Finally finished my brush forks

[HokieMS]

It took me while waiting on nice days and time off to work outside, but they are done. I used them for about an hour, and so far, so good. Let's see if I can manage to post some pictures.

Answer: No. My tablet is a pain. Maybe later I will edit on my computer to add the pics, but for now the links will have to do. Hopefully they work.

https://db.tt/Rvad7fU1

https://db.tt/wuDAowL5

https://db.tt/GZTpPVzS

https://db.tt/1v7jdSMy

https://db.tt/xQsrAuGj

https://db.tt/JIOtNqCZ

The piles of brush have been on the ground for a while and were rotten on the bottom. Fresh piles will pick up more completely with less material falling through the tines. Overall I am pleased considering I am a complete amateur at fabrication.

 

[xring100]

Looks good

 

[Xfaxman]

The links work. I like the design, first that I have seen with shorter tines on the outside, should work better on uneven ground.

I like the receivers on the bucket, so you can run the chain or strap either way. The back gives the most lifting power.

:thumbsup:

 

[creekbend]

Well done.

 

[stuckmotor]

Beautiful work. What size tubing did you use?

 

[HokieMS]

Thanks everyone. The tube is overkill, if I was starting over I'd go smaller. It is 1.5", 1/4" wall.
Xfaxman, my main motivation for the shorter tines was tighter turning in close quarters.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I like your design... more or less what I plan to make myself. I have some 1.5" pipe and plan on 6 tines @ 12" spacing.

Nice work.

 

[PhysAssist]

Hi Hokie,

Awesome build!

In your second to last picture, it looks like the end tines run along the lower outer edge of the bucket, but in the last picture it looks like it has been shifted under the bucket, can you help me understand?

Also, is there any chance you can post pictures under the bucket to show how you attached the ratchet strap to the forks?

Does the upper/back end of the strap just hook onto the upper bucket edge?

Thanks,
Thomas

It took me while waiting on nice days and time off to work outside, but they are done. I used them for about an hour, and so far, so good. Let's see if I can manage to post some pictures.

Answer: No. My tablet is a pain. Maybe later I will edit on my computer to add the pics, but for now the links will have to do. Hopefully they work.

The piles of brush have been on the ground for a while and were rotten on the bottom. Fresh piles will pick up more completely with less material falling through the tines. Overall I am pleased considering I am a complete amateur at fabrication.

 

[HokieMS]

Thomas,
Thanks for the compliment.
It's really hard to tell ftom the pictures but the forks are in the same position in both shots. The outer tines are basically just inside the side plate of the bucket.
As far as the straps, the top hooks are hooked on the end of the pin that holds my 2" receiver drawbar hooks in place. The bottom hook attaches to 5/16" eye bolts that are installed in the angle iron cross piece on the back of the forks. I just drilled a hole a few inches from both corners and tightened down the eye bolts with a jam nut. I took a picture to show that, but it had too much glare from the sun.

Let me know if that answers your questions.
Mark

 

[SHORT KID]

Great build and looks like it will do the job and last a long time. I also like the receiver on the top, great idea.

 

[PhysAssist]

Thomas,
Thanks for the compliment.
It's really hard to tell ftom the pictures but the forks are in the same position in both shots. The outer tines are basically just inside the side plate of the bucket.
As far as the straps, the top hooks are hooked on the end of the pin that holds my 2" receiver drawbar hooks in place. The bottom hook attaches to 5/16" eye bolts that are installed in the angle iron cross piece on the back of the forks. I just drilled a hole a few inches from both corners and tightened down the eye bolts with a jam nut. I took a picture to show that, but it had too much glare from the sun.

Let me know if that answers your questions.
Mark

Hi Mark,

No compliment intended, just an objective observation.

You explained it perfectly, and I see what you did there.

Thanks!

Thomas

 

[deerseeker001]

looks good have fun

 

[yoann]

good idea, I love the simpicity of that tool. What is the lenght of the longer tube ? How is the spring on tube when you work with?

good job I love this, and continu to be artisanal amateur, I one of those to!

 

[HokieMS]

yoann,
The longer tooth is about 4 feet long, with about 1 foot running under the bucket. So with 3 feet sticking out past the bucket, I have plenty of capacity to lift brush.

I think "spring" means how much bend occurs when lifting? I can hang my weight from the middle tine, and it will bend downwards maybe an inch. The C-channel used for the middle bracing really stiffened it up. I was worried it would flex too much, but I'm glad I didn't use more tubing for the brace, it is already heavy enough as it is.

Let me know if this is clear for you.
Mark