Brush fork quick-attach ideas

[Sodo]

Hello,

Yesterday I built this brush fork for my B2710. There are two 12" long angle irons bolted to the sides of the bucket, creating a 'slot' in each corner that the brushfork slides in or out. At the moment there is no retainer, if I tip the bucket down the fork slides out.

Looking for ideas how to retain it in those slots. I could put a pin and clip in each side, (thats 4 peices) and takes several operations to accomplish each time, and parts can get lost.

I prefer a single operation, and no parts to lose. I want to be able to jump off the tractor and install/un-install so I can choose either the fork or the bucket with ease.

Ideas? There are ways to do this. I'm sure many members have seen (or created) clever quick-release methods and I hope you're willing to share before I choose a substandard method.

The material is 1x2 x .120 rectangular steel tubing. The welder is a Miller Multimatic 200 running on 120v.

 

[bcp]

My first idea:

Put a sliding or rotating piece of metal on the rear crossbar near each end so it moves behind the angle to stop the forks from sliding forward.

Second:

Fasten a spring hinge on each side fork about 6 inches from the rear. Notch the angle iron about 1/4 or 3/8 deep over it. The spring hinge latches into the notch in the angle iron so the forks stay in.




Bruce

 

[Sodo]

Bruce, both good ideas, I can see them both. Can't get back to this project for a week or so.

Thinking now, at 5 feet wide, and 1/8" clearance, it tends to bind up as it slides in or out. A little dirt or a stick jammed in there and it will probably be "stuck".

I'm thinkin' about cutting the 12" angles short (like 3 inches at the rear) and at the front, just hook over the cutting edge, so it drops in and slides just 3" back instead of 12" back. Then to get it out I could lift UP and wiggle it easier. I'd put gussets in the 3" angle. Then use some arrangement (per bcp) to retain it 'back' to keep it hooked over the cutting edge.

I like the idea of just one "latch" in the center, which is feasible if it hooks on the bucket cutting edge.

 

[gtrippleb]

You could use something like this although they could get in the way of what your carrying.



or this.

carry-on-trailer-trailer-gate-pin-repair-kit

They are used for latching the trailer gate on trailers. There are numerous types available.

 

[Sodo]

Gtripleb that can work too, just have to make some guards around it so it doesn't get bent up.

 

[bigtiller]

Take a few links of chain and weld one link to the brush fork. Bolt the other end of this short chain to the bolt that holds the 12 inch angle to the side of the bucket.

Another way,,,, fill the 1/8 inch gap with dirt and sticks.

 

[torchroadster]

An electromagnet controlled from the dash would be really cool! But if you don't want to do that what about something like a push button quick release pin?

McMaster-Carr

 

[torchroadster]

I'm curious - how are these working for you, and what did you end up with for the attachment?

 

[Sodo]

Funny you should ask today - I'm working on it today. I decided to change things a little. The 12" "slot" is too long and tends to bind up sliding in. No need for that much engagement, it just adds time at instl & removal.

I cut the 12" slot to 4" (just shortened the angle-iron), and added a tab that engages the cutting edge to spped up my "quick release" theme.

Still don't have a 'retainer' worked out, will get that done tomorrow. Hoping for a solution with no loose, fragile or foul-able components.

 

[torchroadster]

Thanks for the update Sodo. The reason I ask is I have started building my own brush forks. Yesterday I finished welding the forks to the back cross bar and am wondering about attachment methods now.

I'm wondering about something like this... CUSTOM BUILT BRUSH FORKS FOR FRONTEND LOADER

 

[Sodo]

Ok here's my current plan. Got a big cleanup job this week so I'm gonna spend hours in the shop to save a few minutes on the job.

After using the fork for some time I've decided to delete the angle irons (no channels). Wiggling the brush fork into channels is unnecessary, it inevitably binds and adds time. I want quick release thats truly quick.

Plan is to use just one lever in the middle of the rear member to engage 2 larger pins/holes at bucket corners. This lever will reside in a well protected area at the rear of the bucket. So the fork will hook over the cutting edge at bucket front corners, & engage a pin/hole at rear corners. The bucket is strong at these locations, a good place to engage.

And no angle irons inside the bucket to hinder cleanout.



The latch is well protected inside the bucket, but vulnerable when not in the bucket. Must be beefy enough for the "rough handling damage" when its not in the bucket.

 

[torchroadster]

That looks pretty slick. I think I will just stick to something simple like drilling two holes in each of the outside forks and through the bucket, then using pins to hold the forks in place. I may need to weld reinforcement plates on the side of the bucket.

I did a test fit last night in the bucket and it seemed to slide in an out pretty easy. My bucket is 60" and I made the fork width 59 3/4". Seems about right. Here is a picture of my progress so far...

 

[Sodo]

Looks good, what is the material size you chose? How long are the tines? If you can make the attach 'symmetrical' you can flip the fork over.

I've made 2 brushforks, both of them "too long" . I have to be a little careful due to the length (with logs) but they carry a lot more brush. First fork I made was for a BX24 which lifts 460lbs. Then I got a B2710 (double the lifting power) but couldn't bring myself to use shorter tines. It's been a few months now (and they are surviving) but I'm certain they are afeared!

Heres another thread with the details of my (new) quick-attach.

 

[torchroadster]

I used 2"x2"x 3/16" material. The tines are just short of 4' long, with 3' protruding from the edge of the bucket. Right now I only plan to use this on brush, not logs.

I thought about the reversability aspect if I can drill the holes symmetrical on both sides, I may try to fab a drill jig to make sure it comes out that way.

Your pin arrangement in the other thread looks pretty slick. You even thought of grease channels! Should work great. I don't foresee a need for quick changes on mine, but you never know.

 

[Sodo]

I used 2"x2"x 3/16" material. The tines are just short of 4' long, with 3' protruding from the edge of the bucket. Right now I only plan to use this on brush, not logs.

Your tines at 2x2x3/16 (section modulus .759) are 2.4 times the strength of my 1x2x.120 (.321)

Your tines should be fine for logs. I have been lifting logs big enough to lift the rear wheels on my B2710 with 450 lbs ballast on the 3-pt hitch.

I've used mine with stick rakes, and then after raking up a pile I have to scoop up small stuff so I need to remove the fork quickly, then put it back quickly.



Heres a pic with the forks on my (sold) BX24