What fork brackets do I need for a Ford 4610 loader?

furzeboy · Feb 2, 2022

Hi All
I have a loader for my refurbed Ford 4610 and I'm now starting to refurb. I want to add pallet forks to increase usability on the farm. When I'm looking for forks, what type of connection / fitting do I need when talking to suppliers? Its not a power steering model so I image a heavy pallet load would be hard to manoever.

Many thanks

jimglassford · Feb 2, 2022

Considering all of the 4610s were power steering and that loader is not OEM, you will have a difficult time getting forks on that loader.

furzeboy · Feb 3, 2022

I think my 4610 started its life as a utility type build rather than agricultural, so it doesnt have power steering which is a pain but I didnt think I needed it when I bought it 15 years ago, things change. I am making more enquiries but I think you may be right, this may not be possible.

jimglassford · Feb 3, 2022

The 4610 was built between 1981 and 1989 in a number of variations. The most common variations were the standard 4610 and the 4610SU (special Utility) The front axle was the biggest difference. The tractor was also built as the 4610N, 4610NO and 4610V. I looked at the parts breakdown on the CNH official site and every variation has power steering. I could not find a variation without power steering. Is it possible you have a 4610SU that has the smaller front axle and the previous owner removed the power steering cylinders and the pump?

rScotty · Feb 3, 2022

A lot of folks - I'm one of them - struggled with tractors with add-on FEL and no power steering for many years. Power steering wasn't popular on cars for a long while either.

First thing I would do with yours is to take some photos of the front and the model/serial number tags if you can find them and see just what you have. Then get hold of some parts books and TBNers to adapt a used Ford 4610 power steering onto it. You might even find a bolt up.

As for forks, I don't see any way that forks are going to fit or work on your existing loader. Those old manure scoop style loaders were mostly for cleaning out stalls. They were built for reach and visibilty, not to lift weight.

But at least you have a working tractor and workable loader. Those were good tractors. I'd recommend power steering first and then see how that goes. You'll need that no matter what.