DIY FEL forks are surprisingly good

[KYKub]

I got the idea to build DIY forks from someone online (sorry to not give proper credit but I don't remember where I saw it, I don't think it was TBN). I have been surprised just how handy and sturdy they are. Obviously not the answer for heavy duty use, pallets, etc., but I believe they are stout enough to match my small tractor's lift capacity.

A few pieces of scrap 2x4 and a couple of bolts and nuts. Literally a 10-minute job!





Doesn't seem to stress the bucket, but this 200lb mower deck is probably the heaviest thing I've lifted.



My 48" bucket is pretty small so these forks have been handy a number of times with long, bulky or awkward objects. At first I tightened the bolts each time I used them but then got comfortable with leaving them just loose enough to slip on and off easily. Easy on and off, as well as to narrow or widen the forks.

I'll replace the bolts with shorter ones (just used some I had around). Won't work for serious farm or commercial needs, but pretty nice for home and general use.

 

[KennyG]

Good idea. Same concept with heavy angle, channel or box steel would give a lot more capacity with not much more effort.

 

[drivadesl]

Very nice! I like simple cheap solutions that work better then expected.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

I've got to ask, what are the tiedowns on the outside of the bucket for? Seems to me like they would always be in the way and getting caught on stuff

 

[KYKub]

Good idea. Same concept with heavy angle, channel or box steel would give a lot more capacity with not much more effort.

You're right, KennyG, metal of some kind would work well too and provide more strength. However, I really think the wooden forks will handle anything my FEL can lift. I'm surprised just how sturdy they feel. Again, it's a small tractor with a pretty light duty FEL.

 

[KYKub]

I've got to ask, what are the tiedowns on the outside of the bucket for? Seems to me like they would always be in the way and getting caught on stuff

You caught me, CDN Farm Boy. The D rings on the outside of the bucket were a mistake! I put them on before I had bucket hooks, thinking something low would be good for lifting heavy items. They do work ok, and haven't been a nuisance, but one mounted on the rear bottom of the bucket would have been better. I'll probably move one of them to the rear bottom soon. Good eyes!

 

[Omega Woods]

Great idea! I have a bigger tractor but I need something for moving limbs and brush around. I'm going to give this a try for lighter work.

Thanks!

 

[KYKub]

Great idea! I have a bigger tractor but I need something for moving limbs and brush around. I'm going to give this a try for lighter work.

Thanks!

That's actually one of the best uses I've found. I made them pretty long with that in mind. A small bucket fills up quick with limbs and brush and the forks expand the capacity by, probably, 5-7 times.

 

[Scut 4 Big Bucks]

Mine are a bit more elaborate than yours, but in the end, they do the same thing. Mine were built from an old pallet, but I do have $4 in a couple 2X4's. I use mine to haul smaller logs out of my woods.

 

[KYKub]

$4??!! I don't have that kind of crazy money to throw around!