Using Pallet Forks

[Avenger]

For the different implements I have on my FEL I have marked the level on the level rod. Here is how I did mine:

Hook up to new thing on FEL
Set it down on the ground level.
Use a sharpie to mark the rod at the top of the tube
Remove the rod
Use a dremel tool to grind out a small amount of metal on the sharpie mark, all the way around making a slight groove
Use different colored fingernail polish and top coat to paint the groove. Color match to implement (red for the red tine bucket, black for bucket, silver for crain, etc)
Wipe off excess to only show the different color rings.
Reinstall rod.

The groove helps to keep the color there, and I can see the 'silver' one easily enough. The top coat just protects the color, making it last a bit longer.

I dont have pallet forks. But my crane with a trailer ball on it is extremely difficult to see. Seeing it level is easy with the rod, knowing where the ball is, is another issue all together. Putting an extension on helps, but I still need to 'stand' in the cab to see the darn thing down low.

I hope this helps.

 

[PCABE5]

How is the LS rod, is it just straight?

My John Deere and now New Holland both have notched level rod's. So it's level whether it is a bucket or my pallet forks.

 

[Doofy]

I leveled my forks at ground level, then marked the leveling rod with a sharpie at that point. Not perfect, but it gives you an idea where level is at that point.

My leveling rod has already disappeared into the tube before the forks are level. I would need to install a longer rod.

 

[Doofy]

I could also cut a notch in the leveling rod tube and paint the rod in the proper spot.

Ahoy! Problem Solved! I just put the tractor in the garage where the floor is level and Lo and Behold, I have 2" of level rod showing. I do think I will notch around the rod and paint the notch a bright color. I can also do the same when I put the grapple on again this summer.

Thanks Guys

 

[Avenger]

My leveling rod has already disappeared into the tube before the forks are level. I would need to install a longer rod.

Do you have a welder? You could add an 'extension' to the rod pretty easily. Make it flush with the tube.
Just grind both rods to a blunt point, like two sharpened pencils touching graphite. Fill it in evenly, grind off excess to make it round. It's such a small rod, without any load... Just a thought.

 

[Doofy]

Problem Solved. Thanks

 

[shooterdon]

I got a cheap back up camera and use magnets at the appropriate spots on my implements

Use it for pallet forks, tree/post puller, grapple, and for hooking Up SSQA. Cost was $75. Leave enough slack at the connectors.

 

[Doofy]

That sounds like a reasonably priced solution also.

 

[3Lfarms]

I have 60” long pallet forks. I am so glad I didn’t get shorter ones. As long as they are, I can just see the tips at ground level for picking up pallets.
I know most CUTS can’t pull off 60” 5k lb capacity forks, but some slip on extensions should make them long enough to see over the hood.

 

[papachaz]

I've thought of a remote camera (magnetic mount) but not practical at the moment. There has to be some type of remote or Bluetooth enabled level out there, just for this situation. My biggest problem is just getting them level, front to back.

a few years ago, my wife bought me a wireless back up camera that hooks on the license plate of my truck. I wired it to a switch I can turn on and off when I want to, so it doesn't go off when I go into park. This year, I bought a second one, and put it on the back of my camper, and can switch the monitor between the two. I usually leave it on the camper, so I can keep up with traffic behind me.

it's a Peak brand, and if you do ebay, they're not expensive at all. I'm sure you could figure a way to mount it to a magnet or even some type of permanent mount on the forks. I don't have a cab on my tractor, so don't have near the trouble using the forks