Tractor forks

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We just got a new tractor that has a skid steer style quick connect system for the bucket.I have been getting by for years with bucket forks on the old tractor, but decided to build a dedicated fork attachment for this one.  The frame is 3" tube and the fork hanger is 1 1/2" diameter 4140 in 7/16" brackets.I made the forks by mitering and welding 3" channel into an L that would  fit inside the 2X4X1/4" downtube and 2/3 of the way down the 4" channel of the fork, then I welded a piece of 3/4" X8" angle inside the mitered joint and slid it into the tube.I welded the tube to the interior channel and the angle, to the forks, and the forks to the angle and the  3" channel.This should be more than strong enough to lift anything the loader is capable of.I put a 3/8" chain binding hook on the bottom rail in the middle and an open tow hook on the top for lifting duties.The diamond plate is to protect the locking mechanism from debris or damage.I will paint it this weekend weather permitting.
Reply:Nice looking setup.
Reply:Nice job....Mike
Reply:Very nice job!!!!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:I could go on forever (yada yada yada yada) about how the channel isn't as strong as purpose made forks, but it you're careful with what you lift, and don't lift far out on the forks, it ought to work.A simple set of gussets at the mitered corner would go a long ways in reinforcing them at the moment arm (I think that's what it's called).  The most stress will be concentrated there."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Looks good!  You should be very happy with that!I used 4x2x1/4 rect. tube for the forks on mine, mitered the corners then reinforced them  with "L" plates cut from 1/4".See this thread, go to frame 18 for details:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ork+AttachmentThat was posted a year ago.  We haven't been able to break it yet, not that we haven't put it to the test, either!  A couple of weeks ago I needed to portage a pallet of cement pavers with a concrete garden bench a 1/4 mile down the road.  I tried to lift the pallet and popped the rear wheels off the ground.    I always did like the feeling I was moving up in the world!       The tractor needed rear-end ballast so I hitched a 6-1/2 foot disc harrow to the 3-point.  That worked!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:You need to send them to me for testing Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammI could go on forever (yada yada yada yada) about how the channel isn't as strong as purpose made forks, but it you're careful with what you lift, and don't lift far out on the forks, it ought to work.A simple set of gussets at the mitered corner would go a long ways in reinforcing them at the moment arm (I think that's what it's called).  The most stress will be concentrated there.
Reply:I really like this build.  Very nice and the hidden re-enforcement is cool Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Looks good man. I used 4" channel on the ones I built awhile back also. I simply used a piece of flatbar for a stiffener in the channel.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=96021As far as I know both sets are holding up well. And these guys are NOT easy on stuff. If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish