Question about steel strength??

[LD1]

What will work better is 2 X 4" (1/4") channel with the flat side up and taper the 2" sides back 6" or so at the 'tips'
That is a reasonable priced material, stocked everywhere.
Your biggest challenge will be at the heels where you need good corner bracing (like triangulation with side plates).
On my CUT I designed them to be clamp on to my FEL bucket and I can lift as much as my FEL can handle.
While you said 48" long 28" will lift a 48" pallet if that pallet is evenly loaded.
48 up front is awkward so consider whatever is the shortest you can get away with.
Also with forks the load being way up front of a FEL C. of G. the capacity is way less, like as much as 50%.

OOPs see that you want 3 point, but basics still the same except heel triangulation is less of a problem as that would be offside and less of a hindrance.

As said, capacity will be lower than the actual lift force capabilities with lots depending on load distance from the rear axle.
If pressed I know how to calculate those C of G loads.

PS, I used to sell fork lift trucks.

Channel laid flat like that is really weak for its given weight

 

[Sodo]

Channel laid flat like that is really weak for its given weight

Agreed, to use channel you'd have to box it in. Will be heavy. Better to use rect tube and just double the root area. Lots of discussion of structure here but can't really go anywhere because there are no weight estimates.

IMHO forklift forks are the wrong way to go, the attachment will be too awkward to move around. It will have forks able to lift 5,000 lbs which is probably 4,100 lbs more than th 3pt can lift. 1.5x3 with 10-12" of reinforcement at the root area will work well, look good too.

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's a set I built about 15-years ago. Used 2" x 4" rectangular tubing. They will fit on the FEL, or the 3-PH. I've used shackles and chokers in the holes at the tips, and stalled the FEL. About 1,400- pounds of lift.
Pretty handy attachment to have.

 

[LD1]

I think everyone is getting too hung up on what the finished forks will weigh.

I made a set, 36" long maybe? OAL maybe 48" with the crap that clamps on the bucket. IIRC, 2x4x1/4" tube is only ~8# per ft. So that part of the forks x2 only totals about 60# of metal. You really gonna notice any difference in the real world using material of only half the weight? Only gaining ~30# capacity?

The bigger issue becomes how the forks are attached. Gotta have some heft there as thats where most of the stress is. light 1.5x3 tubing dont offer much heft or much meat to weld to.

The forks I made out of 2x4x1/4 can handle anything I can throw at them with my L3400.

 

[otlski]

I am just bad at guessing. I thought to myself, was his name John or Joe, I could not remember so I guessed. Sorry John. Here is a link to one forklift place that according to one of my guys has lots of parts laying around.
A & M Equipment Inc - Home
and here is a link to Logan Steel
http://logansteel.com/?page_id=365
Where is the place in Pine Meadow that sells steel? You have to love TBN, you find out all kinds of things local and from around the country. I'll stop by when I see you out, we can chat and I'd like to see the plans. If the used forks work out instead, let me know how much you paid. Somewhere down my list is a plan to make some.

Dan

Hi Dan-

Small world, again. Talk to you more here, than when you pass by.

Yes, it's good to see the snow and ice going in the right direction-away.

Love to have you take a look at the plans that I am thinking about using.

Thinking about modifying the design to fit both the FEL and 3PH, with
removable forks and being able to use as a log skid, as well.

Thanks for the name of the steel seller. The Pine Meadow store charges around 1.30-1.40/lb.

Any names of the pallet fork places that may have old forks?

John

 

[jodebg]

Hi Dan-
No problem about the name. My user name is jodebg, so Joe is what I often called.

I shold be out tomorrow working on moving firewood, stop by if you are around.

Torn between making this 3ph set Log Skidder, Forklift, & more for 3-point hitch
and adpating it to also fit the fel,
or buying a set of front forks and adding 3ph mounts???

Thanks again-
John
860-496-9996

 

[jodebg]

PS-right next to the drive in theater on rt181?

 

[Sodo]

Wonder what this HeavyHitch.com is using for tines. You can see the flex in this video but looks like it does the deed. He fusses with it for awhile, the lifting is into the vid a ways----->skip to 80-90%

 

[jodebg]

Not comfortable with the amoung of flex shown in this video. At what point would they bend or break?

 

[Shield Arc]

May be these charts will help you determine what size box tube will work for you.