Ventrac/ Steiner forks

[dunebuggy55]

Hello,
Any of you guys have forks for your ventrac/steiner tractors. I am going to make a set with a grapple for brush removal. Would like to see some for some Idea's. have looked at the payne brand but would like to have them lift a little higher but still use my controls for the grapple. Thanks Dunebuggy55

 

[Raw Dodge]

That's exactly what I'm starting,.,but I'm making a dedicated set of forks and a log/ root grapple.The forks are just me using scrap,I'm still undecided on using the aux hydraulics to give myself adjustable fork angles....steel,the grapples going to take a little longer...my shops unheated so I don't work on days when it's below freezing,so it'll be a while before there done,

 

[dunebuggy55]

I was thinking of 1 1/2"x3"x1/4" for the forks standing up right for strength. I have a 2"x2" already welded in a rectangle lying under my bench that i think i can make the main frame out of. I am going to try and mount the cylinder for the grapple to the side toward hydraulic lines lines, so i can keep the forks back toward tractor for better leverage and hood clearance in the lifted position.thinking about maybe 42" inch forks.

 

[joecoin]

Are either of you planning on mounting the forks on the bucket?

 

[Raw Dodge]

I am starting from scratch.. I don't have a bucket or loader..All I have is a slip scoop and I don't believe it would work well with the design of the rotation of the pivot.Scratch on the grapple too...I hope to have a few pics soon but we've had some snow..it's keeping me busy.

 

[JackIL]

I designed a mounting frame with hydraulic cylinder to attach a set of 3-point hitch adjustable pallet forks I purchased to the front hitch of a Ventrac. The mounting geometry has to be chosen carefully so that when the forks are fully raised and fully tilted back, the back stop doesn't contact the tractor hood.

 

[JackIL]

Here is another view.

 

[dunebuggy55]

Hello Jack,
This looks like a real good set up. its exactly what i was looking for, looks like it has plenty of lift. Would you mind giving me the dimensions and sizes of steel used to build this? Also the cylinder specs? I can build this entire thing. I want to incorporate a grapple on top that can be removable. After looking at yours i think i can come up with a mechanical linkage that when you roll the forks back the grapple will close. thanks Dunebuggy55

 

[dunebuggy55]

Hey Raw Dodge, would like to check out what you have also. get them pics posted please

 

[BKBrown]

Jack,
Those forks look great ! How much do you lift (or plan to lift ) with them?
The lift capability (because of low hydraulic pressure) is the only thing I would like to be better on the Ventrac. I know they limit the lift capacity for a reason, but I would like some more pressure.
I have a set of forks that clamp onto the front of my excavator bucket and they work well - the only problem was that the fork clamps dented the inside of the bucket. I got a new bucket with the new 4231 and kept the old one for the forks and so I can have a bucket on both front and back if needed.

 

[JackIL]

DB

These forks are stored off site for the winter where I can't get to them easily for measurements. PM me in the spring and I will get you some information.

 

[JackIL]

BK,

The original frame and forks for the 3 point hitch were rated at 1700 pounds by the manufacturer which is now out of business, but, of course, the front hitch of the Ventrac will not lift that much. I really don't know how much it will lift. However, it has served me well for transporting limbs, brush, platforms, and utility boxes I have designed.

 

[JackIL]

DB

I have recently installed a grapple on my forks. The grapple itself is called "The Thumb" and is available from The Thumb . I designed the mounting bracket--it is not the same as you get when ordering a Thumb.

 

[BKBrown]

Jack,
The only times I have had problems with lift capacity are when I've been lifting and transporting large rocks or wet material the excavator lift is usually fine, but there have been times when I would like the bucket angle and dump to have more ability. If you needed to push yourself backwards or pull yourself forwards - there just is not enough force to do that. Most tractors are capable of using the bucket to aid when traction is needed. I just wish the hydro had some more pressure.

BK,

The original frame and forks for the 3 point hitch were rated at 1700 pounds by the manufacturer which is now out of business, but, of course, the front hitch of the Ventrac will not lift that much. I really don't know how much it will lift. However, it has served me well for transporting limbs, brush, platforms, and utility boxes I have designed.

 

[dunebuggy55]

jack, where do you have the thumb plumbed to? I have remotes on the back because i also have 3pt. are you tied into them?

 

[dunebuggy55]

jack, don't worry about the measurements. I have started the forks today with the materials i have here lying around. Thanks Dunebuggy55

 

[JackIL]

DB
You can plumb directly into one of the two rear remotes either by using a pair of long hoses or you can Tee directly into the lines under the seat.

 

[dunebuggy55]

jack,Ok i will look at that, thanks

 

[Raw Dodge]

Got some work done, my barn is unheated so I was working in a balmy 29 degrees all day...still lots to do..

 

[dunebuggy55]

RD looks good, I feel for you working in the cold. I got my frame made today that mounts on the tractor. Also got the fork frame built. Was going to try to make the cylinder roll the forks back and run the thumb up and down but the cylinder stroke to the proportions of the rest of it wont allow me to do this. So i will build the thumb with a seperate cylinder. My forks will be similar to the ones in jacks pics. I will try to get some pics with my phone and post if i can figure it out.