Loader Lightweight pallet forks for 200X & 200CX loader

[C-Range]

Here's some new pallet forks I designed and built for my 2305. Since the tractor/loader has limited lifting power, I wanted these to be as lightweight as possible. The design is tailored for the max load of the forks using CAD and stress analysis (even though anything using the 200X or 200CX loader can't even come close to the 2300 Lb max of these forks). As a result, the whole assembly weighs just 180 Lbs, the same as the 49" bucket. The forks and slider rails make up 150 Lbs of that weight, which were purchased and out of my control.

Due to interest received from others, I am working on providing resources for a do-it-yourself kit and might build finished units for sale as well.

 

[stlbill]

Hi Ensoll:

Nice work! I sure wish someone would make a set of quik-tach forks commercially for the 2305. I've been looking at the Payne Alumaforks to save some weight. Every pound on the 2305 counts!

....the whole assembly weighs just 180 Lbs, the same as the 49" bucket.....

Your real close, but since every pound counts... The 49, 53 and 61 inch buckets weigh 155, 183 and 190 pounds respectively.

Source: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...1155822233-just-me-does-go-too-200x-200cx.pdf

-Bill

 

[kennyd]

Beautiful! Just beautiful! You should market them!

 

[C-Range]

Dunno Bill. I put my bucket on a scale to see what it weighed and it showed something right between 175 and 180 Lbs. There are (3) 5/16" chain hooks welded on and there was a little bit of caked dirt in one corner. Maybe the dirt put it over.

The lightest commercially available JD mountable forks I found were 220 Lbs and $750.

As for those aluminum forks, I'm all set with clip-ons, but let us know how they work out for you if you get them.

Anyway, thanks guys. Here are a couple more images.

1- A shot of the stress analysis. Although the forks and rails are alloy steel, the whole system was treated as structural steel for extra factor of safety.
2- Testing the new system out by trying to lift a ton of wood pellets. Notice how flat the tire is in the tractor's trying its hardest to lift the load.
3- Picking up a decent sized stone, which is one of the main reasons I wanted the forks - to help build a wall.
4- Another angle

 

[dmay]

Beautiful work Chris. I really like your hook and pin plate design. I see lots of weld on skid steer plates marketed but have not seen a light weight John Deere plate. I think there is a market for your plate design. I also think there is a huge market for light weight 200CX attachments. Your pallet fork design is perfect.

I say 'Yes please' to seeing you market do-it-yourself kits and finished units for sale. I'd also suggest you look at adding your light weight hook and pin plate design to the back of an iMatch quick hitch. I'm awaiting to place my order. Let me know when your ready

 

[techwrtr2]

Even simply providing the plans as well as potential sources of the actual forks.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Great job!:thumbsup:

 

[defed]

thanks for the pics. i just brought home an old set of forks from work. they started out as 50 some inch fork lift forks, but after several years of use, are now 46" which is just about perfect. they still weigh 115lbs each tho. hopefully i can get the quick attach frame and fork assembly to come in close to 300lbs, don't want to loose too much lift capacity. have a 420 loader, need to check the weight of that bucket, not sure if it's the same as the one quoted already.

 

[C-Range]

Even simply providing the plans as well as potential sources of the actual forks.

Thanks everyone! I will definitely be making this available to all. To get the ball rolling, here are the resources for the kit:

1- The pallet forks and rails are $229 and come from ATVXpress on eBay with free shipping [FYI, ~$130 of that figure is the shipping]
2- The JD pins are W47211 ($16.50 ea) and the hooks are W43359 ($12.59 ea).
3- 1.5" square x .125" steel tubing (~$15). I can supply this if needed.
4- The 6 engineered and waterjet cut plates supplied by me, along with assembly instructions for the build. (TBD)

The waterjet cut plates aren't cheap but the overall cost for the whole kit is still substantially less than anything available on the market, especially when you consider the very light weight of the design which is really the most important goal for JD tractors using the 200X or 200CX loaders.

I'll let you know as soon as I get the figures. It should be in the next couple of days.

 

[kennyd]

You can also make the pins and hooks much cheaper yourself...if you choose to.