Clamp-on bucket forks

MadReferee · Jun 8, 2005

The design is such that it should work on any bucket. If you are building you own you can make the dimensions exactly match your bucket.

MrJoe · Jun 8, 2005

Nice Job /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'm inspired to get a set, my welder still owes me a favor. If I had the time this year I'd start up with some lessons. Got plans laid out for the next year already. I'd like to copy your plans when you put them out, they would be very usefull.

woodlot · Jun 20, 2005

Madref. I'm still very interested in that design and cut list. Are you going to post it?

MadReferee · Jun 20, 2005

It's about 1/2 done. I have been busy dealing with my consultant business for the past few weeks and have had no time for tractor stuff. Be patient, I hope to have it in a week or so.

MrJoe · Jun 21, 2005

HA! letting business interfere with working on the tractor! Where are your priorities /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

A few photos of the finished product. They work very well and I am pleased with how they came out. Many thanks to the MadRef.

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

Photo 2.

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

Photo 3, mounted on the bucket.

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

Photo 4, view from the front.

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

View from under the bucket.

8561 · Jun 26, 2005

One of the big advantages to these is they are designed to work without removing the toothbar. Last one shows how they clamp from underneath.

DavidVT · Jun 27, 2005

Great set of forks!

Do you think the toothbar is needed for how it adds strength to the bucket's leading edge?

I wanted to make something like this for my woods bucket but am fearful the bucket will deform under a load.

Any thoughts on this anyone?

Also, I saw somewhere something like this but it also had an additional vertical component ('L') that allowed you to pass some of the load to a chain wrapped around the back of the bucket. Now I wonder if this design is simpler and has the bonus of being another justification for a toothbar.. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Looking for steel now... I will try this soon!!

MadReferee · Jun 27, 2005

( Do you think the toothbar is needed for how it adds strength to the bucket's leading edge?)

No. The toothbar is there to help you dig not to provide bucket support. If you are worried about the strength of your bucket then you had better start looking for a different bucket. A bucket without a toothbar will not dig in any kind of firm soil.

This subject has been discussed zillions of times already. Use the search function with "toothbar" and you can read for hours on end.

( I wanted to make something like this for my woods bucket but am fearful the bucket will deform under a load.)

If you don't overload your bucket forks your bucket will not deform. Most small CUTs have a bucket capacity of less than 1000 lbs. Your 3430 has a capacity of around 1400 lbs or less at the forks. Use common sense and you will have no problems.

( Also, I saw somewhere something like this but it also had an additional vertical component ('L') that allowed you to pass some of the load to a chain wrapped around the back of the bucket.)

A roll stop can easily be added to this design. My next build will have one.

( Now I wonder if this design is simpler and has the bonus of being another justification for a toothbar.)

I fail to see how adding clamp-on forks can be justification for purchasing a toothbar. They are two different animals that serve two different purposes. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MadReferee · Jun 27, 2005

Free plans for the clamp-on bucket forks and clamp-on receiver hitch are now available.

To get your copy, PM me with your real email address.

davesisk · Jul 20, 2005

Hey folks:

After getting a copy of Paul's plans for these pallet forks, I decided to ask Paul (aka MadReferee) how much he'd charge me to make a pair. I was happy with the price ($185 plus shipping, which came to about $40), so I asked Paul to make them. I got them today. Paul, nice work. They fit exactly as you said they would. A neighbor wandered over while I was clamping them onto the bucket. Next thing I know, I'm moving his brush pile and dumping it in the woods for him (most of the folks in my neighborhood seem to like having a somewhat eccentric neighbor with a tractor, welders, benders, half of the tools known to man, etc /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif). Anyway, had the forks 10 minutes and they've already proven useful. Cool beans. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dave