FEL fork material

[copndoc3]

For my next project, I'm going to build a set of FEL forks like the ones shown in:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...81695406-forks-my-front-end-loader-forks4.jpg

I went down to the local steel yard to scope out their "drop" zone to find some suitable material for this project. I was thinking of building it from 2x4x3/16 or 2x4x1/4 rectangular tubing, but while looking thru the drops, I spied some 2x4 channel iron, probably 1/4" thick. This got me thinking, which material would be better for the forks? The intended use of these forks will be to pick up tree limbs around the 16 acre farm I live on here in NC, and carrying them to the burn pile.

So I thought I'd open the floor for discussion and see what the general consciouses is which material I should use, the pros and cons of each, etc.

 

[sjames]

the tubing would probably be better, but I think the channel would be fine. Im pretty sure it would support more than your fel is rated to lift. It would just be less resistant to twisting forces.

 

[Baby Grand]

You can always weld a plate between the webs of the channel to convert that area to box if you need the additional stiffness.

Jim

 

[rtimgray]

I really think they should be orange (or maybe black) to compliment your tractor (he-he). In all seriousness, you might be able to find some used forktruck forks at a scrapyard. After they were so much, we have to change them here at work. We generally load them into the scrap trailer, but I know that I've seen them at the local scrap yards for sale. The only problem might be that they may be shorter than you are looking for.

Good luck and take care.

 

[J_J]

These are only $80 Just adapt to the front.

3 PT CARRY-ALL FORK ATTACHMENT

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200356726_200356726

 

[mbohuntr]

I built a carryall out of 3"square stock. Then I adapted it to my FEL. It works great. One bad point, The 3"fork ends should have been split horizontally and re-welded to a taper for pallet picking.

 

[George2615]

I built my forks out of 1 1/2" x 4" channel. Then welded a piece of 1" x 1" angle underneath for a little extra strength. Its more than strong enough for what my loader can lift. My material was free (just laying around the scrap pile) so that's what I used. Mine are fixed since I didn't need adjustable forks. I can mount them on the bucket or the 3 pt.

 

[mbohuntr]

They look very similar to mine George, great minds think alike. :laughing:

 

[copndoc3]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the info you have provided. Between the grapple I built and the front forks, it will make cleaning up the farm a whole lot easier :thumbsup:

Tom

 

[schmism]

I bought a set of "worn out" real forks from a fork lift place for $40