Question about steel strength??

[jodebg]

How are you planning to scale it back? Where can we cut out weight?

 

[Shield Arc]

Where can we cut out weight?

Build the frame out of aluminum square tube, and use steel for the forks.

 

[Sodo]

How are you planning to scale it back? Where can we cut out weight?

Well mine was going to be a LOT simpler, you're the one who posted a pic of one very versatile device capable of all kinds of useful stuff! :laughing: To do all that it's gonna cost capacity, but if its more useful thats the goal.

All those open slots on the bottom will require some steel. Something to be said for the standard 2.5x2.5 x 3/16" square steel receiver, you just buy it at the store and the 2x2 fits. Aluminum sounds fun but requires a special backyard (for this backyard project).

I might just make my simple one, it's really easy, then keep a thinking cap on for other features.

 

[BukitCase]

Or, if you're me and you want things shiny AND stout :laughing: (and don't care much about the weight), you buy 2.53" square tube with .250 wall (scroll down the size list, you'll see it)

Ram Steelco Inc. - Salem, Oregon | Steel Sales, Metal Sales and Metal Processing

The stuff I buy is about the middle of that page, cost is about the same as 2.5" but it fits with no hangups - the normal 2.5" stuff has the weld seam so you need a bit of slop for things to fit... Steve

 

[Sodo]

Can cut that weld flash out with a sharp chisel if its only 6" or so. That 2.53" would be handy & nice fit, they don't have it at my steel store (although it might get kinda thin after polishing,,,,, )

 

[LD1]

Heres some engineering for ya. You've already moved on but the engineer will still flog you with numbers. :laughing:


snip"

Ill use some real numbers.

Using the moment of inertia calculators isnt exact for tubing, cause it assumes squared corners (more material than rounded). So lets use actual numbers.

3 x 1.5 x 3/16 tubing I= 0.488

2x2x1/4 ..................I= 0.77

2x4x1/4...................I=1.54

I would also assume the max load on 1 fork, to represent a real world worst case scenario. Never know when you are gonna be lifting a log or something to the max, and 1 fork may slip off, putting all the load on the other.

So......here we go.

3x1.5 fork 48" long @ 1000# will deflect 2.6"
................28" fork..............................0.5"

2x2x1/4........48" long...........................1.65"
...................28"....................................0.33"

2x4x1/4.........48"..................................0.82"
.....................28".................................0.16"

 

[jodebg]

Impressive numbers.
How much more do the 43" forks weight using 2x4 rather the 2x2 stock?

Again, is there a worthwhile gain in using the 2x4 forks with our limited lift capacity??

Can 2x2" stock be used on the frame in place of the 2.5x2.5 pcs.?
How much weight do we cut down and what will be the impact of the strength
used on our size tractors?

*Sodo...don't lean towards the easy side...counting on you to come up with some
great ideas!:cool2:

 

[jodebg]

I this square stock available in sizes that will fit both the 2x2 and 2x4 tubes?
Seems like it would be ideal for the receivers?

Or, if you're me and you want things shiny AND stout :laughing: (and don't care much about the weight), you buy 2.53" square tube with .250 wall (scroll down the size list, you'll see it)
Ram Steelco Inc. - Salem, Oregon | Steel Sales, Metal Sales and Metal ProcessingThe stuff I buy is about the middle of that page, cost is about the same as 2.5" but it fits with no hangups - the normal 2.5" stuff has the weld seam so you need a bit of slop for things to fit... Steve[/QUOT

 

[Sodo]

Oooops too late, I went simple already

It's made of 2x2x1/8" steel, and weighs 15 lbs.

I welded the nut on the backside, then dropped it into the tube and welded all around.

Current plan: I intend to make a little cradle fork with 2 "tines" about 12-15 inches long (?) for lifting logs. I suppose it will have a crossbar so a smaller log can't drop between the tines. It will poke in just like a receiver hitch, and drop down the 11 inches to ground level. I'll add some chain attach points once I hang a log on it and see where they ought to go.

 

[jodebg]

Nice job. Looking forward to seeing the completed cradle fork.
If you welded receivers near the outside ends, would you be able to use this with a set of removeable forks?