Bucket fork length

   / Bucket fork length #1  

Eric_Phillips

Platinum Member
Joined
May 16, 2005
Messages
714
Location
Rochester, NY
Tractor
FarmTrac 270DTC
I am making some chain on bucket forks. How long should the fork be beyond the bucket edge? The loader only has a 850lb max load at full height and I am using 2x4x1/4" tubing. I know the longer I go the more weight there is hanging farther out but what is a usable length?
 
   / Bucket fork length #2  
Putting aside the load issue, its essential to be able to see the end of the forks when the bucket is on the ground. (So you can line up the forks with a pallet). This is especially important on uneven ground. Without being ridiculous, the more fork you can see from the seat the better. You might have to stand up in the saddle to do this but thats OK, especially if you have a HST.

Heres mine. They are way over-engineered for the capacity of the loader and they are a bit too long but thats better than being too short. The short pieces of square tube welded near the tips hold a lightweight tube frame that extends the forks to about 8 feet. That was so we could carry 12' long particle board floor panels lengthways and point them up to the first floor of a house we built.

One other thing. When you attach forks to the front of a bucket the weight is REALLY hanging WAY OUT there. You'll lift the back wheels off real easy. The whole arrangement will rock on the front wheels like a see-saw. (Or teeter-totter as you call them.) Thats bad for traction and worse for safety. So unless you want to carry more than a couple of bricks you should plan for some rear ballast at the same time as planning the forks. I see you've got some attachments. The heaviest one might do the trick.
 

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   / Bucket fork length
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Thanks for the advice. I am going out now to start the build.
 

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