Fork Pockets?

dstig1 · Feb 4, 2011

I am thinking of adding a fork pocket under the deck of my trailer to hold my QA forks. Does anyone have any pics or links to how these are generally done? I'm thinking some kind of U-channel (channel, bent plate, or angles welded together) plus a couple of chains to keep it from popping out. How beefy does the steel need to be? I'm guessing that 3/16" thick is plenty for durability and way overkill for strength.

Yeah, I've been searching online. Not much in the way pf pics, mostly just an indication that the manufacturer offers fork pockets.

Thx,
Dave

J_J · Feb 4, 2011

Try about 6 pieces of U channel under the trailer and strap it down.

Oliver1655 · Feb 4, 2011

You might consider a pair of angle irons inside the "U" brackets to help guide the forks as you slide them in.

countrybumpkin · Feb 4, 2011

I used some 1/8" angle I had here at the shop, just welded them together to form a C channel and then welded them under the trailer. Slide the forks in and then use a ratchet strap to hold them in.

here are a few pics in this thread

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...186250-transporting-multiple-attachments.html

dstig1 · Feb 4, 2011

Countrybumpkin - do you have any pics of your setup? I also checked out the thread you linked. I'm interested in ways to secure the forks that are self-contained and don't require an extra ratchet strap. It looks like the one JJ posted has a couple chains for securing the forks. That's the line I am thinking along. But a ratchet strap would keep them form bouncing/clanging around.

Rectangular tube would be another good way to do this. Might be easier than bending metal. Hadn't thought of that one.

Thanks,
Dave

countrybumpkin · Feb 4, 2011

Sorry I don't, And may be a few days before I can get some. I don't use mine a bunch to transport my forks so I just use a ratchet strap , that way I don't have anything on the side of the trailer all the time or on the forks. I have a tool box on the front of my trailer that I keep all my chains and straps in so they are always available for me.

dstig1 · Feb 4, 2011

Thanks - if you think of it over the next week or two, pics would be great. I won't be pulling anything out of storage to work on until the snow at least mostly melts, and with all we got this year, that may be July

The way my trailer is set up with the bed between the wheels, there is a nice place on the front to tuck the forks so they are always accessible and out of the way.

Edit: The more I think about it - ya know what I'm really looking for? Dimensions. Forks are about 4" wide x 1 3/8" thick, according to the spec page (buried under 2' of snow so I cannot verify right now). So would a 5"x2"x 3/16" wall rect tube be about right for the channel? Spaced on the widest fork center which looks to be ~41" OC that should do it???

Thanks

wolfpack2 · Feb 5, 2011

This is how they were done on my trailer.

dstig1 · Feb 5, 2011

Thanks for the pics. Looks pretty simple. You have dimensions on the tubes by any chance? W x H x wall thickness

countrybumpkin · Feb 5, 2011

I will get some pics as soon as I get back home this week should be Friday, I had to go out of town this week. the tube you mentioned should work fine if your forks are not any thicker than 1 3/8" , as for the 41" OC spacing I put mine on around 24 or so IIRC, will measure that too.

wolfpack2 · Feb 6, 2011

I just went out to the barn and measured the tubes on mine. They are 8" x 3" OD with a 1/4" wall.

dstig1 · Feb 6, 2011

Thanks, Wolf!

nyone · Apr 11, 2023

I know this thread is old but have recently wanted to bring forks when I almost dont have roof for them on my trailer. Is there any reason to make pockets vs a 45in wide slot to put the forks in? This way you dont need to move the width of the forks to load them.

dstig1 · Apr 11, 2023

Probably more material/weight the way you are proposing it. Does that matter? Probably not but up to you and your needs/budget.

And since you dug up my 11+ Y.O. thread... I never did do it and eventually sold the trailer when I stopped needing to haul my tractor and other large stuff after my house construction was farther along.

4570Man · Apr 12, 2023

nyone said:
I know this thread is old but have recently wanted to bring forks when I almost dont have roof for them on my trailer. Is there any reason to make pockets vs a 45in wide slot to put the forks in? This way you dont need to move the width of the forks to load them.

It would be more material and more cost. You’d also have to me more careful about the forks sliding around.

nyone · Apr 12, 2023

I dont think it would be more. I'm thinking a 3/16 2x2in section of angle iron parallel with the frame and the same under the deck to catch the tip of the forks.

As for the forks sliding around. They should be secured anyway so sliding shouldnt be an issue.

mikester · Apr 12, 2023

I use 2x6x0.100 structural tube under things I lift with my 5,000lbs forks. I prefer tube because it prevents the fork tips from getting hung up while inserting them.

You need the pockets strong enough to handle abuse when inserting forks, especially on uneven ground. They also need to be "strong enough" to handle bouncing around in transport. Assume 500lbs dynamic load. Remember to put in enough tie downs to secure the forks when they are inserted for transport, don't rely on gravity.

nyone · Apr 12, 2023

I prefer not to use tube in a on the road application because you can never seal it enough and you can never paint the interior. This means in my area it will eventually rust from the inside out.