I've been kicking around an idea for awhile and thought I'd see what you guys thought.I was thinking of making loader forks out of bale spears.They seem cheap , and are plenty strong.Easy attachment with 3/4 nut.With provision for 4 spears it could be used for brush.A piece of pipe slipped over the spear could be an extension.I'm not sure how to set it up.How about some ideas,or is this crazy talk?
loader forks
- Thread starter kidr
- Start date
shinnlinger
Silver Member
Here is what I did.
I started by welding some angle at the top of the bucket to secure a 3pt carry all frame. 2 pins hold it in out of the goo and it is a breeze to take on in off. My dad promptly pretzled the carry all, so I made a heavy duty one out of some scrap in the back.
OLd mold board plow frames are great fork material. NOt too heavy, but very strong and long.
I welded some angle in the bottom of the bucket to stiffen it and to take the strain off the cutting lip.
I also like this set up as opposed to clamp ons (which can put aq major strain on the cutting lip) as the upright portion prevents logs from rolling back over the top the of the bucket and crushing me. It is also easier to install/remove
It has held up very well and every timber in my house has kissed them at least three times, from woods to mill to frame. Today they loaded some 1000lb+ ash logs in my truck.
I started by welding some angle at the top of the bucket to secure a 3pt carry all frame. 2 pins hold it in out of the goo and it is a breeze to take on in off. My dad promptly pretzled the carry all, so I made a heavy duty one out of some scrap in the back.
OLd mold board plow frames are great fork material. NOt too heavy, but very strong and long.
I welded some angle in the bottom of the bucket to stiffen it and to take the strain off the cutting lip.
I also like this set up as opposed to clamp ons (which can put aq major strain on the cutting lip) as the upright portion prevents logs from rolling back over the top the of the bucket and crushing me. It is also easier to install/remove
It has held up very well and every timber in my house has kissed them at least three times, from woods to mill to frame. Today they loaded some 1000lb+ ash logs in my truck.
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Bedlam
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2005
- Messages
- 1,878
Looks great, and has already performed it seems.
kidr
I don't see why you couldn't use bail spears ..... How much to they run?
You can get these 900lb capacity forks for about $180 (including shipping) or the whole frame for $400-$500
Micro Pallet Forks for Compact Skid Steers
I don't see why you couldn't use bail spears ..... How much to they run?
You can get these 900lb capacity forks for about $180 (including shipping) or the whole frame for $400-$500
Micro Pallet Forks for Compact Skid Steers
Stargazer
Gold Member
Hi:
Last summer got a pair of forks for my bx-23 off e_bay. Think was $150 + $50 shipping. Thurston engineering in state of Washington. These have the twist tighten bolt arms like alot of the 2" receiver mounts you see for $65 on e-bay. They stick out about 3' (4' total length) and are way stronger than what the FEL can lift. Also got a grapple year before that from him.
Pat R
Last summer got a pair of forks for my bx-23 off e_bay. Think was $150 + $50 shipping. Thurston engineering in state of Washington. These have the twist tighten bolt arms like alot of the 2" receiver mounts you see for $65 on e-bay. They stick out about 3' (4' total length) and are way stronger than what the FEL can lift. Also got a grapple year before that from him.
Pat R
shinnlinger
Silver Member
OLd automotive axle shafts make good bale spears...are you into welding?
bale spears cost about 40$ and hold about 1300 lbs apiece.....yeah,axles would would be good too. I can weld a little. I thought I could make some thing with a slot to make the forks adjustable.the bolt on aspect of the spears would make that easier.I could also add more when needed to lift brush.Thanks for the good ideas.Half the fun of making something is kicking around ideas and getting other perspectives.No lack of either on this great site.