Forks

Ronbo · Apr 12, 2004

I purchased a plasma cutter a couple weeks ago, and finally got around to using it.

Ronbo · Apr 12, 2004

I welded the hooks onthe FEL 2 days after I purchased

Ron

Ronbo · Apr 12, 2004

I added Pats Ezchange by 2 weeks. Love it. I noticed that Northern Tools has them in thecatalog now.

Ron

Ronbo · Apr 12, 2004

I had to lenghten my top link to use with Pats. Next step will be hydraulics.

Ron

JohnS · Apr 14, 2004

Hi Ron,

Nice work on the forks. I just picked up some steel for a set myself. Boy, was I surprised by the current steel prices! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif BTW, how are Pat's EZ working out for you on, what looks like a Jinma? Would like to know if you feel it saved considerable time, and if any issues fitting to the Jinma arms.

Ronbo · Apr 14, 2004

I love my Pats. They come with two spacers of different thicknesses to level them. I used both under the arm. There is a U bolt that goes over the arm and secures the pats so it doesn't move. There is an additional bar that hold the arms at a constant distance. It makes it easier connect. I back up to my box blade with it centered and just lift. I then have to get off and connect the top link. If I am using the PTO, the bar has to be removed to connect the shaft. No problem though. I wouldpurchasethem again.

Ron

JohnS · Apr 15, 2004

Thanks for the info. The Jinma lower arms are not as large as other 3 pt arms, so wasn't sure they would fit.

Currently, I just have a KK rotary cutter and box blade, for 3pt implements. The install/remove of these, is relatively easy. I think if I went with some heavier ones, like a wood chipper, these would be a neccesity.

AlanB · Apr 15, 2004

Very nice looking Forks, what size channel did you use?

Thanks

Ronbo · Apr 17, 2004

3 inch channel.

lake_arthur · Apr 18, 2004

RonBo,
What did you use to clamp the forks to the bucket. It looks like a bolt of some sort and did you weld the nut to the channel and just screw the bolt so it clamps to the bucket. Very nice job. I'm going to try to make a pair myself. Your post gave me the idea to run with. Thanks

Ronbo · Apr 18, 2004

I have a piece of 3 inch channel welded to the upright. The flat sides are facing each other. There is about 3/4 of an inch between the two. Make sure you checkout the gussetts for strength. They also limitg how far onto the bucket the forks slide. I welded a large nut onto the top piece of channel after popping a hole with my plasma cutter. I welded to rods onto the top of the bolt in a V to turn it with. Takes longer to carry the forks to the tractor than it does to install them.

Ron

lake_arthur · Apr 18, 2004

Ron
Thanks alot for the reply. I want to use mine to pick up my 60 gal. drum that I use to store my diesel in, by placing it on a pallet. Thanks for the info.

Reese

Tractors4u · Apr 18, 2004

I made an experimental set of forks similar to yours for picking up brush in piles. The problem I had was the forks had a tendency to sway in or out and would end up at a 20 to 30 degree angle. Have you experienced that with yours? Mine were narrower than yours and I am sure that had a lot to do with it.

KiotiJohn · Apr 19, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( made an experimental set of forks similar to yours for picking up brush in piles. The problem I had was the forks had a tendency to sway in or out and would end up at a 20 to 30 degree angle. )</font> Brent, I was having that trouble with a pair of clamp on forks I bought on Ebay because the mouth of the forks is pretty large, and the whole thing rides on the pin that holds them on. At first, I put a piece of water pipe in the underneath space of the forks to make it fit tighter, and after installing my toothbar, I place the fork up next to one of the toothbar teeth keeping it from moving to the side. The pipe helped a lot, the toothbar a lot more. John

AlanB · Apr 19, 2004

Are the forks themselves out of channel or did you use an old pair of forks or such?

Thanks

Ronbo · Apr 20, 2004

Brent, the bolt holds the fork from moving. No problemsyet. If I have problems, I will just add another bolt. AT 3/4 inch gap, they fit snug.

Alan, the forks and everything are made out of 3inch channel. I do not plan on picking up a vehicle, so I was not too worried. I plan on picking up lumber and moving it. So far they have performed well.

Ron