Adding 3ph brackets to pallet fork frame-apprciate your ideas and comment

jodebg · Apr 13, 2016

I have a set of Bradco pallet forks and would like to use them on
my 3ph, as well. The goal is to make the bracket removable, strong,
and as light as possible.

I put together a wooden model to come up with some ideas.

The bracket will attach with 6 bolts. I'll also be adding additional
diagonal supports on the upper frame.

There are 3 holes for mounting the top link. The top hole has normal rollback
and is placed at 18" above the lower links. When the top link is mounted
in the bottom hole, there is no rollback-flat lift.

Your comments and ideas will be welcome. And thanks to Leejohn
for all his help in this process.

I've also added a chain lock to the top so that I can use the frame
as a log skid.
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CDN Farm Boy · Apr 14, 2016

Looks like you are thinking it thru well. Wood is so much quicker and cheaper for mockup.

I would consider lowering the mounts unless you expect to need a fair bit more droop to the 3pt to get the forks lower than the rear tires (like you might with the blade of a skidding winch digging in as anchor). Also, set your pin spacing that they will fit with a standard quick hitch for the if/when you get one if you don't already have it. I know 18" vertical wouldn't fit with mine. My stuff is all set at 15"

Will you have to unbolt the new mounts to use it with your loader? It would be great if you could have both sets of mounts on it all the time.

amigauser · Apr 14, 2016

I know you want to fabricate something but I also own Bradco q/a forks for the front and I purchased this Titan one for the rear - Titan 3 Point Hitch Pallet Fork Attachment Category 1 Tractor Carryall 3pt PF | eBay. Cheaper on eBay then direct on their web site. I have moved pallets with slate etc. with them and no issues to date.

jodebg · Apr 14, 2016

Looks like you are thinking it thru well. Wood is so much quicker and cheaper for mockup.
**Especially if you (I) can't weld!

I would consider lowering the mounts unless you expect to need a fair bit more droop to the 3pt to get the forks lower than the rear tires (like you might with the blade of a skidding winch digging in as anchor).
**My lift arms lower to 12 5/8" off the ground. I set the lower brackets and pins at 14" on the frame to be able to use the forks at ground level and slightly below-depending on grade.

Also, set your pin spacing that they will fit with a standard quick hitch for the if/when you get one if you don't already have it.
**What is the pin spacing for a quick hitch? I set the lower brackets at 24" to the outside surfaces of the brackets. This gave me the 26" spacing at
the center of the lift arms.

I know 18" vertical wouldn't fit with mine. My stuff is all set at 15"
**My lowest hole is 15" and here the forks have a flat lift-total of 1/2" rollback from bottom to top.

Will you have to unbolt the new mounts to use it with your loader? It would be great if you could have both sets of mounts on it all the time.
**My plan was to unbolt and remove to reduce weight when in use on the fel. But, it will fit on the fel with the bracket.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

jodebg · Apr 14, 2016

Hi Norman. I was just thinking of you today. Planning on using the ratchet rake this weekend.
I had my neighbor cut off 2 teeth and move the mounting bracket. It now fits the bucket perfectly.
What else are you selling??

By making this bracket I will reduce my total expense, increase my lift capacity, add a log skid into the mix, and most important....
eliminate another bulky attachment to store. This will make my wife happy!
That's why I headed in this direction. Plus, it's always a challenge and fun to design something for the tractor.

amigauser said:
I know you want to fabricate something but I also own Bradco q/a forks for the front and I purchased this Titan one for the rear - Titan 3 Point Hitch Pallet Fork Attachment Category 1 Tractor Carryall 3pt PF | eBay. Cheaper on eBay then direct on their web site. I have moved pallets with slate etc. with them and no issues to date.

amigauser · Apr 14, 2016

Glad the ratchet rake is working out for you. You can never have to many attachments

CDN Farm Boy · Apr 15, 2016

My quick hitch is 26" on the inside of the lower hooks. I think the SAE spec is 25.75".

If your arms only drop to 12 5/8" then the 14" you are set at is decent, actually it's not quite high enough to get a quick hitch under. Most of them you need a 2-3 inch difference but that's easily overcome by unhooking it on top of something like a 2x4 or pallet. My arms drop to 8" (or is it 5"?) so that's why I thought yours looked kinda high.

If you use it regularly both front and back, I'm sure you'll quickly find that you'll just leave the brackets on all the time. Glad you though to design it that it clears the loader QA