Forks for a BX2200

[JimC]

I have been using a TSC 3 pt carry all platform, and didn't think I needed any forks, even after reading all the good info on the TBN page.
Well I had to move a bunch of pallets and some limbs I had cut off.
The platform will move stuff like that, but it will only lift as tall as the 3 pt will go, which isn't very tall and I had to pick them up to load them, pick them up to off load them, then lift them onto the burn pile.
So I started looking at what the TBN group had done about home built forks. Lots of good information, some real craftsmen and engineers in this group.
Anyway I didn't want real long forks, the FEL make you be careful as it is.
I figured that with only about a 400 lb load limit for the FEL, carrying a load up to 3 feet further forward plus the weight of the forks would limit the load to about 300 lbs so I didn't have to build a battleship.
I dug around in my scrap pile, found a couple of pieces of 3" structural steel that someone had made some detachable side boards out of and a piece of flat plate and some metal straping about 1 1/2 X 1/8" and I even found a heavy truck spring that my son had removed from his truck, cut off the ends about 5" long for the tips of my forks.
I started yesterday evening about 4 PM and I now have a dandy set of forks for my bota. Just goes to prove that some folks trash turns out to be a bota owners treasure.
I have a cutoff saw, an ac/dc welder and a metal worker that shears, punches and bends(breaks), which saves a lot of time.
I even painted the forks orange before taking the photos.
The first photo is the top view and the next one will be the bottom view

 

[JimC]

Opps, the first was the bottom view.
Here is the top view

 

[JimC]

Now the bottom view, don't know how I messed up the first time

 

[yakima]

Jim, I have been impressed with your clever inventions. I love the forks! Good job.

 

[kcook]

Great Job how much can you lift with them?

KCook

 

[JimC]

When I read your post, I didn't know how much it would pick up.
so I went out to the shed, loaded up 4 JD 47KG front weights (416 lbs.) and hit the up lever, it started to pick it up and then started to nose over.
Now I remembed why you are supposed to have some weight on the rear when using the FEL, especally when you are picking something up 3 feet in front of the front of the bucket.
I turned the bota so it was heading slightly up hill and took the photo with the weights on top of the forks instead of on the tips.
I guess I will use the JD weights on a bracket on the rear, like on the 3pt hitch if I am not carrying the box blade.
I knew I would find a use for them someday.
It had no problem picking up 416 lbs on the top of the forks and with the boxblade on I would guess it would handle 500 lbs, the ASAE rating on the loader is 460 lbs and the break out force is 950 lbs.

 

[kcook]

Thanks, as with most tractors I think you can lift more than what the specs say! Also thanks for the photos!!

Kcook

 

[JMP]

Needing forks for my BX2200, looks like you have the prefect design. How long do your forks extend beyond the edge of the scraper blade? With all the different size skids out there how does one know how far apart to make the forks? What is yours mainly used for?

Would be greatful for any advise you could give.

Thanks
JMP

 

[pcmem]

JMP,

I just built some forks for my BX over the weekend to unload my new toys /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I haven't even had time to clean them up or paint them but they work great. I modeled them after the individual ones so they can be adjusted for width but I've found it works best on the BX to place them where the bucket pivot mounts are located. If you want I can take some pictures if you are looking for ideas. Otherwise there is a thread on forks with pictures for ideas.

Have fun,
Michael

PS. I made mine 3' out.

 

[JMP]

Michael,

Pitures would be great. Was trying to think how to make the forks ajustable and keep enough strength. Was quoted around $150.00 from a machine shop to make one. I thought this was kinda high. I just got my welder and thought this would be a good first project. Any added info you want to give would be greatfully absorbed.

Thanks
JMP