bucket forks,strap ons

[escavader]

Well I made some forks for my tractor.I was copying the std clamp on design posted here,and i actually finished them.I ddidnt like the design after i tryed them.I couldnt put them all the way to the outside edge,because it interfeared with the t handle.The forks tended to want to move slightly during tightening,they still would shift[tips]side to side a little.
So what to do?cut off the t handle?,lengthen or use a nut and wrench?bolt on? After sleeping on it ,i decided to strap on.I only had one comealong,thats out.I welded a chain on and tryed my chain binder,too cumbersome,too much added weight.What about my 4 ft 3000 lb straps i use to hold atvs on the trailer.IT worked slick!! It held them tighter than the first clamp on design.Heres a pic of the testing.Just a few seconds to clamp on,and no scratching up the buckets like with chain or cable.I do realize some wont like the idea,because of strap failure possibilitys etc,but they make some pretty rugged ratchet straps,if one should have a tractor with more lift capacity than mine.I thrashed them pretty good,all was fine.My primary use is to haul dead logs,brush,too put things up in the door overhead in the garage,it out to be great for that!If i was to haul something real important ,like say an appliance.,i might add a safety like a c clamp on each for a peace of mind.I think its a good answer to light weight bucket forks,thought id share.
ALAN

 

[escavader]

another

 

[escavader]

well tbn is screwed up wont let me show different pics,keeps saying post already exists???????????? ill try again another time with the painted off tractor pics
ALAN

 

[npaden]

Looks like it has potential to me. Give us the details when you get a chance.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I built a pair of forks as well. I used old 6" wide fork lift forks that were 60" long. I think I might be the first to actually get it done with a toothbar in place as well. I use chains and chain binder as the breakout force on my bucket if somewhat over 4500 lbs lift. I tried it out on a 8 foot section of 15 inch concrete culvert (the guys told me it weighed about 1000 lbs. Picked it clean off the ground, rolled the bucket back to make it rest in the "crade" moved it about 100 yards and deposited it in a small creek for bridge purposes. Rolled right off into the correct position. I would put pictures (I have some, but can't figure out how to load them--too large I guess. Can someone put up a GOOD tutorial on how to upload pictures that will actully be large enough to see detail?? Thanks, BobG in VA

 

[escavader]

heres a picof the painted forks,It is pretty self explainitory.A couple loops of chain welded on the rear to hook the strap to,a peice of channel,with a hole drilled in it for the ratchet.I also have a couple of flats on the bottom to keep them level with the bucket[the cutting edge hangs down]I can put them any where in the bucket ,without scratching the back of the bucket up,and i think that buy wraping around the bucket,will keep it from beNding somewhere.I tryed them out yesterday they work great!
ALAN

 

[pat32rf]

When I had my old Kub, I picked the spacing I wanted, then ran 2" angle iron between the forks at the rear and welded it up solid. Held them in place with 3/4" bolts thru the bucket to a captive nut(welded in place). Worked great for logs, pallets etc /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DanR67]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( .... I would put pictures (I have some, but can't figure out how to load them--too large I guess. Can someone put up a GOOD tutorial on how to upload pictures that will actully be large enough to see detail?? Thanks, BobG in VA )</font>

BobG -

Go to this website and download the freeware utility Pixresizer .

The program is quite simple - simply set the "Output" size to 600 x 400 (or smaller) and the pictures should be below the 100 kB attachment limit on TBN.

I use Pixresizer to "downsample" the digital pictures from my camera before I upload them to my website (well - at least SOME of them /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) - and it can do a whole folders' worth in just a few seconds.

After you have "downsampled" an image - just right-click on the file in Windows Explorer and click "Properties" - make sure that it's less than 100 kb - and you should be able to attach the file with no problems when you post.

Cheers,

Dan

PS Escavader: Nice forks! Sorry to "hijack" the thread... D

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. Bobg in Va

 

[jinman]

Alan, I'm not sure how your bucket forks actually attach to the edge of your bucket. I thought I did until the last painted photo and now I'm confused. Can you show a close-up of how they fit over the edge?

My forks have a V-groove that fits over the edge and you don't even need the chain and binders to support weight. The chain and binders just keep the forks from slipping off the loader's cutting edge. A ratchet strap would work just as well. A photo of my forks is attached.