Forks Chain Forks Deal on E-Bay

[TonyC]

There is a deal (actually several that are identical) on E-Bay for chain attached forks for $259.00. Looking it over it seems fairly attractive. Of course I'm not sure what the shipping charge would be but what do you think? Anyone here know more about these? The offer can be found <A target="_blank" HREF=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1719185359>here</A>

 

[Mark_in_NH]

From what research I have done and from what I have read on some of the posts on Bucket forks on the TBN, the bid and purchase price that the auction is listing looks to be Real Close to retail if not more, for this style of forks.
And like you said, the shipping costs due to the weight would be a financial killer.

 

[MikePA]

<font color=blue>the shipping costs due to the weight would be a financial killer.</font color=blue>
Yep. I estimated at the UPS site and UPS ground would be $110.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Average price for a set of clamp On forks is around $450.
If you take the eBay auction price of $259 to $359 and add in Mikes est. shipping of $110, depending on what part of the country your in.
I think I would rather go to my local dealer and strike a fair deal on a set from him, even if they were a few $$ more than the eBay ones. Why ! Just being able to see them, their condition, they will be warrentied, etc. etc.
Just my opinion.

 

[SHIFTY]

I purchased the same set from Jed on Ebay,He does get good shipping rates,They are well made units,Best of luck-ob1

 

[MikePA]

What were your shipping rates to VT?

 

[TonyC]

Ahhhh...an eyewitness. Just the man I was looking for. So I take it you're happy with them? What did you end up paying for them and how much was the shipping ifyou don't mind me asking!

 

[WoodDawg]

I also purchased a set of forks from Jed on Ebay. I don't really have a local dealer, so this was the easiest way for me to get a set. It has been a few months, but I believe it was $259 + $90 shipping (to eastern NC). He ships them individually in their own box. I have used mine a lot, even loaded over a 1000lbs pool table for a neighbor with no problem. If you have any questions let me know...
Mark

 

[SHIFTY]

I dont remember the exact shipping to CT,I believe it was 65-85.00,Ill try to attatch a photo

 

[TonyC]

Thanks for the photo Shifty but it came out really small. It does look like an interesting idea for the new postage stamps!/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif I sent an e-mail to Jed. He says that shipping would be $81.00 for me. I am going to try locally and see how it compares. Thanks for the info!

 

[jwhite]

I also got a set from that same person on e-bay last year (about November). Excellent construction, shipped well via UPS for about $80 to West Virginia.

Just remember you need to buy a couple chain binders to hold them on. I picked up a couple at a local hardware store for about $12 a piece. I am probably going to convert to using a couple of those heavy nylon strap binders instead to be a little easier on the bucket paint.

I have the HD bucket on a NH TC-33D. Max load so far has been 4 pine logs at once, 12 Feet long and 8 inch dia. No bucket bending has occurred.

Jay White

 

[PaulT]

I just completed making a set of these for myself. The bill of materials included:

Scrap metal c channels for forks - $10 (local scrap yard)
1/4 inch chain 6 ft * 1.30/ft - $7.80 (Quality FF going out of business sale)
1/4 inch non-racheting load binders $10/ea - $20 (harborfreight.com)
Sawzall blades 5 pack - $15
Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer - $7.50/qt
Rustoleum flat black spray paint - $3.50/can
Cheap paint brush - $1

Total cost of materials - $69.80 for 2 forks

I used a friend's welder (at my house - my electricity) First welding job, woohoo/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

I will post a pic tonight. Only required 4 4" welds and some cutting and grinding. If my sawzall battery would cut more than 8 inches at a time before recharges, I could have finished each one in about an hour and a half, including painting time.

 

[TonyC]

Thanks, Paul. Making my own is still a possibilty. The catch is the actual forks. Just how strong is the C Channel as opposed to heavy solid forks? How well have they worked for you? I would love to see the photo.

Thanks!

 

[PaulT]

Well,

I haven't tested the load yet (other than my 200lbs standing on both forks). When I bounced on the forks, the whole tractor moved, and it got light in the back end. The forks obviously didn't deflect with 100 lbs on each fork. I'm not too worried about it, since my LA-402 loader is only rated to a little under 900#. I figure that either I will lift the back end or open a relief valve before I will bend the forks. I think they are 4x2 c channel mild steel. There is considerably more material in the radius of the corner than at the edges, so it is pretty strong. I would guess that 500# for each fork is not unreasonable. They are only 40 inches out from the bucket edge, so there is less leverage than a longer fork would have. Pics later tonight.

 

[PaulT]

Jump over to build it yourself by clicking on <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=buildit&Number=130891&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&vc=1#Post130891>this link</A>. That is where I posted the pix of the forks