1430 Forks

[J_J]

I may have a simple fix for you. Do you know what a top link for a 3PH looks like. They come in different lengths, and can be adjusted in or out. I use one for certain application. You could also cut a piece of 3/4 steel, 2 in wide , cut to length and put 3/4 in holes in each end which will give you the level you desire.

 

[MossRoad]

So you put it in the same location as the fixed link on the PT's bucket tip/curl assembly? Good idea! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Menchhofer:
Before you cut and remount the plate, you may want to play with it a bit. I have the Power Trac adjustable forks on the 1845. I think the hydraulics and front assembly geometry are the same on your 1430. The mounting plate is pretty vertical. That gives me a steep down tilt when wanted, and enough up to keep pallets on the forks. Matching the 30-degree slant of the bucket bact would give you a lot of ability to tilt the tips up, but less down tilt.
I've found the forks work pretty well with close to 90 degree plate mount.

 

[RegL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I may have a simple fix for you. Do you know what a top link for a 3PH looks like. They come in different lengths, and can be adjusted in or out. I use one for certain application. You could also cut a piece of 3/4 steel, 2 in wide , cut to length and put 3/4 in holes in each end which will give you the level you desire. )</font>

I tried the adjustable top link. Worked really well untill it broke into pieces while working the bucket pretty hard. Could be that I just did not have a good one. I may try again cause it was handy.

 

[J_J]

Yes, It will replace the link between the quick-attach and the rollover unit. I only use it to give me the full range that I want. I would get a good one like the large tractors use and be sure to tighten the nuts on both ends.

 

[J_J]

Charlie, You say that you have the adjustable link. I didn't know that they had one. Could you post a picture of your adj link?

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

<font color="red">You say that you have the adjustable link </font>
Sorry: not an adjustable link. The forks are adjustable width, not tilt.

 

[menchhofer]

Where do I get this 3PH item?

I think it would be useful for the grapple bucket also for it would not hurt for it tip down just a bit more at times.

 

[menchhofer]

I am not sure. My forks do not become level as it is currently set up. Perhaps the geometry is different. I can just get them to go under a skid but it rasies the skid off the ground. Then I have problems getting out from under it.

 

[menchhofer]

I just thought if I use this link, then my tilt would be quite less upward, and more downward. Correct?

 

[J_J]

Your statement was correct when you said adjustable forks, I simply misread it as adjustable link

The linkage on my 1430 has three holes. One on each end, and one about 4 in from one end. I supposed it is made that way to compensate for different implements.

 

[KentT]

Top links are available at Tractor Supply, Northern Tool, etc., in addition to any tractor dealer. Of course the dealer will want a lot more money for this $25 part...

 

[MossRoad]

Take your solid link off your PT and take it and the two bolts with you. Go to a tractor supply store and get one that can be adjusted shorter and longer than the one you have. Find a big, beefy one that will still fit where the eyes go on the PT. Then, if needed, step to the isle where they sell sleeves and bushings to insert into the eyes of the new adjustable top link so that your bolts will be snug when you re-install it.

To adjust them, you just loosen the lock nuts on each end ofthe tube and turn the tube with your hands or an extension bar, if needed. One way extends it and the other way shortens it. Then tighten the lock nuts when it gets to the length you need. Very handy for the do it yourself implement maker. Good suggestion, J.J. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Marks481]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. So, I assume I will need the plate taken off and re-attached at an angle instead of the 90 degrees it is mounted now. I think it will need to be attached at a 30 dgree angle or so. )</font>

Everyone is offerring a solution to a problem that I don't think exists.

The attachment plate will not be at it's lowest possible position when the forks are on tehground, since as you raise the load, you need to tip the attachment plate down to maintain the forks level with the ground.

If the forks were level at the lowest position (eg, the attachment plate welded at a 30 degree angle to the forks), as you raise the forks, the natural change in orientation will cause the forks to tilt skyward.

You don't need to modify the link, or put in an adjustable link. Just practice until you are skilled with keepingthem level with teh ground while raising and lowering.

 

[RegL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( </font><font color="blueclass=small">( As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. So, I assume I will need the plate taken off and re-attached at an angle instead of the 90 degrees it is mounted now. I think it will need to be attached at a 30 dgree angle or so. )</font>

Everyone is offerring a solution to a problem that I don't think exists.

The attachment plate will not be at it's lowest possible position when the forks are on tehground, since as you raise the load, you need to tip the attachment plate down to maintain the forks level with the ground.

If the forks were level at the lowest position (eg, the attachment plate welded at a 30 degree angle to the forks), as you raise the forks, the natural change in orientation will cause the forks to tilt skyward.

You don't need to modify the link, or put in an adjustable link. Just practice until you are skilled with keepingthem level with teh ground while raising and lowering. )</font>

I think the thing is, Not every one is picking pallets that need to be kept level. The forks are also very useful for picking up logs and brush or even stacks of fence posts,etc. For these purposes you need to be able to tip them back a bit.

 

[menchhofer]

When I get the time I will play around with the forks again. Perhaps I did get a little excited too soon.

Is the mounting plate for the 425 forks mounted at an approx. 90 degree angle?

 

[Marks481]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is the mounting plate for the 425 forks mounted at an approx. 90 degree angle? )</font>

Yes. And even at full lift you can tilt them up above horizontal.

I definitely wouldn't want the mounting plate to fork angle <90, since this would push your load (if it was taller then a pallet) out further away from the body of the tractor, which is never a good thing.

 

[MossRoad]

He said <font color="blue"> As a result, the forks are not level at the lowest position the PT offers. </font>

You should be able to level the forks at all ranges of travel on the lift arms. If you can't, the adapter plate has been welded on at an incorrect angle. To get it to function correctly at all ranges of the travel of the loader arm you could either cut the adapter plate off and re-weld it at the same angle that the factory forks come with, or use the top link method.

When my lift arms are all the way down, I can tip the forks up several inches from level and down over a foot to dig under bushes and stumps.

When my lift arms are all the way up, I can almost point the forks at the sky and tip them down enough to dump logs onto the tops of piles.

It should have a wide range of motion, but should also be able to be level at all ranges of lift, I would think. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[menchhofer]

I had thought the angle of the plate should be approximately the same angle of the LMB or grapple bucket to insure proper full movement, but I could be wrong. If the 425 forks are mounted about 90 degrees, then they should work thoughout the full range of motion.

 

[J_J]

Did you ever get the forks set the way you wanted?