1430 Forks

[MossRoad]

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

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[menchhofer]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[menchhofer]

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

 

[J_J]

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]

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.