QA Adapter Plate

[rkhpapa]

Just bought a brand new ('08) L4400 with QA loader. I also have a pair of old fork lift forks that I'd like to use on the new loader. I'm willing to detach the bucket and attach a separate setup when I want to use the pallet forks, but I also want the freedom to adjust the spacing between the forks.
Unless I've got something wrong, all I need is to fabricate an adapter plate that will fit on the loader arms (using the dimensions from the QA setup on the bucket). That adapter plate will fit onto the loader arms, but will be designed to accept the forks at any spacing simply by sliding them around. When finished with the forks, I'd detach the adapter plate (along with the forks) and re-attach the bucket.
Have I got that right, or am I missing something?
Has anyone done this already? Do standardized drawings/plans exist?
Thanks in advance for the help...I hope this isn't a foolish question.
RGH

 

[jmc]

rkhpapa,

Makes sense to me. I went thru the same thought process and ended up buying one because it was cheaper than making it myself. Markham Welding sells one for around $200 plus discounted shipping. They call it a pallet fork frame and it fits forks for frames measuring about 16 inches over the horizontal rails. It's as you described with the addition of notches to engage lock pins on the forks so they don't slide sideways on you. And it has a high frame to keep the load from sliding backward if its tippy.

For an extra $20, they welded on two chain hooks to stabilize a top heavy load or drag a skid to the back of a truck.

John

 

[myyaz33]

rkhpapa,

Makes sense to me. I went thru the same thought process and ended up buying one because it was cheaper than making it myself. Markham Welding sells one for around $200 plus discounted shipping. They call it a pallet fork frame and it fits forks for frames measuring about 16 inches over the horizontal rails. It's as you described with the addition of notches to engage lock pins on the forks so they don't slide sideways on you. And it has a high frame to keep the load from sliding backward if its tippy.

For an extra $20, they welded on two chain hooks to stabilize a top heavy load or drag a skid to the back of a truck.

John

Anyone got a picture of the pallet fork frame from Markham? Can't find it on their website.

 

[Steve_Miller]

Only pictures I have for now. Would love to get you more if only our camera wouldn't have went south. Need to get another soon. Hope there of some help.

Steve

 

[brianl]

I built one last week for my 3830 if you still need any pictures.

 

[barneyrb]

I did the same thing with mine but I made buddies with a fork lift mechanic. He got me the forks and bracket that I welded to the plate. My forks adjust exactly like they do on the fork truck. The only drawback is the setup weighs about 300#

 

[brianl]

I took a few pictures this morning, but was in a rush. I think they give a pretty good idea.