Forks Ideas for Lightweight Forks

[munzzzzzzz]

I just got a model 40 loader for my John Deere 425 and would like to build some forks to move pallets of wood around. I like the concept of the Paynes forks, but I would prefer to build something that doesn't use the bucket. The 40 loader only has a lift capacity of 350 lbs at 36" and only 215lbs at full height. The bucket must weigh about 200 lbs itself, so I'm thinking if I can come up with a design that is strong but lighter than the bucket I'll be able to get some much needed extra lift capacity.

The trick, of course, is to build something that's strong enough to handle the load but light enough to not limit capacity. I'm looking at maybe 500lbs max load. Does anyone have any advice/insight/suggestions as to what to use in building one? I'm thinking using rectangular tubes for the forks, but something that has adjustable fork spacing would be nice.

I did find this one for sale (not locally of course), this is basically exactly what I'd need, but I'm not sure if it's built heaver than it needs to be and as a result is limiting the lift capacity:

http://www.weekendfreedommachines.org/discus/messages/174/147410.jpg

That is more or less the design I had in mind, though.

 

[jimgerken]

I went to buy forklift truck forks from a forklift recylcing place outside of Milwaukee, and once I explained to the guy what I wanted to do and the size of my equipment, he sold me "block forks". Thats what he called them anyway. They are for concrete blocks. They are just as thick as standard forks, but half as wide. They are still made from the 4140 and IMPOSSIBLE to bend. This cuts the weight in half from a standard tine. I made a simple "Base Frame" for them, so it quick-taches on instead of a bucket on my john deere. Then I added a grapple tine above and between the two tines.

 

[munzzzzzzz]

Where exactly did you get your forks from? I'm not too far from Milwaukee myself.

Also, you don't by chance have any pictures you could post so I could get some ideas, do you?

 

[HomeBrew2]

I used 1" x 2" x 16ga tube for both my pallet forks and my brush forks. I have abused them severely and they keep on tickin'. They clamp onto my bucket and I couldn't afford much weight either. I'm guessing the pallet forks to be under 20# and the brush forks are right at 40#. Pix can be found at the link in my signiture area if interested.

 

[ditzel]

Your bucket has to weight quite a few pounds. If you could replace the bucket with some light weight forks, you will be able to lift that much more. There was a pair of block forks on ebay last night. I would think are light in weight and their capacity is more than your loader could handle.

 

[JCB]

I just built a set last weekend for a 2210. I don't remember the exact name, but Google "Budget Forklift". I ordered a set of light duty 900# tines for $125, I added a round bar for about as $90. Shipping was around $50, and fairly fast. Including JD quick brackets and some misc. steel. I was able to build a set of strong, lightweight forks that pretty closely matched my loader specs for just over $300.

The shipping label on the forks said about 37# each, and the bar was about another 30#. I figure my entire frame and tines are around 200#. Using just the forks, and some steel you MAY be able to shoot for around 100-120#. They may even have something smaller.

Joe