Pallet forks. Skid steer DIY.

[tassiefubar]

HI everybody
I'm keen to build my own set of skid steer pallet forks. Having trawled through the forum and scrutinised countless pics from the internet, I think I'm almost ready to make a start.
A few things I'm still not quite sure about though...hoping some of you out there may be able to help me.
I want to make them adjustable and am thinking the set up with a rod/ bar /pipe that holds the tynes in place is the way to go. The exploded diagram below, though not skid steer has the bar shown no.2. I cannot find any reference that explains how strong this part needs to be. Is it a solid bar or can one use heavy walled tube? What size do I need to use?
I will also need to build my own tynes ......perhaps somebody could advise me on what material to use.
The middle picture is one I found on the forum.....unfortunately I cannot make contact with the builder. A pity as the setup looks very good.
My tractor is a Kubota 60 hp.
Cheers Nick

 

[Shield Arc]

I copied the design from an Ingersoll Rand forklift. I used box tube for the forks.

 

[tassiefubar]

HI there Shield Arc
Your build looks just the thing.
What size was that box tube?
Was the slide a solid bar? What size is it?
Cheers Nick

 

[crash325]

These quick attach forks were made from 1"x1.5" for the uprights, frame 3"x3" x1/4" angle iron. Tynes 2"x2"x1/4" Capped with 2"x3"x3/16" "C" channel.

The can be used at any width, shown bolted in place, for travel over rough ground & compacting loads on clean up jobs.

When slid to the center the tynes lift off. Very heavy about all one man can lift. Thought about making a tube or bar set up, but like the easy lift off ability.

They have been used & abused for about 4 years. My TC45 is rated at 1750. The forks have been loaded well past that and held up. Also used them for digging out large rocks, & other abuse. :laughing::thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

The bar on my CA compact forks is a solid bar. And I am not sure but I doubt it is just a mild steel bar, I am thinking it is some kind of alloy steel for more strength.

James K0UA

 

[Shield Arc]

Nick I used 2-inch x 4-inch x 1/4-inch wall rectangular tubing. With 1 1/2-inch cold rolled shaft.
If I were you, being as your tractor looks to be about twice the size of mine. I'd look into using 2-inch x 6-inch x 3/8-inch wall rectangular tubing. And 2-inch cold rolled shaft, with maybe the exact same design as the Ingersoll Rand forklift so you won't have too big of a span! I move my SA-200 welding machines around all the time, they weight 1,350-pounds wet. I can only get them about 12-inches off the ground, I would guess your tractor could pick close to 4,000?
I have pipe inserted in the ends of each fork for shackles to go in, I can stall the loader picking with these holes. These forks are about 10-years old now.
In your case I would think about inserting flatbar on edge inside the rectangular tubing before making the full penetration weld at the heel of the forks.

 

[seschlanger]

Bought a set of 42" tines for $24 at an auction this morning.Just sayin'

 

[Xfaxman]

I got lucky and found some pin top forks on eBay: