FEL ForkLift Project

[kennyd]

Last year I made a forkilift attachment for my FEL. I do not have any pics of the build process, But here are some pics of the completed project that I have had a few requests to post.

First pic, Front view

 

[kennyd]

Second Pic, Rear view

 

[kennyd]

Third pic,

Detail of how the forks attach to the frame. Just steel pipe and 1 1/4 rod. The frame is made from 2x2 and 2x3 box.

 

[kennyd]

Fourth and last pic,

Detail of the bottom of the frame, The 3/8" x 3" plate keeps the forks from rotating on the rod, and helps keep them from sliding unintentionally.

The forks where purchased from a local forklift service company, they where "worn out" by their standards, but lots of life left in them for me. They cost $100.00, but probably could have done better if I had shopped around.

 

[PineRidge]

Kenny another impressive project. If you keep up the pace making all the new gadgets we're going to have to get you a trophy or something. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Nice project. The photos are detailed enough to learn a lot.

Thanks for posting this,
Cliff

 

[creeper]

Kenny, I'm trying to learn from you on these forks. Why did you decide against making your own forks? I was thinking of making them to save wieght, but then they wouldn't be tempered and would probaly bend easier? Can you reccomend a good material for forks if I'm unable to locate used ones?I mostly want to use mine for lifting logs and brush etc.Any thoughts?

 

[BB_TX]

Ken - That's a great looking set of forks. You might consider adding your pictures to <font color="blue"> this thread </font> . It is a fairly comprehensive thread of forks and fork projects that gets referenced to when fork questions come up.

 

[dullpain]

Nice job! Obviously quik attach to your FEL. Where did you get, or how did you make those quik attach brackets at top, on back for quik attach? Pic of my forks just finished attached.

 

[PineRidge]

Dullpain I like the way you added a frame to the top of your forks. That same design has prevented many a tall load from coming over back-wards on the hood of my TC-40D when moving pallets with tall loads.

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Where did you get, or how did you make those quik attach brackets at top, on back for quik attach? )</font>

They are available from JDParts. About $32.00 for all, sure saves alot of fabrication time.

BTW, That is a real nice set you made.

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Kenny, I'm trying to learn from you on these forks. Why did you decide against making your own forks? )</font>

Well, $100.00 seemed better that buying more steel (have you priced steel lately?), I absolutly know they will not bend. And it saved alot of time. Yes they are heavy, but they look cool!

I have seen pics from others that have used channel stock, on even 2x3 box to make forks, not sure how these will hold up long term though.

Look up "forklifts" in the yellow pages and find a service company, and make some calls.

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Ken - That's a great looking set of forks. You might consider adding your pictures to <font color="blue"> this thread </font> . It is a fairly comprehensive thread of forks and fork projects that gets referenced to when fork questions come up. )</font>


Done!
Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mud_Puppy]

" <font color="blue"> </font> Creeper: Not trying to steel the thread but I built a set of forks (3forks) for hauling branches, trees etc from 2" square tubing with 3/16" wall thickness by 5 foot long and they could support more than my FEL. Relatively cheap too.
don

 

[creeper]

Thanks for the info. What part of Va. are you in?

 

[pat32rf]

Made mine out of an old set of drive axle inserts out of a truck. Didn't trust my welding and heat treating ability so I welded up a sliding socket which the axles were mounted in. They are about 3' long (ideal for wooden pallets)and I have 7' square steel tubes that slide over them. This lets me sneak up behind the various snow machines that always seem to be sitting in the way, pick them up and relocate them. For the summer they get put on the rack where the boat spends the winter .

 

[Nuru]

Kenny another impressive project. If you keep up the pace making all the new gadgets we're going to have to get you a trophy or something. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

ditto for me. I was thinking of doing the same

 

[Nuru]

BTW outstanding job.

 

[purpony]

Kenny-

I was wondering what the length of those forks are? Also how wide are they? They look to be 48" and 4" wide??

Do you know what they weigh? and what do you move with them? hoe much weight have you lifted using them? They looks fantastic!

 

[kennyd]

Kenny-

I was wondering what the length of those forks are? Also how wide are they? They look to be 48" and 4" wide??

Do you know what they weigh? and what do you move with them? hoe much weight have you lifted using them? They looks fantastic!

The forks are 42", and are 4" wide. I would guess the setup weighs about 200lbs or so...but not sure on this. The forks are heavy though!

I lift STUFF The heaviest item was a Generac standby generator I unloaded from a tractor trailer, I think the shipping weight was 400lbs or so.