adapting old forklift forks to 210 loader

[megotatractor]

The warehouse where I work upgraded last year to a newer forklift and the old allis chalmers unit still sits rusting outside. I'm looking at procuring the forks and having a weld shop build me a fork unit to quickk attach to the 210 loader. I don't want to use the original slider rack for weight reasons and complication of removing it from the forktruck. (two retaining bolts and the forks slide right off) I'm thiking a square frame to weld the fork to in a fixed position and the necesary hooks and pins to attach it. Any suggestions? This is mainly for moving tree trunks and branches around, and maybe even an occasional pallet?

 

[kennyd]

Here is a LINK to a set I made a while ago. This may give you some ideas.

 

[keeney]

It will be handy to retain the ability to slide the forks to various widths, so instead of welding them directly on, contemplate matching the sliding mechanism they are designed for, typically either a round bar, or sometimes a pair of 1/2" thick flats top and bottom. I like the style with the flats as they are hooked in at the bottom as well as top and can be used to push on things without the fork flipping up.

Not sure how big the forks you are looking at are, but on my 410 loader on my 4100, a slightly larger machine, I find that the 36" forks I got off a small walk-behind lift machine are a good size.

Also, when designing the frame, you may wish to consider adding a bit more roll-back. My 410 loader at ground level has the quick-attach nearly vertical. With forks, you often wish to tip something back a bit to keep it from rolling off before you lift it. I added about 6" of space bewteen the bottom of the fork and the plate with the hole in it on the loader arms.

I will post some photos later this weekend of my home-made quick-attach frame as I will be using the forks to move my dock out of the lake.

- Rick

 

[Glenn9643]

When I "adapted" mine from an old forklift I included the mast the forks attach to, and welded the Quick Attach to the mast. It's been worthwhile to be able to slide the forks depending on what you want to do. Slide them together and you've got a great shovel about 9" wide to dig up small trees, etc. for transplanting. You'll also need to move them occasionally for various lifting requirements.