1430 Forks

J_J · Aug 31, 2005

Your statement was correct when you said adjustable forks, I simply misread it as adjustable link

The linkage on my 1430 has three holes. One on each end, and one about 4 in from one end. I supposed it is made that way to compensate for different implements.

KentT · Sep 1, 2005

Top links are available at Tractor Supply, Northern Tool, etc., in addition to any tractor dealer. Of course the dealer will want a lot more money for this $25 part...

MossRoad · Sep 1, 2005

Take your solid link off your PT and take it and the two bolts with you. Go to a tractor supply store and get one that can be adjusted shorter and longer than the one you have. Find a big, beefy one that will still fit where the eyes go on the PT. Then, if needed, step to the isle where they sell sleeves and bushings to insert into the eyes of the new adjustable top link so that your bolts will be snug when you re-install it.

To adjust them, you just loosen the lock nuts on each end ofthe tube and turn the tube with your hands or an extension bar, if needed. One way extends it and the other way shortens it. Then tighten the lock nuts when it gets to the length you need. Very handy for the do it yourself implement maker. Good suggestion, J.J. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Marks481 · Sep 1, 2005

( As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. So, I assume I will need the plate taken off and re-attached at an angle instead of the 90 degrees it is mounted now. I think it will need to be attached at a 30 dgree angle or so. )

Everyone is offerring a solution to a problem that I don't think exists.

The attachment plate will not be at it's lowest possible position when the forks are on tehground, since as you raise the load, you need to tip the attachment plate down to maintain the forks level with the ground.

If the forks were level at the lowest position (eg, the attachment plate welded at a 30 degree angle to the forks), as you raise the forks, the natural change in orientation will cause the forks to tilt skyward.

You don't need to modify the link, or put in an adjustable link. Just practice until you are skilled with keepingthem level with teh ground while raising and lowering.

RegL · Sep 1, 2005

( ( As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. So, I assume I will need the plate taken off and re-attached at an angle instead of the 90 degrees it is mounted now. I think it will need to be attached at a 30 dgree angle or so. )

Everyone is offerring a solution to a problem that I don't think exists.

The attachment plate will not be at it's lowest possible position when the forks are on tehground, since as you raise the load, you need to tip the attachment plate down to maintain the forks level with the ground.

If the forks were level at the lowest position (eg, the attachment plate welded at a 30 degree angle to the forks), as you raise the forks, the natural change in orientation will cause the forks to tilt skyward.

You don't need to modify the link, or put in an adjustable link. Just practice until you are skilled with keepingthem level with teh ground while raising and lowering. )

I think the thing is, Not every one is picking pallets that need to be kept level. The forks are also very useful for picking up logs and brush or even stacks of fence posts,etc. For these purposes you need to be able to tip them back a bit.

menchhofer · Sep 1, 2005

When I get the time I will play around with the forks again. Perhaps I did get a little excited too soon.

Is the mounting plate for the 425 forks mounted at an approx. 90 degree angle?

Marks481 · Sep 2, 2005

( Is the mounting plate for the 425 forks mounted at an approx. 90 degree angle? )

Yes. And even at full lift you can tilt them up above horizontal.

I definitely wouldn't want the mounting plate to fork angle <90, since this would push your load (if it was taller then a pallet) out further away from the body of the tractor, which is never a good thing.

MossRoad · Sep 2, 2005

He said As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. 

You should be able to level the forks at all ranges of travel on the lift arms. If you can't, the adapter plate has been welded on at an incorrect angle. To get it to function correctly at all ranges of the travel of the loader arm you could either cut the adapter plate off and re-weld it at the same angle that the factory forks come with, or use the top link method.

When my lift arms are all the way down, I can tip the forks up several inches from level and down over a foot to dig under bushes and stumps.

When my lift arms are all the way up, I can almost point the forks at the sky and tip them down enough to dump logs onto the tops of piles.

It should have a wide range of motion, but should also be able to be level at all ranges of lift, I would think. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

menchhofer · Sep 2, 2005

I had thought the angle of the plate should be approximately the same angle of the LMB or grapple bucket to insure proper full movement, but I could be wrong. If the 425 forks are mounted about 90 degrees, then they should work thoughout the full range of motion.