adding thumb to pallet forks

[farmboyhull]

Hello fellas!

I'm planning on getting some forks for a 45 horse Mahindra. I'm looking at the cheaper models, such as this one: Construction Attachments 42" Compact Tractor loader Pallet Forks CAL-1PFCMPSM42

I'd love to add a thumb down the road. Do these lighter weight forks have enough meat to attach a cylinder and thumb to them? This set up was pretty slick, but I feel like these are beefier forks and can manage it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/190364-homemade-grapple-pics-video.html

Any ideas?

Thanks.

David

 

[farmboyhull]

Here's the pallet forks a buddy has. I believe these come made this way, and it's a pretty cool design. I had thought of adding a thumb with the cylinder only making contact with a little bit of steel at the top of the forks (and therefore not working well), but perhaps a design like this could give it more umph.

David

 

[magicheater]

Here's the pallet forks a buddy has. I believe these come made this way, and it's a pretty cool design. I had thought of adding a thumb with the cylinder only making contact with a little bit of steel at the top of the forks (and therefore not working well), but perhaps a design like this could give it more umph.

David

That looks like a 2"x10" cylinder, 2"x8" minimum. There is a lot of travel there but because of the length of the arm not a lot of force. I REALLY like the concept of hooking on the frame rails, just a little confused on how it secures on the bottom. I see it now, a pin. Do the forks release from the center for removal?

 

[farmboyhull]

Truthfully, I don't know much about them. Made by Quicke, I believe. Here's another picture. I liked the idea of welding a vertical piece of steel to stiffen everything up and what I figured would be a "cheaper" pair of forks. I hoped a picture would get people's ideas flowing...