SSQA fork build

[Mysfyt]

For one of my winter projects, I decided to build a fork attachment for my tractor. Saved a set of forks off an old forklift that was junked and this will be the perfect use for them. I drew up the design on a 3D cad program, which will be my first time building something this way. I want to make the forks adjust using the 3rd function valve for my grapple. I thought this might be a fun project to watch as it comes together because it will require welding and machining, plus I'm sure I'll be asking for some opinions along the way.

I'm starting with the forks, cutting off the top supports to make way for the blocks that will slide on the top support bar. More pictures as I progress.

 

[Fallon]

How you adjusting 2 cylinders with a 3rd function? Have a diverter to switch between cylinders? If you plumb them in together one is likely to stick while the other moves, leaving your forks uncentered.

 

[k0ua]

How you adjusting 2 cylinders with a 3rd function? Have a diverter to switch between cylinders? If you plumb them in together one is likely to stick while the other moves, leaving your forks uncentered.

You could put the one that moves first when it gets to where you want it up against an immovable object (tree, rock, neighbors car) then press the lever or button again so the other one will move where you want it.

 

[Mysfyt]

How you adjusting 2 cylinders with a 3rd function? Have a diverter to switch between cylinders? If you plumb them in together one is likely to stick while the other moves, leaving your forks uncentered.

Good point. How do they do it on forklifts?

 

[Fallon]

Good point. How do they do it on forklifts?

I'm somewhat guessing as I haven't looked at them to close, but..

A spool for each fork I believe if it has hydraulically adjustable forks. Either that or 1 cylinder to adjust a carriage that the forks hang on & another between the forks hanging on that carriage, which gives you side shift capability & the ability to change fork width. You could side shift with a cylinder per fork, but you'd need slack space under your load & it would be kind of ugly. Assuming using diverter, it just require 2 hands if you had a spool per fork. You would have to compensate for the fact one cylinder would be expanding & the other contracting (different rod vs cylinder end volumes) with corresponding different speeds & strength.

 

[countrybumpkin]

You could always use a cable or roller chain equalization system. Here is a pic of a single cylinder with cables to adjust the second fork

 

[Jim Timber]

I use a mallet. I don't grease my forks because they live outside for now. Grease would make things much easier. Hydraulics would too, but I don't think I'll be going that route any time soon.

One thing I wish I'd done differently, is made the SSQA on an angle to the back of the frame. It was my first SSQA mount I'd ever built, and I was going off prints off the web, so I was nervous enough about getting it wrong while my tractor's mount was 110 miles away and I couldn't test fit it, but it turned out fine. I just don't have as much tilt back at ground level as I would like. I do have a decent amount of fork truck driving in my background, so my old habits of setting a load against the frame when picking it by tilting it back before lifting it up don't quite work on the tractor, but it does a good job with holding loads just the same.

 

[Fallon]

I use a mallet. I don't grease my forks because they live outside for now. Grease would make things much easier. Hydraulics would too, but I don't think I'll be going that route any time soon.

One thing I wish I'd done differently, is made the SSQA on an angle to the back of the frame. It was my first SSQA mount I'd ever built, and I was going off prints off the web, so I was nervous enough about getting it wrong while my tractor's mount was 110 miles away and I couldn't test fit it, but it turned out fine. I just don't have as much tilt back at ground level as I would like. I do have a decent amount of fork truck driving in my background, so my old habits of setting a load against the frame when picking it by tilting it back before lifting it up don't quite work on the tractor, but it does a good job with holding loads just the same.

My OEM Kubota SSQA gets the tips of my pallet forks about 4" off the ground when level tops. Just a fact of life with the way most tractor loaders are designed.

I've greased mine up even though they live outside, made a world of difference on how easy they are to adjust.

 

[Mysfyt]

You could always use a cable or roller chain equalization system. Here is a pic of a single cylinder with cables to adjust the second fork

Wow, this is really close to my design! I might have to take a serious look at changing my design to incorporate this. Did some research last night and it seems like a flow divider is what I need if I stay with my design. Anybody have any experience with these? What should I be looking at for this application?

 

[Mysfyt]

Started working on the blocks. They are out of 3" x 4" cold rolled rectangular (1018). I started by milling one of the band sawed sides flat and square, and the holes will be indexed off this side. This will also be the side to get welded to the forks to help with the final machining set up. My plan is to bore the holes about .030" under, weld them to the forks, and then do the final bore and ream on the vertical mill. I know the welding will distort the hole so this will make them round again. Notice in one of the pictures the groove for distributing grease as I plan to have a grease zerk on each of the blocks.