Another set of forks for BX and beyond

[TobyH]

Here are my forks that were directly inspired by MadReferee - Thanks Mad! I stopped by a scrap yard and they had five pieces of 4" channel that I picked up with some flat steel for $35. I still have two 5' pieces left.

The forks are 43" total length - just because that's how long the channels were. About 11" extends under the bucket. I have since welded T handles to the bolts so a wrench is not needed and have painted them Kubota Orange from TSC, which doesn't match. So after our Indian Winter I'll try MF Orange and see if that matches a little better. Post more pics then.

 

[escavader]

That looks pretty good TOBEY H. I like the back rest ,i might add that to mine.I would add a triangular shape reinforcement piece to the top of the part that your tightening bolt is in.It would keep it from flexing,or bending under a load,and eliminating the chance of a fork loosening up,just a suggestion.I think you will find lots of uses for forks,i know i do.CHEVROLET ENGINE orange color sold at wally world is a close match,to our bxs.
ALAN

 

[TobyH]

Funny you should mention the reinforcement piece. I had thought of exactly the same thing. The current setup holds the forks in place but pulling away from a pallet tends to make them slip a little. A small brace would probably add a little more pressure.

 

[JOELENAHAN]

I would also agree with welding a gusset in the described area. It will definately reinforce the plate that holds your tightening screw. Good job on your build, I am sure that you will find many uses for your forks.

 

[ddonnell]

Toby,

You could weld nuts for your T-bolts to the inside of the bucket and crank 'em down that way (they'll get filled with dirt though - requires cleanout), or better yet, drill through the bucket (I know most people don't like to do that, but you can easily patch weld these - I just welded in a couple of holes on my bucket yesterday) and weld a couple of nuts underneath.

Inside the bucket - no leakage if you are transporting a lot of liquid.


Underneath the bucket - easy cleanout of dirt in the nut, but could leak if you are transporting buckets of of liquid. Also the nut could scrape on smooth surfaces at level angle. Unless you are using your bucket on a lot of asphalt or concrete where the underneath nut might pose a problem, I'd suggest this way because you have the thickness of the bucket added to the threads of the nut for strength.

You definately could have slippage/bending problems with the setup you have now, guaranteed. JMO.

 

[Chuck K.]

Really nice may build some myself thanks.. Chuck.

 

[RichT]

Made these forks for my BX22...the second pic shows a 460lbs Quincy compressor being moved about with the forks.

 

[TobyH]

Hey, Rich, do those little plates you have your bolts clamping down on help keep the forks from slipping around? Mine bounce around and move out of line as I drive around. I've considered some of the suggestions posted here but I hate drilling or welding my bucket.