3 - Point Fork Attachment

airrj · Jul 7, 2015

I have a new project for a friend that I am starting to design.

He has a 60 hp Kubota tractor with a Cat. II 3-point hitch that is rated for 3000#. He also has a 200 gallon skid mount sprayer that he has used for several years. The skid has been mounted on an old re-welded time and time again 3-point Carry-All.

Two things recently happened. First, the Carry-All snapped in half again at the point of one of the old welded on patches. Second, he was given a pair of 3500# forklift forks. A major score.

So, my task is to build a lifting 3-point attachment to carry the sprayer with the forks.

This is a similar style of sprayer:

This is the style of forks that he has:

Here are my first thoughts on a design for the frame.

The plan is a 2" solid bar across the top for the forks to hang from. The bar will go through each of the four vertical plates rather than just a butt weld. The verticals are 1/2" x 6" HRS. The two horizontal members will be 8" x 13.75# C-Channel. This C-Channel is 2-3/8" deep and the web is .3" thick.

The 3 - point hitch is 32" wide and 24" tall. The mounting points are shown by the little orange marks on the drawings.

Any thoughts? Too overbuilt for the application? Too light weight? All of the sizing has been by seat of the pants engineering. But if you saw the piece that was carrying this sprayer before, you would be amazed that it worked for 2 years. I have a large steel order going in this month, so I have to order steel soon, however the project won't likely be built until fall.

Thanks for your help.

R.J.

Bender1 · Jul 7, 2015

I wouldn't weld the 2" bar. I would leave it about 1" long on both ends and pin it in place. That way you could remove the forks, because it seems kind of a waste to use those forks on a 3 point.

Xfaxman · Jul 7, 2015

I agree, don't weld the bar. All that I have had were removable.

Not 3 point, but the frames might give you some ideas. If you want to get creative, make it fit both ends.

This is the first one that I had, note the bar is in a vertical slot. The forks will set flat if the pallet is not on the same angle as the machine. Unbolt the plate to remove the bar.

jmc · Jul 7, 2015

I think it's definitely strong enough, but since you asked, there is a good chance that the frame is too heavy for the assembly to stand upright when it's off the tractor. This will make storing and re-mounting it more difficult.

And since you are starting with a clean sheet of paper, take Xfaxman's suggestion on making it fit the loader too.

airrj · Jul 7, 2015

Thanks for the input folks. I will keep looking at the bar retention and size. And the owner already has a nice QA forks for the loader, so these will be just for the 3-point.

jmc, I was looking at the balance of the unit. I think it will be stored with the sprayer on it most of the time, but I was thinking about some sort of kick stand on the back of it to keep the unit upright when off the tractor.

Retired LE · Jul 12, 2015

I built something similar for my three point. I used a couple of forged forklift forks and a fork lift carriage that I welded the three point brackets to. Works great.

Mendonsy · Jul 12, 2015

Here's an old thread you might want to look at. It may give you some ideas.
converting fel forks to 3ph

Rustyiron · Jul 12, 2015

Not sure I've ever regretted "overbuilding" something. Looks like a fine design there.:thumbsup:
As mentioned, make the 2" bar removable (replaceable) I've bent one before, and in a "slot" several 3 inches tall to allow for movement aligning up with your load on uneven ground. I would be suprised if it only get's used for that sprayer tank.