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[Matt_Meiser]

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[Willl]

Nice job Matt.

I've been a little leery of using forks like that.
I fear I would over load them and bend the heck out of my cutting edge.

Is this a concern of yours as well ?

 

[MadReferee]

Yes, bucket forks can easily be overloaded. The typical forks that are made from 4.10 bar channel (approx 3" x 1.5") will lift over 1500 lbs which is way more than the average small CUT loader can lift.

I would be very careful with forks like the one made by the original poster. From the picture it looks like 1.5" x 1/8" tube was used. This narrow fork will put a lot of stress on the bucket. A wider fork is much better at spreading out the load.

 

[escavader]

They are 2" x 1/8" tube. I'm not really concerned about bending the edge as I believe JD rates the bucket at 400lbs. And putting that weight further out reduces the rating as well. The main use these will see is moving brush, etc.

MATT,
You built yours very similar to mine.I will suggest however run your straps all the way around the bucket and hook to your loop handles.They will hold just as well ,as well as transfer some of the load through out the whole bucket. I have never bent my bucket,even after lots of use with maximum loads.Excellent job on the forks!!
ALAN

 

[oscer]

Nice job Matt, I also made a similar set, cant take credit for the design though Dave Miller told me how he made his and I followed his advise. Mine attach with a chain and binder,it holds them in place really well but it's hard to get the tension right. You have to move the end of the chain side to side on top of the bucket to get it where you can lock the binder. I like the way the angle iron on the lead edge of the bucket is low and leaves the bucket open. Maybe your strap idea would solve my tension problem. Does it seem tight enough to keep them from moving sideways?
I tried to attach pics but I don't think it worked.

 

[Egon]

The main use these will see is moving brush, etc.

You may consider adding some prongs to the top of the bucket so a log can't roll back and sit in your lap.

 

[Tractors4u]

Nothing to do with your forks, I like the old gas pump. Is it a decoration only or do you have it connected to a tank?

 

[California]

I made these forks and posted this photo a couple of months ago.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...0d1157264776-pallet-forks-p1030820rforks1.jpg

The chain I used at the back has links close enough so I can usually find the right amount of tension, and twisting it can give some fine tuning.

Not shown here, I later added a small piece of angle iron on each side to separate the cutting edge from the front chain.

Those are 3/8", 5400 lb binders in the photo but now I use 1/4", 2600 lb ones which seem sufficient.

My loader's lift capacity is maybe 800 - 900 lbs (guess) but the curl is far less. I've learned I need all of a heavy load within the closer half of a pallet or I can't curl it.

 

[oscer]

Still tryin to post pic

 

[oscer]

Here are the pictures I've been trying to send since sunday. at least I think there here.