Trailer Moving & Lifting Attachment - Ideas & Input Wanted

[TWD]

Up until now I've used the receiver on my fork attachment but it's got issues... like it's near impossible to remove so when I move pallets my receiver can cause damage to what's on the pallet or not allow me to load that extra 4" which does matter sometimes.

I have a spare blank\empty quick attachment plate that I'm thinking of turning into a dedicated trailer moving and lifting \ hanging attachment.

I know people have made these, can you share pictures?

My plans are:
I need something to move trailers, and also hang\carry things like full 50g drums, pull\lift an engine, hang & gut\skin animals, etc... while I do all this now with my pallet attachment and\or grapple it's not as useful (or safe) as it could be with a dedicated solution.

• center receiver w\braces (so I can attach different size balls, pintle, shackles, etc...)
• [maybe] recessed receiver 4" or more above centered one... to be used with a special extension of 2' that slides into this receiver AND the other front-facing, to give 2' of distance having this additional receiver would give me added strength. (I do plan to build a 3-6' telescoping boom so I don't need this too long, but I do like having the option of sliding in a 2' extender for some reach.)
• trailer\tie down on each side of receiver
• receiver going directly left (On bottom of quick attach plate) <-- so I can add out riggers for stability, hang my gambrel on when gutting and skinning, etc...
• receiver going directly right (on bottom of quick attach plate) <-- so I can add out riggers for stability, hang my gambrel on when gutting and skinning, etc...
• 2x 2 Ton hooks (the large style) on left\right of receiver
• 2-4x 3\8\|5\16 Chain Hooks (2 vertical, 2 horizontal is my thought)'
• [maybe] hand crank winch on top\back of the quick attach plate

Any suggestions? Or things you wish you had done to yours?

 

[sea2summit]

Drill a 3/4” hole in one of your forks, drop a ball in when you need it?

Added a receiver to mine only because I wanted to use it as a bale spear as well.

 

[Vigo327]

Well, far be it from me to discourage a tractor attachment fab project as those tend to be my favorite threads to read. However..

Considering how often forks come in handy, I would actually consider just building this attachment.. for the forks!

IF your tractor can handle all the expected trailer tongue weights out at the end of the forks anyway, I would make a 'slip on' attachment for the forks with fork channels that would do all those things. Build it at the width you generally use the forks at anyway. As far as the 3 hitch receivers, I just cut up an unused trailer hitch that I dont even know what vehicle it was for, but it was a straight 2.5" square tube crossbar. Once you cut the end brackets off of it it kind of already has receivers facing out both sides, just add pin holes. Easy enough to make your own anyway, though. Add whatever other hooks/rings etc you want.

All you'd really need to do to secure it is drill 1 hole in each fork and weld a twist-lock plunger pin thing on top of the attachment to drop into that hole. Could even just be one of those T handle pins if you don't care about retention other than gravity (why would it come out?). Or, if you make this thing at least have one section long enough to reach to the base end of your forks, you could just throw a chain/strap around the fork frame, or even make it go into the existing receiver on the frame (but use 1.5" square tube so its an easy fit.. all it has to do is keep the thing from sliding off the forks, not support bending). Or.. put a loop around the back of the forks like fork extensions have on them.

This way you could drop it just as easily as an SSQA plate, but then NOT have to put your forks back on because they never came off. It would not let things slide up/down the forks like lifting directly from forks would (with strap/chain etc) and it would also not need as much length built into it because it already includes the length of the forks that are already there. The only part that needs to be 'long' is a skinny piece to go all the way back to your fork frame, and that's only if you'd rather tie to that than drill a couple holes in your forks (or maybe just one hole in one fork?!) and pin through the fork. You have to extend a trailer hitch off an SSQA plate a good ways anyway just to be able to see it past the plate.

If you look up 'forklift jib crane' or 'forklift trailer mover' you might gather up some design elements you'd like to end up using.

Just a thought!

Also.. I've long intended to add fork pockets to the bottom of my engine hoist crane... haven't done it yet..

 

[George2615]

I made a trailer mover to attach to my 3 pt quick hitch. Works very well. I don't have a gooseneck trailer so didn't make it with a ball on top.
For lifting things I usually use my forks or I can lift with the bucket by hanging a chain between two hooks welded to my bucket.

 

[TWD]

Well, far be it from me to discourage a tractor attachment fab project as those tend to be my favorite threads to read. However..

Considering how often forks come in handy, I would actually consider just building this attachment.. for the forks!

IF your tractor can handle all the expected trailer tongue weights out at the end of the forks anyway, I would make a 'slip on' attachment for the forks with fork channels that would do all those things. Build it at the width you generally use the forks at anyway. As far as the 3 hitch receivers, I just cut up an unused trailer hitch that I dont even know what vehicle it was for, but it was a straight 2.5" square tube crossbar. Once you cut the end brackets off of it it kind of already has receivers facing out both sides, just add pin holes. Easy enough to make your own anyway, though. Add whatever other hooks/rings etc you want.

All you'd really need to do to secure it is drill 1 hole in each fork and weld a twist-lock plunger pin thing on top of the attachment to drop into that hole. Could even just be one of those T handle pins if you don't care about retention other than gravity (why would it come out?). Or, if you make this thing at least have one section long enough to reach to the base end of your forks, you could just throw a chain/strap around the fork frame, or even make it go into the existing receiver on the frame (but use 1.5" square tube so its an easy fit.. all it has to do is keep the thing from sliding off the forks, not support bending). Or.. put a loop around the back of the forks like fork extensions have on them.

This way you could drop it just as easily as an SSQA plate, but then NOT have to put your forks back on because they never came off. It would not let things slide up/down the forks like lifting directly from forks would (with strap/chain etc) and it would also not need as much length built into it because it already includes the length of the forks that are already there. The only part that needs to be 'long' is a skinny piece to go all the way back to your fork frame, and that's only if you'd rather tie to that than drill a couple holes in your forks (or maybe just one hole in one fork?!) and pin through the fork. You have to extend a trailer hitch off an SSQA plate a good ways anyway just to be able to see it past the plate.

If you look up 'forklift jib crane' or 'forklift trailer mover' you might gather up some design elements you'd like to end up using.

Just a thought!

Also.. I've long intended to add fork pockets to the bottom of my engine hoist crane... haven't done it yet..

That was my initial thought and plan, but the fork attachment itself (not the forks) I have isn't exactly the strongest or thickest material and I do move trailers with enough weight that I'm not comfortable using a fork to do that kind of moving as my forks are over 48" too, and I also work in pretty tight places. My fork attachment has hooks\loops already so I've got that covered minimally too

 

[TWD]

Drill a 3/4” hole in one of your forks, drop a ball in when you need it?

Added a receiver to mine only because I wanted to use it as a bale spear as well.

Aside from the issue of my forks being too long, and trailers too heavy to make that a viable option I need to use it for lifting and moving more things than just a trailer.

 

[TWD]

I made a trailer mover to attach to my 3 pt quick hitch. Works very well. I don't have a gooseneck trailer so didn't make it with a ball on top.
For lifting things I usually use my forks or I can lift with the bucket by hanging a chain between two hooks welded to my bucket.

Thanks for the feedback! I too use my bucket and\or fork attachment currently but it's gotten to the point I've ran into situations repeatedly where I have issues and have to rig it up and make it work... which is fine, but at this point I'm thinking I need to save time and be a bit safer

Thank you for posting pictures!

 

[LouNY]

I have a SSQA plate with a cat 2 quick hitch and a 2" receiver in it;

 

[Dmacleo]

is your 3pt often covered by backhoe?
or is this case where you need more lift height than 3pt does?

 

[WM75Guy]

I didn't make it, I bought it. It works great for moving trailers around. I have multiple ball mounts for it. I use a pintle hook mount with slings to move some stuff around.

 

[Xfaxman]

Any suggestions?

You might get some ideas from this one: Skid Steer Dual Hitch Receiver | Eterra

I have one:

Saved this picture from Daniel Mfg. but have not needed to make the boom yet:

 

[LouNY]

is your 3pt often covered by backhoe?
or is this case where you need more lift height than 3pt does?

I built it for very precise backing of a couple of trailers and for setting implements into my little shop.
It has a standard garage door and the cab will not allow me to back in with anything.
This way it's easier to back in a trailer that has 2" clearance on each side or to squeeze a 9 ft blade thru an 8 ft door.
I have also used it with a blade or york rake to reach in under low limbs and such.

 

[Vigo327]

Ok, with 48" forks I can see the desire to shrink it down a bit, and if you have trailers with tongue weights that you're not comfortable having on the end of the forks.. yeah those are heavy. Back to your original plan.

I don't have much to add to the actual 'receiver' part of the equation, it should be a fairly simple build. I think building the 'boom' you mentioned is probably where you want to put more brainpower to make sure you never have a failure. I think a boom that engages two 2" receivers on on top of each other (probably 8"+ apart?) should be strong enough for most things. Do you already have a piece from something else you could use to make this thing, or will the boom be made from scratch? Engine hoists and truck bed cranes, game lifts etc usually have multiple length settings with clear markings for weight capacity at each setting and are pretty easy to figure out the dimensions of what they're made out of to give you an idea of what's necessary to hit 'retail ready' levels of safety margin.

One thing you might want to do first is figure out how long you want it to be, and then figure out what your loader's lift capacity is at that distance, so that you can build the thing sufficiently strong without OVER building it for the strength you'll actually have at that distance. I would guess at the end of 5 or 6 feet from the pins you'd have no more than 1000lbs and maybe less. If that's the case you might even consider leaving the boom idea off the hitch piece and.. sorry if im gonna sound like a broken record now, but.. put it on your forks in the form of fork extensions. You have 4ft forks which means you could easily get 6ft extensions and put a crossbar bolted between the extensions with your sling/schackle/hooks on that. If you unbolted the crossbar you'd also have fork extensions..

 

[TWD]

is your 3pt often covered by backhoe?
or is this case where you need more lift height than 3pt does?

Correct. Backhoe... and I use it a lot, so much that I've never removed it since I've owned it, and I can't convince myself to get a 3pt chipper knowing I'll need the backhoe at that same time while doing tree work :/

Ok, with 48" forks I can see the desire to shrink it down a bit, and if you have trailers with tongue weights that you're not comfortable having on the end of the forks.. yeah those are heavy. Back to your original plan.

I don't have much to add to the actual 'receiver' part of the equation, it should be a fairly simple build. I think building the 'boom' you mentioned is probably where you want to put more brainpower to make sure you never have a failure. I think a boom that engages two 2" receivers on on top of each other (probably 8"+ apart?) should be strong enough for most things. Do you already have a piece from something else you could use to make this thing, or will the boom be made from scratch? Engine hoists and truck bed cranes, game lifts etc usually have multiple length settings with clear markings for weight capacity at each setting and are pretty easy to figure out the dimensions of what they're made out of to give you an idea of what's necessary to hit 'retail ready' levels of safety margin.

One thing you might want to do first is figure out how long you want it to be, and then figure out what your loader's lift capacity is at that distance, so that you can build the thing sufficiently strong without OVER building it for the strength you'll actually have at that distance. I would guess at the end of 5 or 6 feet from the pins you'd have no more than 1000lbs and maybe less. If that's the case you might even consider leaving the boom idea off the hitch piece and.. sorry if im gonna sound like a broken record now, but.. put it on your forks in the form of fork extensions. You have 4ft forks which means you could easily get 6ft extensions and put a crossbar bolted between the extensions with your sling/schackle/hooks on that. If you unbolted the crossbar you'd also have fork extensions..

Scratch, and overkill and this will likely be a small 'boom' for the receiver(s), and I'll build another in the future on a dedicated quick attach plate... I'm thinking for 5-8' to move stuff <1000lbs that I need more reach... like getting a pig out of fenced in area w\out having to remove hog panels What I'd REALLY like to find is a small hydraulic winch to utilize for lifting things up too... that's something I'll have to keep an eye out for, not wanting to spend much for a nice to have

 

[Dmacleo]

Correct. Backhoe... and I use it a lot, so much that I've never removed it since I've owned it, and I can't convince myself to get a 3pt chipper knowing I'll need the backhoe at that same time while doing tree work :/

then I, keep in mind this is just a guess, would use a plate type mount as others have mentioned. lot of good ideas in that manner mentioned.
fork/bolt on stuff just plain stress your bucket.
plate style would prob protect you more.
keep in mind I am talking out of my butt here, not had to deal with this scenario myself. just an opinion.

 

[MIkeWard]

first pic palletforks.com

second pic palletforks.com

 

[sd455dan]

Correct. Backhoe... and I use it a lot, so much that I've never removed it since I've owned it, and I can't convince myself to get a 3pt chipper knowing I'll need the backhoe at that same time while doing tree work :/


Scratch, and overkill and this will likely be a small 'boom' for the receiver(s), and I'll build another in the future on a dedicated quick attach plate... I'm thinking for 5-8' to move stuff <1000lbs that I need more reach... like getting a pig out of fenced in area w\out having to remove hog panels What I'd REALLY like to find is a small hydraulic winch to utilize for lifting things up too... that's something I'll have to keep an eye out for, not wanting to spend much for a nice to have

I added a receiver to an old New Holland skid steer forks mount
I left the rear vertical tubing and have ideas for a single easy mount log grapple and or a pole lift -maybe,
works for moving trailers so far also put a hole in the 3rd (spare) fork for moving/lifting things
Also mounted my 12k HF winch on a receiver insert but have not tried it on this fork mount yet
also planning a fifth wheel trailer hitch lift for this

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[Vigo327]

Well as for a winch, I have one of the $59 Harbor Freight ATV winches I have used for a bunch of stuff. It's not that strong single line but i run it double line with a small pulley and it will do whatever i've asked it to. I have not pulled a full size vehicle out of a mud hole or anything but I've pulled all kinds of vehicles up trailer ramps and have never had one roll backward on me. One nice thing is it already includes a wireless remote which is good if you don't want to add your own. I suspect it can lift 1000 lbs straight up pretty easily with doubled line and hold it there. Of course I said something like this somewhere else and got a lecture about a winch vs a hoist, holding brake blah blah. Attempt at your own risk.

 

[Cycledude]

I have store bought rack for pallet forks and it also has built in receiver for mounting a hitch but I’ve never installed any type of hitch because it’s very obvious to me that it would be very difficult to use by myself because of the very limited visibility for hooking up to any kind of trailer.
But I also don’t have a rear mount backhoe so it’s usually very easy to hookup most things at the rear of my tractor.

 

[true temper]