Clamp On Bucket Forks

[mjfox6]

I've wanted some clamp on bucket forks for quite a while. In fact, I joined TBN so that I could send a PM to Madreferee and get his plans for building a set. A year later I decided to make it happen. I researched companies online and read lots of info on TBN to find out why people were unhappy. I thought about buying a set, but I could not find a set that employed more than one clamping mechanism. Also, for the price they want, I was sure I could fabricate a set cheaper (I'm scared to add it up, but I don't think I saved very much!).

Thanks to Madreferee for his initial plan wherever he may be. Some major redesign and lots of hours of fabrication and here is what I ended up making...

 

[Zick]

Very nice!
Any problems with keeping them straight?
I heard others complaining that the clamp on style would angle from side to side if you put any side load on them.

 

[vic4news]

Those look really good. Maybe this winter I'll get around to making a set.

What did you use for the T-handle bolts?

Vic

 

[bialecki]

Thanks to Madreferee for his initial plan wherever he may be. Some major redesign and lots of hours of fabrication and here is what I ended up making...
View attachment 103972

View attachment 103973

Madreferee passed away I think last April 07, many on this site have missed him.

 

[mjfox6]

Very nice!
Any problems with keeping them straight?
I heard others complaining that the clamp on style would angle from side to side if you put any side load on them.

That was the major complaint that I saw, that is why I used two clamps. I grabbed the tips and shook them back and forth without them moving. It's a major advantage over the one clamp version everyone sells. Wonder how long before someone sells a two clamp version now? Tell them to send me a check!

 

[mjfox6]

Those look really good. Maybe this winter I'll get around to making a set.

What did you use for the T-handle bolts?

Vic

I tried to keep the number of materials to as few as possible. That meant I had 1" rod (where the lip of the bucket clamps), so I used that as the handle. I wanted 1" all-thread to match, but decided to go ahead and spend the extra money (and it was A LOT extra) and buy ACME threaded rod. It works better in dirty environments.

 

[mjfox6]

Madreferee passed away I think last April 07, many on this site have missed him.

That's why I said, "wherever he may be." I just wanted people that knew him to know I used his basic design and joined TBN because he offered it to everyone that wanted it.

 

[AchingBack]

Great design! I like how you are able to leave the toothbar in place.

 

[jinman]

That's why I said, "wherever he may be." I just wanted people that knew him to know I used his basic design and joined TBN because he offered it to everyone that wanted it.

Somewhere out there, Madreferee is smiling. Nice job!

 

[LBrown59]

Very nice!
Any problems with keeping them straight?
I heard others complaining that the clamp on style would angle from side to side if you put any side load on them.

they can do that but it's not a big problem most time.