help with 3 point fork project please

oldboyscout · Aug 4, 2011

Can't delete this but moved to the Build It Yourself forum

I'm about to build a pallet fork frame for my 3 point hitch. I'd like to keep the top link attachment low, so it is parallel to the lift arms, so the forks stay level when I lift.
Does that increase the forces on the 3 point linkage too much?

I'm also planning to simply weld the bottom and top bars to vertical 1/4" x3x3 angle, and run 3/8" x 2" bar at right angles to the top and bottom bars to stiffen them. I think this will be way stronger than anything I can lift with my B2620?

MMagis · Aug 4, 2011

The forks will still not stay parallel with the ground, just like your 3pt arms don’t stay parallel to the ground. They have a single pivot point, so they must rotate in order to lift. There just isn’t any way around it. For the top link attachment point, there will probably be a point where it’s so low that it won’t allow the arms to lift because it binds up. I can’t say where that point is for certain.
I may not completely understand what you’re saying as far as how you plan to build it. What strengthens the actual arms?

Simon Westmacott · Aug 23, 2011

I guess you sorted this by now, but I did the same as you have but provided a series of 4 top link holes so I could vary the angle of forks to the ground when lifted. On my B7001, the mounting point for the top link is vertically above that for the bottom arms, so by measuring the vertical distance between the two and using that for the correspoing attachment points on the forks, I got forks lifting horizontally to the ground. Not always wanting that, the other holes give me a tilt back towards the tractor.

J_J · Aug 23, 2011

Using hyd T-N-T, or adjustable top link, you can set the 3pt forks as level as you want. Level on the ground and level in the air.

They will only bind up if you don't have the length correct.

Leejohn · Aug 24, 2011

If the lower link and top link are the same as the tractor's it well lift level.
Meaning if the tractor's lower and top link are XX" apart, the fork hook up should be the same.

oldboyscout · Aug 24, 2011

Yes simon i've been thinking along tose lines so thanks for suggesting it.
I suppose a hydraulink would allow for lifting level even when the top link is attached high. Just let it out as you lift to stay level, or don't touch it and allow the forks to angle up.
I read about someone who discovered too late on an uphill that the forks need to be adjustable angle.

magicheater · Aug 24, 2011

oldboyscout said:
Yes simon i've been thinking along tose lines so thanks for suggesting it.
I suppose a hydraulink would allow for lifting level even when the top link is attached high. Just let it out as you lift to stay level, or don't touch it and allow the forks to angle up.
I read about someone who discovered too late on an uphill that the forks need to be adjustable angle.

If you are really going to use the forks on the 3PT then get a fully hydraulic top link and not a "hydraulink"

eternalwolf777 · Sep 8, 2011

I disagree, for this purpose an htl or a hydraulink would work fine. I've got a hydraulink and say with some measure of experience now that it works just fine contrary to what some might say (who've never used one). The HL would cost less money though.

The instructions for the HL recommend you install it in as close to the horizontal position as you can get it to minimize movement. Of course, you could try to add more fluid to the unit and eliminate movement but I think that voids the warranty. I've not tried because I needed the movement for my boxblade.

How much weight will you be lifting on this pallet?

oldboyscout · Sep 8, 2011

pallets are 3x3 and 3-4' high. with green oak that's 1/3- 1/4 cord -up 1250 lbs. less with ash/maple etc.

eternalwolf777 · Sep 9, 2011

oldboyscout said:
pallets are 3x3 and 3-4' high. with green oak that's 1/3- 1/4 cord -up 1250 lbs. less with ash/maple etc.

Oh that weights fine assuming your tractor has the lift capacity. The only thing I'd say is that if you decided to use an HL instead of an HTL would be that you might have to tinker around to find that right adjustment. The HL is designed to give a little with the implement (another subject) but it only gives an inch or two. So, you'll want to play with it until you get what works for you. I wonder if it will adjust itself to keep the pallet level as the tractor is moving... hmmm.