What to use for a level indicator for forks?

[sixdogs]

I have a fork attachment for my tractors but need a better way to pick up pallets so I'm level when I slide the forks in. I have a bucket level indicator but don't want to disturb it since I also use for the bucket. I'm tired of damaging pallets and materials. Any ideas that will work?

 

[Reg]

Yeah, you and me both (-:

a) ONE thing I have thought about, given tech trends and price drops, has been a video camera, or several with split screen display.
Back up cameras are CHEAP these days, fairly rugged and adaptable - depends how much Inventioneering Ya wanna do.

b) Another is (again "technology") is an inclinometer on the pallet fork frame. This wouldn't have to be TOO fancy, a mercury switch maybe two.
c) A "side view" of where I'm poking the forks - the problem with that is getting a decent viewing angle, i.e. where a helper would stand if they were giving me hand signals.
For this a wifi camera on a tripod would work IF unloading from some fixed position e.g. loading dock or (semi fixed) the back of a truck.
On second thoughts this wouldn't have to be a "wifi" camera.
I have a cordless video set up that I bought as a back up camera in my horse trailer.
Of course that is all run on 12 volts, so maybe a small 12 volt battery for the camera, the screen runs from the truck's lighter socket.

 

[CMV]

If the rod on your bucket level indicator is long enough, you could add a paint marker colored line on it to show level forks a few inches off the ground.

Only other easy thing I could think of would be a fairly large spirit level on top or side of fork frame. That would show level at various heights, but would need to be large enough to see the bubble from the seat.

It is difficult using pallet forks at times. Hard to see #1 issue. But for mine, you're curling an awful lot just to get level low to ground - so real easy to dump/tilt too far forward since it "feels" like you're curled an awful lot. Would be with standard bucket on.

 

[jmc]

If you're on level ground, a 'level/inclinometer' based gadget would work. But if the ground is sloped in the direction you're loading, you need the forks parallel with the ground, not level.

 

[Reg]

If the rod on your bucket level indicator is long enough, you could add a paint marker colored line on it to show level forks a few inches off the ground.

Only other easy thing I could think of would be a fairly large spirit level on top or side of fork frame. That would show level at various heights, but would need to be large enough to see the bubble from the seat.

It is difficult using pallet forks at times. Hard to see #1 issue. But for mine, you're curling an awful lot just to get level low to ground - so real easy to dump/tilt too far forward since it "feels" like you're curled an awful lot. Would be with standard bucket on.

"Spirit" level - - could be equated to a mercury switch such as found in old style thermostats ?
Two of them with a tiny bit of offset would give you two lights - too much curl and too much dump.

 

[CMV]

Spirit level = typical bubble level

 

[Reg]

Spirit level = typical bubble level

Right, but as you said earlier SEEING it would likely be a problem, so a mercury switch can indicate level remotely - via wires and lights.

The more I think about this the worse the problem(s) appear (-:

There could be as many as three planes to consider;
Horizontal - i.e. what a spirit level would indicate.
Tractor's wheelbase plane,
ground plane that the pallet rests on.

and from my (admitted very limited) experience of this I would choose a good side view of the pallet and forks.
Traditionally this has been a helper, or I pull on the steering wheel and climb forward off the seat to try and SEE where the forks are.

If I did a LOT of this I would set up a wireless back-up camera on a tripod.
For unloading trucks or trailers it would be quick and simple to set up and aim at the rear of the vehicle, for pallets that are scattered around - tough, but I would either have to climb down and position it to see the pallet, or find a way to mount it to the fork frame.

 

[WranglerX]

Think camera mounted on FEL arm would be the best because you could "see" what is going on (forks) no matter location or position.... Like some one mentioned "back up cameras" are cheap, only question is will backup camera work looking forward....

Don't want to mount it permanently, use magnet mount...

Dale

 

[Reg]

Right now I'm thinking a good/fair compromise might be a cheap wireless back-up camera magnetically mounted maybe 6 inches higher than the top of the pallet forks e.g. under the backstop frame of the pallet forks and aimed to where the forks are going to go.
The amount of metal "shielding" the screen's receiver from the camera could be a problem, so a wired one may be needed.

I still have a desire for a GENERAL level indicator, i.e. for the bucket, the grapple and whatever else I may put on the front.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never had a problem with my eyes. The fork tips are easily visible on both of my tractors.

 

[mikester]

Slow down.

Generally I look at the fork tips. The only time I break pallets is if they are frozen to the ground in winter or I am or the pallets are on uneven ground and one fork is sitting higher.

If your pallets are stacked level then any other breakage is usually due to operator error.

 

[ruffdog]

Here are some types:
Forklifts & Attachments | Forks & Extensions | Vestil Forklift Fork Leveler FRK-LVL | 988289 - GlobalIndustrial.com

https://www.amazon.com/IRONguard-70-1000-Accu-Tilt-Indicator-Forklifts/dp/B0077D1A3E

Flat Fork - Forklift Leveler | Tilt Indicator | Forklift Driver Safety

 

[DieselBound]

On my B7800 I'd just stand up and look over (I used 3pt forks chained to my bucket- yeah, cheesy, but it worked). My Kioti NX and the cab is a different story...

Aggravating for those that do not have a clear view. It's for this reason I installed a camera system in my NX. Unfortunately I have yet to install a replacement camera after blitzing my first one: I'm trying to come up with a reasonable design that allows me to be able to move the camera around while still protecting the camera- I am close to a solution, but have yet to prove it out (doesn't require welding as I do not have a welder, so I'm a bit handicapped/limited).

 

[DieselBound]

I'll add that it's not just whether the works are "level," but that they're correctly positioned. Lots of times having a slight drop in the tips is warranted, in which case "level" isn't of much help.

I operate on uneven ground. While I might be honest I'm certainly not operating on the level!:laughing:

 

[PILOON]

Any low cost back up camera system would be the most cost effective IMO.
As suggested U could mount the camera on a magnet base.
With a camera system you would be able to work on all sort of uneven ground situations.

Many of the back up systems can take 2 camera inputs and the ones I am familiar with have options for front/back and flipping of image.
Also wireless or wired options exist but always the camera wants DC power.

One downside is the wireing is of such a small gauge that U need some sort of protection for a tractor environment.

I am using a $50 ish offshore system for slightly over 3 years now with no problems, mainly for snow blowing duties.
I used magnets for my mounting and placed the viewer low center of my windshield.
If not urgent EBay and AliBabba are good sources.

 

[DieselBound]

^^^ And you inspired me on this. I went with a nice magnetic base, as that allowed me to move the camera around. The magnet I had was really strong and the camera's thin metal attachment base not so strong. But for those that are more careful (I think I bliitzed mine removing snow out on our local road) it's the best solution.

 

[ruffdog]

I would love to have one of those camera set-ups. One pointed rear to watch 3pt work, and one pointed at the QA implement.

 

[ovrszd]

Not sure what brand my forks are but, the SSQA design makes my forks level when my indicator shows level.

Still a pain if on uneven terrain. If I tip my forks up a bit I can see the ends. Soon as I level them they are gone...

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have HD mercury switches I was always gonna make something out of. If someone made a wireless magnetic sensor that indicated degrees to a good resolution, that would be sweet!

 

[JerryK]

If you mistreat your pallets, they may run off and hide in some far off field ...............