Bent Forks

[pajoube]

Any one have suggestion for getting my forks back in line? After many hours of all types of work (abusing) would like them to line up again.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

I bent mine a couple of times, too. I heated up the bent area with a cheap propane torch(the little torches that you put on small propane bottle, like plumbers use) for about 5 minutes, then beat the heck out of it with a sledge hammer. It is now close enough that you can't tell they were bent.

Sometimes I wonder if by heating it, I took some of the strength out of it. It never got red, just warm, but I'm no expert when it comes to steel strength. It seems to be fine, now.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

 

[Piedmont3]

I don't know anything about heat and metal strength. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I would say you could use a very large tree with a very large hydraulic jack to possibly press them back into shape.
Somebody posted a few weeks ago a picture of something pressed between 2 trunks of a tree using a hydraulic jack to straighten it.

 

[NJBill]

Not a whole lot of help Paul, but the right double trunked tree could be a great help with this one. Remebering that the PT bent it, maybe your 480lb rock could be of some assistance ! ?
It's at times like this, when start reminiscing. As a kid, a couple of years ago ! the local blacksmith cured all these kind of ills, and yes MR, without changing the temper. I would probably make the same effort as MR, thats about the extent of my equipment. I know someone will send you a good fix. All the best.
Bill

 

[pajoube]

Thanks guys, good advise. The heat idea is very good and the idea of using my 1 1/2 ton rock is very good also. Will try the rock first and let you know.
PJ

 

[BobRip]

I bent one of the arms on the grappling bucket once. I took a comealong and put tension on it. Then I heated it with an actylene torch. I think the propane torch might do it also. I like this better than the hammer. When you get it right, cool it with water and that will add some temper back I think. I am not an expert in metal working. I am an electron pusher by training, not a black smith. Good luck and let us know what works and what does not.

Take care, but not all of it,

Bob Rip

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Any one have suggestion for getting my forks back in line? )</font>


<font color="red"> Recently I lifted a heavy load with just the right fork bending it down about 2" lower than the left fork!
I lifted the load again with the left fork until it aligned with the right fork. Problem solved!!
Next time I'll use both forks for heavy loads!!</font>

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

That's what I was thinking - using my large rock.
Snowed this morning so will wait until it warms up and dries out.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

I tried bending mine back in the up direction with the tractor, but couldn't figure out how. The tractor comes off the ground before the forks bend up. I ended up putting a little down pressure on the tips on some boards on the driveway(didn't want to gouge the asphalt) and then heating and whacking them with the big sledge hammer(use ear plugs).

 

[pajoube]

That must have been a big hammer /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif