1430 Forks

menchhofer · Aug 9, 2005

Just ordered mini hoe and LMB for my 1430. Wanted the forks also but $1200 seemed too high even though they were adjustable.

Took a pic of the 425 forks to a welding shop and they told me they could make identical forks, 42 inches long for a total of $150.00 including all material. I figure this was a deal. Went ahead and ordered an attachment plate for the "future forks."

Just thought I would pass this along just in case anyone else was thinking about making a set of forks for either 425 or 1430, or whatever.

bbabineau · Aug 9, 2005

The most recently quoted price from PT for the 1430 forks is $1600 so your price at $150 plus the plate at $175 is a deal.

I got a quote from a supplier of skid steer attachments to attach a mini max pallet fork to a 1430 plate for $700 so it would cost a total of $875 with the plate. I thought that a better alternative than $1600 from PT but I like your pricing better.

Keep us informed how it comes out and perhaps supply pictures so I can take them to a local welding shop.

Thanks for the information.

Highridge · Aug 9, 2005

I agree that $1200 is very high. Sometime I'll have some made for less.

P.S. you'll love the minihoe! It is a great attachment!

MossRoad · Aug 9, 2005

Another good source for adjustable forks is.... a forklift shop. There are several around here that deal in used equipment. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RegL · Aug 9, 2005

I found a set of skid steer forks at a farm auction for a couple hundred and had quick attach welded on.

Gravy · Aug 9, 2005

I recommend checking forklift shops, too. I got a set of used 32" 2500lb. rated forks from a local forklift shop for under $100. The downside is that they are a good bit heavier than they need to be for a PT425, especially with the way I overbuilt the carriage. They'd probably be great for a 14xx series machine. I could have gotten the matching carriage for about $50, but I think it must have weighed at least 150 lbs.

Dave

KentT · Aug 9, 2005

Has anyone tried the clamp-on bucket forks on a PT bucket?

I understand that they're a big compromise, moving the weight farther forward, but the price is right...

J_J · Aug 9, 2005

I built these from a small fork lift. They are adjustable and can lift 4800 lbs. will never bend. I also cut one inch holes in the ends to put a 2 in ball for moving trailers . I also welded a reciever in the center.

SnowRidge · Aug 10, 2005

Nice looking forks. I wish the PT-425 forks were adjustable like that. Oh well, can't have everything.

stray · Aug 10, 2005

Yes, nice looking forks. I love the color of the one on the left. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

MossRoad · Aug 10, 2005

<font color="blue"> I love the color of the one on the left. </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

menchhofer · Aug 13, 2005

I will look around for a fork lift shop.

I went back to the welder with some pics I took of adjustable forks for a Ditchwitch mini skid I saw at a rental company.

Welder told me he could make them for about $700 for it will take about 10 hours of work plus material. Still not too bad on the pricing....I am debating whether to go with the adjustable forks now or the more simple non-adjustable type.
Still, the 700.00 is a far cry from the $1600 Powertac charges.

Gravy · Aug 13, 2005

I would think you could beat that $700 by a good bit. From what I've seen, at least in my neck of the woods, forks are by no means an endangered species. I paid under $100 for mine.

I built my carriage from nothing more than an attachment plate, two pieces of sturdy angle iron, and a short piece of flat bar. It took me 3 or 4 hours, and I'm no professional welder. A real welder should be able to do it in half that time.

With the cost of the attachment plate and steel stock, mine still cost less than $300 in materials. I could have saved nearly another $100 by building my own attachment plate.

I'm not sure where I put the photo files, but if you search for the "Meet Kermit" thread, there's a photo or two that might help.

The difference between that $700 estimate and the materials cost could buy you a decent basic arc welding outfit, if you're so inclined. If you figure it at the PT $1600 price, you could probably take a welding class, and buy a torch setup and a chop saw, too...

Whatever you decide on, enjoy it!

Gravy

menchhofer · Aug 16, 2005

Here is my tale with regards to locating used forks.

Went to two different fork lift companies the other day. 1st place did not have anything so called another. He told me on the phone the cost for a set of class 2 forks would be 650.00 so, forget that one.

Went to other location and found and old adjustable fork set up on a battery powered fork lift. Capacity 1,000 lbs. for 200.00. Sold. The person there informed me used forks were going for $300 a set now that steel prices have gone up. She tried to sell me a set of class 2 forks but I thought that would be overkill as I can only lift 1200 lbs with the 1430...they are a little small, but I think they will work and I am having the attachment plate installed.

Forks 200.00 plate 175.00 plate installation 45.00 I guess the total isn't too bad. Better than the 1600 and even less than my low price of having a set made of 700.00

Thanks for everyone's input.

J_J · Aug 16, 2005

How small are the forks? If you need extensions, they can be made from 2X6 steel with open center, with a taper on the end.

Did you get the adjustable forks and 16 in rack?

Good luck on your project.

menchhofer · Aug 16, 2005

Forks are 36". The entire carrriage is about 34 x 20 or so. They are adjustable so that will be nice. The idea of extending the forks seems reasonable if I find it is needed.

funpilot · Aug 22, 2005

I see forks for $380.00 on PT's price list. What gives?

menchhofer · Aug 23, 2005

The forks you mentioned are fixed and for a 425. Lift capacity is 800 lbs vs. 1200 for the 1430.

J_J · Aug 30, 2005

How did your home made forks turn out? I use one of mine to move trailers. If you can, torch a 3/4 or 1 in hole in the end of the fork and you have a hitch/ball assembly. You can also plunge one fork or both forks into the ground to dig out plants, or roots. You can also pull engines with it, using a chain hung around the ball. You can also move all sizes planter box, square or round. There are many uses for the forks, and I am sure you will come up with more uses.

menchhofer · Aug 30, 2005

Forks did turn out only alright. I connected them to the PT just the other day and I seem to have the adapting plate in the wrong position. I forgot to think about that.
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. I should have notice as the grapple bucket as it sits on the ground the plate angles away from the quick attachment a bit.

Thanks for asking. When I get it set properly I will post pics.