Brush fork/carry-all project

[TDVT]

Thought I would post some progress on a project (started better than a year ago) directly inspired by information & ideas from this forum.

I attempted to move & pile brush using the loader of my Kubota with limited success, so I searched the forum for various solutions to make things easier. Forks seemed to be the way to go, thought about the bolt-on pallet forks (I don't have a quick-attach bucket) but saw a few photos of some loader-mounted pallet forks on a frame which I liked. And the frame made sense to me to keep brush from falling back over the top of the bucket, so I started cutting metal for that project.

Then I saw a similar fork frame that was also usable as a 3pt hitch carry-all so I thought I would incorporate that feature into the design as well.

I didn't get much further that roughing out the frame & the project has sat until recently, but with all of our incredible early warm weather the outdoor projects are ready to be tackled so it was time to get back at it.

A week or two ago I read a thread about cutting pallet forks in half (as to make a pair from one) & someone suggested using bale spears as forks (thank you, whoever it was) & I decided that was the perfect route for me & my immediate needs.

The bale spears will be mounted on their own hangers & I can finish fab-ing the pallet forks on their own arms a little later. They're all inter-changeable on the frame. The frame sits in, & then pins to the bucket with tabs I added to the top of the bucket when I added chain hooks.

Still cutting a few parts, then a good bit of welding & painting to do.

Hope to have it up & running this weekend.

 

[gyro433]

Nice job TDVT

Look forward seeing the final results


Gyro

 

[magicheater]

Looks nice and square, how long are those spears and what did they cost?

 

[TDVT]

Looks nice and square, how long are those spears and what did they cost?

They are 49" in total length & were $30 ea from Agri Supply

BALE SPEAR

Not ever having used bale spears before I wasn't sure what the "bushing" that is sold along with them (separately in this case) was about. I almost didn't order them but added them at the last minute as they were only $6 ea.

It turns out they are for mounting the spear to the frame or bracket. The spear is tapered on the fastening end, the bushing has the corresponding internal taper, and is welded to the mounting point on the frame making the spear really rigid when it is tightened up.

 

[magicheater]

That looks like a slick way to achieve what you have in mind. Thanx for the link!

 

[mjncad]

Looks good to me too.

 

[Taylortractornut]

That looksto be a goosd start for my manure bucket teeth.

 

[TDVT]

Thought I'd update this thread as I FINALLY finished it.

Moved a few trees around getting the feel of it. The spears are really out there & it will be very easy to dig them in the the ground if I'm not careful.

Also mounted it on the back to make sure everything worked OK. I will build 2 more arms with flat forks for using on the back as well as moving any pallet-type stuff w/the loader.

Doesn't look like much but it sure took ALOT of time!

 

[magicheater]

You did a nice job on that. Looks to be a tad close to the rear wheels though.
What does the whole assembly weigh?

 

[TDVT]

You did a nice job on that. Looks to be a tad close to the rear wheels though.
What does the whole assembly weigh?

Thanks. It does look like it's too close in the photo but there is about 4" of clearance. I wouldn't run it with chains on but it should be OK. If it's a problem later it's easily modded.

A total guess, but from moving around the separate components, I would say the frame is somewhere around 100 lbs & each spear arm is about 30 lbs?