Front end loader forks for brush

[jeff9366]

You really ought to have a counterbalance behind the rear axle, most often an implement or dedicated ballast box on the 3-Pt hitch.

You are putting a TREMENDOUS strain on the front axle. Should a wheel drop into a hidden hole when loaded as in the picture, the front axle could easily bend.

 

[uglykidjo]

Thanks Jeff, don't know if you can tell in the pics, but yes, I have about 800lbs on the back end including 100 in wheel weight. And the JD 420 and especially 430 have extremely beefy frames with matching axles. These things are BEASTS. They can handle something like 1500lbs on the front, and 2500 on the rear (granted these are probably gross weights). But generally if the loader can lift it (which is only about 500-700lbs on the JD44), the axle can handle it too. I am researching beefing up the loader to lift more, but that requires some engineering.

 

[PapaPerk]

Keep in mind also having hooks welded to the top of your bucket can come in handy for lifting bulky items of course. I have two hooks welded on top, then use two chains with hooks at either end, has worked like a champ so far for multiple items. Longer the chains, the bigger brush pile you can lift. Just lay the chains out, pile your branches across the chains, then wrap the chains over and hook-em!<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=356203"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=356204"/>

Nice 430 sir!

 

[uglykidjo]

Thank you sir! I think I'm the fourth owner of the dually, picked it up in Iowa last year and began gathering implements for it right away. Only 250hours on it, so it's a worker/trailer queen.

 

[deerseeker001]

I made mine from torsion bars off trucks and 4 inch angle iron and welded chain onto to the angle iron and chain goes around bucket and tighten with chain tightener.

 

[deerseeker001]

the torsion bar is about 2 inches around.i use it also for picking logs and cutting firewood no bending over.

 

[PILOON]

I have a homemade pair about 36" long that I often use to pick up piles of branches.
My forks (I rate as light duty) are clamp on made from 3" channel.
I often have loaded piles that are high enough that I can't see ahead. I did learn to lay a length of 1/2" cord B4 loading branches as I'd often drop some here and there while traveling.
I also custom made a pallet (36 X 48) to haul firewood.
Overall an extremely useful tool when you need it, which you'll find is more often than you would think.