Forks add forks to a FEL bucket?

[anthonyk]

I just installed a C50HL on my Century 3647 a few weeks ago, and have really been using it. Mostly I've been picking up log sections from a bunch of oaks I had to take down. I was wondering, however, if there was a way of adding some sort of "bolt on" or easy on/off forks to the bucket so that I could pick up logs that were longer than the bucket. I've seen the pallet type attachments that require removing the bucket, that's not what I have in mind. I was sort of picturing some sort of clamp on forks. If there is such a thing, what's the best type and how's the best way to attach them?

thanks,


anthony

 

[MMM]

I have 3' of drill stem on each outside end of bucket. I'm not sure if forks bolted on would hold up to 20' logs I stack for sawing. These are easy on and off if you have a grinder and welder. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Seriously, they aren't in the way for dirt work so I don't take them off. (They're about 20deg from vertical back toward tractor when bucket is leve.)
Just dump bucket fully and lower about a foot off ground, and figure what angle will be best to get log to roll off. I tacked mine on and experimented with a small log until I got angle right for steepest hills. It's pretty flat around Orange, so you shouldn't have to worry about inclines affectg dumping/loading angle. You'll need to make a guard for your lower bucket cyl fittings also. Also my bucket is somewhat round at the top and logs rest in the the 'cradle' between there and forks. If your bucket is flat topped there could be a problem with logs riding on your bucket cyls.

 

[BB_TX]

Anthony - Here is <font color="blue"> a thread </font> on quite a few different approaches to adding forks.

 

[tawilson]

I recently made a set of forks out of metal I had salvaged from work. Pretty crude but they work. I made them so I can roll my bucket forward and slip the angle iron I welded across the top of my bucket under a channel I made on the forks, then roll the bucket back and let the forks fall into place. I welded a bracket in the bucket so I can put a chain to the forks to keep them in place if I am picking up brush and need to roll the forks all the way forward to dump them. I use them for logs too. It's nice to be able to slip the forks on, move some logs, or the slabs off my mill, remove the forks and never get off the tractor. This way also distributes the load across the entire bucket, so less chance of bendage. I can't see the forks, so it is hard to tell what position they are in and practice doesn't seem to help.

 

[jhagerty]

Anthony,

Check out the top of this page, Paynesforks.com make exactly what your looking for, easy on, easy off forks. I have check these out as well and will be picking up a pair soon. They have several different models to choose from, light duty, medium duty and heavy duty.

Mike

 

[frank_f15]

Mike, you beat me to it!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[anthonyk]

Wow! That looks exactly like what I have in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I'm considering ordering a set of their medium duty forks for my FEL.
I've got a Century 3647 (47 hp) with the C50HL FEL.
That seems to be a pretty hefty FEL and the bucket is substantially stronger than my buddy's JD. In fact, he bent his by pushing a stump last week.
My primary use would be helping to lift and move sections of logs that are a bit too long to fit in the bucket. Maybe also stuff like unloading pallets of paving stones, etc.
My concern would be bending or distorting the bucket.
Have you had any problems like this? Their design seems to be the best I've seen, but as an engineer, I just worry about the load and how it might effect the bucket.

Any comments or opinions would be appreciated.
By the way, I'm not talking about huge loads here, most of the trees I've cut are 20" diameter at the max, and the sections are maybe 8 to 10 feet long.

anthony

 

[MadDog]

I have the Paynes "light duty" forks and they easily handle as much as my FEL and B7800 (30hp) can lift. I wouldn't think that you'd have any trouble handling logs of that size and length with "medium duty" forks on your Century.

Bucket forks are useful for loads of stuff (such as unloading palletized machinery from trucks and carrying brushpiles). The Paynes forks fit over a toothbar which helps to protect the FEL blade and provide more bucket stability.

 

[anthonyk]

thanks mad dog, but I was actually wondering about them bending the bucket. Have you noticed any flexing or distortion of the bucket edge where they clamp?

anthony