Fork extensions for bobcat?

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I'm in the market for fork extensions for the Bobcat 873.I noticed the factory made ones are open on the bottom and made of 1/4" bent steel.Any preference for just using 3/16" rectangular tubing?  Would seem stupid easy to just do it that way?6' or 8' ?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:One possible mistake is to measure the fork at the heel (thickest point)and buy rectangular tubing to fit, only to find out fork has a slight offset ,causing tube to get stuck on fork. Takes a sledgehammer to get it off.I’ve seen this happen a couple times with small forklifts. Not sure if bobcat forks are shaped the same way.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:Other than being a little more difficult to taper the end , rectangle tube is the way to go. I would wrap the end that you enter the forks. Something like 1/4 x4 or 6" flat to help prevent that end from spreading.  Good idea to attach a length of chain on each extension to prevent them from sliding off the fork when backing up.
Reply:

Originally Posted by jpump5

One possible mistake is to measure the fork at the heel (thickest point)and buy rectangular tubing to fit, only to find out fork has a slight offset ,causing tube to get stuck on fork. Takes a sledgehammer to get it off.I’ve seen this happen a couple times with small forklifts. Not sure if bobcat forks are shaped the same way.
Reply:Or use C channel flat side UP "hook the end where the fork is bent at the moldboard Taper the "business" ends and box them in if you wish to get fancy

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

Or use C channel flat side UP "hook the end where the fork is bent at the moldboard Taper the "business" ends and box them in if you wish to get fancy

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Reply:

Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave

I saw that the factory ones are that way, and I tend to "over use" things so I was thinking that may not be a great way to go?
Reply:

Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave

I saw that the factory ones are that way, and I tend to "over use" things so I was thinking that may not be a great way to go?
Reply:I didn't add any text because thegary already did better than I could

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

Hey Dave I snapped a couple pics of the ones I made. Seven footers...
Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

Hey Dave I snapped a couple pics of the ones I made. Seven footers...




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Reply:

Originally Posted by Frenetic

Lis2323, i'm admiring your work! Can i ask: how did you cut that long taper?
Reply:Hey, Dave,, did you ever get fork extensions?I needed extensions when I built my shed, so I went to a local steel supplier, and purchased a 24 foot length of 3X6 rectangular tube, 3/16" thick, 24 feet long, they cut it in half for free.The "cut in half" we my TOTAL fabrication. my farm tractor has a 2500 pound capacity loader (the tractor weighs 10,000 pounds total)I have lifted, or attempted to lift stuff up to and beyond the capacity of the loader. I have stalled the loader, as well as lifted a rear tire off the ground.The extensions, as far as "damage", look like they have never been used.I have had the extensions sitting outside since I got them, in 1997. So, I have had them a while. They get used often, anytime my 48 inch forks are not long enough.I have always thought about adding chains to secure the extensions to the loader frame, but,, some things never happen.My fork frame for my tractor is also DIY,, I saw a neighbor had the forks sitting in a field, and it started from that,,The fork frame is now in its third "iteration",, I have finally evolved to "Quick Attach"