: 346 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-3/4" x 4" x 48"

LBA180-42

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 6,900 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 42"
• Fork Back Height: 49"
• Approximate Weight: 375 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-3/4" x 4" x 48"

LBA180-48

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 6,900 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 48"
• Fork Back Height: 55"
• Approximate Weight: 395 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-3/4" x 4" x 48"

LBA180-54

The LBA180-54 is designed for larger loader buckets with vertical openings up to 54 inches.

Specifications:

• Fork Capacity: 6,900 lbs per pair
• Maximum Vertical Bucket Opening: 54"
• Fork Back Height: 61"
• Approximate Weight: 420 lbs
• Fork Tines: 1-3/4" x 4" x 48"

These model specifications are based on Star Industries' published product information.

Install and Remove the Forks From the Operator's Seat

One of the biggest advantages of the Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Fork system is its convenient attachment design.

The system allows the operator to engage and remove the forks without repeatedly climbing in and out of the loader cab.

The basic attachment process is:

1. Roll the loader bucket forward.
2. Engage the free-standing forks with the bucket-mounted brackets.
3. Roll the bucket backward until the forks are level.

Star Industries specifically designed the attachment system so operators can connect and disconnect the forks from the comfort of the operator's seat.

This can save significant time on jobs where the loader regularly switches between bucket work and material handling.

Universal-Fit Weld-On Bracket System

The Over-the-Bucket Fork system uses a set of three universal-fit weld-on brackets.

The bracket kit is designed for use with both the LBA170 and LBA180 fork systems.

Bracket specifications include:

• Model: LBA170B
• Quantity: Set of three brackets
• Style: Universal-fit weld-on
• Approximate Weight: 40 lbs

Because the brackets are mounted to the loader bucket, the forks can be quickly engaged whenever pallet or material handling is required.

Heavy-Duty Solid Steel Shaft

The system also uses the LBA170-02 shaft, which is compatible with both the LBA170 and LBA180 series.

Specifications include:

• 2" diameter
• 80" overall length
• Solid steel construction
• Includes retainers
• Approximate Weight: 70 lbs

The heavy-duty shaft connects and supports the fork assembly while still allowing tine spacing to be adjusted according to the load being handled.

Adjustable Fork Spacing

Different materials require different fork spacing. Pallets may require relatively narrow spacing, while lumber, pipe, bundled materials, and oversized loads may require the forks to be positioned farther apart.

The Star Industries system features adjustable tine spacing, allowing operators to configure the forks for different material handling requirements.

This flexibility makes the attachment useful for companies that handle many different types and sizes of materials.

Works With Buckets With or Without Teeth

Loader buckets vary significantly between machines and applications. Some have smooth cutting edges, while others use bucket teeth for excavation and heavy material work.

Star Industries designed these Over-the-Bucket Forks for use with buckets with or without teeth, expanding the range of loaders that can use the system.

Proper fitment should always be confirmed based on bucket dimensions, vertical opening, machine configuration, and the selected fork model.

Ideal for Construction and Material Handling

Over-the-Bucket Forks are especially useful for contractors who need forklift-style functionality but do not want to dedicate another machine to pallet handling.

Typical users include:

• General contractors
• Masonry contractors
• Roofing contractors
• Lumber yards
• Landscape companies
• Equipment rental companies
• Agricultural operations
• Construction supply yards
• Industrial facilities
• Manufacturing companies
• Municipal operations
• Utility contractors
• Material distributors

The attachment can help reduce the number of specialized machines required on a jobsite by increasing the versatility of an existing loader.

Common Materials Handled With Loader Bucket Forks

Depending on the loader, attachment rating, and load characteristics, over-the-bucket forks can be useful for handling many materials, including:

• Palletized materials
• Lumber
• Pipe
• Concrete block
• Brick
• Roofing materials
• Landscape materials
• Equipment
• Steel
• Structural components
• Crates
• Bundled construction supplies

Always confirm the weight, dimensions, stability, and center of gravity of the load before lifting.

5,500 lb vs. 6,900 lb Over-the-Bucket Forks

Choosing between the LBA170 and LBA180 series depends primarily on the required capacity, bucket dimensions, and expected load.

The LBA170 series provides a 5,500 lb rated capacity per pair with 42-inch-long fork tines.

The LBA180 series increases capacity to 6,900 lbs per pair and uses heavier 48-inch-long fork tines.

The LBA180 series is also available for vertical bucket openings up to 54 inches, giving operators more options for larger loaders and buckets.

Advantages of Over-the-Bucket Forks

Using an over-the-bucket fork attachment can provide several advantages compared with purchasing a separate material handling machine.

Benefits include:

• Adds fork capability to an existing loader
• Handles pallets and bulky materials
• Adjustable fork spacing
• Fits buckets with or without teeth
• Heavy-duty forged steel tines
• Multiple capacities available
• Easy attachment and removal
• Operator-seat installation
• Compatible with several bucket sizes
• Useful for construction, landscaping, agriculture, and industrial work
• Helps increase loader versatility

For companies that regularly switch between loading loose material and handling palletized products, this type of attachment can improve equipment utilization throughout the day.

Important Capacity and Safety Information

The rated capacity of the fork attachment does not automatically mean the loader can safely lift that amount of weight.

Actual lifting capacity depends on the complete machine and attachment configuration, including:

• Loader rated capacity
• Bucket weight
• Fork attachment weight
• Load center
• Fork length
• Boom position
• Machine configuration
• Load dimensions
• Ground conditions

Moving the load farther forward from the machine changes the load center and can significantly reduce the amount of weight the loader can safely handle.

Operators should always follow the loader manufacturer's rated capacities, Star Industries operating instructions, and applicable workplace safety requirements.

Why Buy Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks from Diamond Tool Store?

Diamond Tool Store supplies professional material handling equipment, loader attachments, forklift attachments, construction equipment, and lifting solutions from trusted manufacturers.

The Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks provide contractors and equipment operators with a heavy-duty way to increase the usefulness of an existing loader without permanently converting it from bucket work.

Whether you need 5,500 lb loader bucket forks, 6,900 lb heavy-duty bucket forks, replacement brackets, or a complete fork system, Diamond Tool Store offers professional material handling solutions for demanding jobsites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Over-the-Bucket Forks?

Over-the-Bucket Forks are loader attachments that mount to a bucket and provide forklift-style tines for lifting pallets, lumber, pipe, equipment, and other materials.

What capacity are Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks?

Star Industries offers a 5,500 lb capacity LBA170 series and a 6,900 lb capacity LBA180 series, with those ratings applying per pair of fork tines.

What is the difference between the LBA170 and LBA180 forks?

The LBA170 uses 1-1/2" x 4" x 42" tines and is rated for 5,500 lbs per pair. The LBA180 uses heavier 1-3/4" x 4" x 48" tines and is rated for 6,900 lbs per pair.

Can these forks fit a loader bucket with teeth?

Yes. Star Industries states that its Over-the-Bucket Forks are designed for buckets with or without teeth.

Are the fork tines adjustable?

Yes. The system provides adjustable tine spacing, allowing the fork position to be changed for different pallets and load sizes.

Can the operator attach the forks without leaving the cab?

Yes. One of the key features of the system is that the forks can be installed and removed from the operator's seat by rolling the bucket forward, engaging the forks with the brackets, and rolling the bucket back to level the forks.

What bucket opening sizes are available?

Depending on the model, Star Industries offers versions designed for vertical bucket openings up to 36, 42, 48, or 54 inches.

What brackets are required?

The LBA170 and LBA180 systems use the LBA170B set of three universal-fit weld-on brackets.

What shaft is used with these loader forks?

The system uses the LBA170-02, a 2-inch x 80-inch solid steel shaft with retainers. It is designed for both LBA170 and LBA180 systems.

Can Over-the-Bucket Forks be used for pallets?

Yes. Pallet handling is one of the primary applications for loader bucket forks. Adjustable fork spacing allows operators to position the tines according to the pallet or material being handled.

Can I lift 6,900 lbs if I buy the 6,900 lb forks?

Not necessarily. The fork attachment rating is only one part of the lifting system. The loader's actual allowable capacity with the bucket and fork attachment installed may be lower. Always follow the loader manufacturer's capacity information and the attachment manufacturer's instructions.

Who uses Over-the-Bucket Forks?

These attachments are commonly used by construction contractors, rental companies, lumber yards, landscaping companies, farms, material suppliers, industrial facilities, municipalities, and other businesses that need to lift palletized or bulky materials with a loader.

Why choose Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks?

Star Industries Over-the-Bucket Forks combine one-piece forged steel tines, adjustable fork spacing, multiple capacities, compatibility with buckets with or without teeth, and an attachment system that allows the operator to install and remove the forks from the cab.