Fork extensions

kubota2630 · Mar 31, 2008

I have a Kubota B2630 with an after market set of forks. The capacity of the forks are 1,200#. What I would like to do is to make fork extensions to pick up my snowmobile to load in a pickup. I will be lifting from the rear of the snowmobile with the balance point being approx. 5' to 6' from the tractor. I've seen my dealer pick up snowmobiles this way with a small forklift. I know the futher the reach the greater the lift. Any feedback would be appreciated.

NH-Rob · Mar 31, 2008

I did the same thing with my b7510 but it does not really have enough lift capacity. I only can pick the sled up about a foot. I am planing on making a 3 point mount for the forks and carry the sled that way. I want to be able to bring dead sleds into my work shop. I made mine out of 1x2 tubing might be 6' long, my forks are 48" so only hangs over the end a small amount. If I get a chance tomarow I will snap a picture and post it.
Rob

kubota2630 · Apr 1, 2008

Thanks. I thought it might be a problem. What is the lift capacity of your tractor?

NH-Rob · Apr 1, 2008

Here is the pictures of my set up. I think the lift capacity is around 600lbs.
Rob

kubota2630 · Apr 2, 2008

Thanks very much Rob. I have the very same forks. They're made by Horst Welding. I think my trackor has about 200 - 300 # more lift then yours. I'm still not sure it will work but I may give it a try. Your sled is also much lighter then mine. I will be lifting a Yamaha 4 stroke. I think it is at least 100 # heavier then yours. Please describe how you made your extensions.

firemanpat2910 · Apr 2, 2008

Thats a silly looking jetski. Whats all that dirty, slushy stuff all over the ground? ( covers head and goes running )

MrJimi · Apr 2, 2008

firemanpat2910 said:
Thats a silly looking jetski. Whats all that dirty, slushy stuff all over the ground? ( covers head and goes running )

Pat, I think all that stuff is what people in the north call sno or sumtin like that, i'm glad we don't have any here for our jetski's
looks messy

excelagator · Apr 2, 2008

MrJimi said:
Pat, I think all that stuff is what people in the north call sno or sumtin like that, i'm glad we don't have any here for our jetski's
looks messy

Jetski???? What is that??? Or is that someone's last name!!!

Dan

NH-Rob · Apr 3, 2008

My extensions are very simple. I used 1"x2" rectangle stock and welded 2 chunks of 4" chanel iron with a 1/4" plate welded across the opening at the end of the steel and just 40" or so up. I would think your tractor would handle it as it is much larger than mine. We have a skid steer at work with a similar set up and that works great.
Don't know about those jet skis, do they ice up when you run around on them in sub zero temps?
Rob

kubota2630 · Apr 3, 2008

Thanks for the pictures Rob. Very clear now I'll have to make a set for my winter Jetski. Rob did you try lifting the touring sled shown in the background?

NH-Rob · Apr 3, 2008

No, I have not tried to lift the tank yet. I think I can do it with the three point hitch though (fingers crossed).
Rob

MrJimi · Apr 3, 2008

If I ever get around to building some fork extensions, I will use 2"X5"X1/4" square tube and I don't have a summer snowmobile yet but It would be fun

kubota2630 · Apr 3, 2008

Thanks Rob. I think you'll lift it with the 3 pt hitch. Mr Jimi I think that would work also. I'm going to have to make a trip to the metal store in the next few weeks to get material. I don't think I'll need to lift my sled for a little while anyway. When I get my extensions made I'll post a couple of pictures.

MrJimi · Apr 3, 2008

kubota2630 said:
Thanks Rob. I think you'll lift it with the 3 pt hitch. Mr Jimi I think that would work also. I'm going to have to make a trip to the metal store in the next few weeks to get material. I don't think I'll need to lift my sled for a little while anyway. When I get my extensions made I'll post a couple of pictures.

You could always lift you sled like I'm holding this boat with my boom pole. a couple of straps and your good to go.
I have to buy $300 of steel at a time but at that rate it comes out pretty good, I use a 19' boat trailer to haul it home then I use my SS to unload it
for instance, the 2"X5"X1/4" comes 24' long, I will have some for another project

NH-Rob · Apr 3, 2008

That steel would work good and it would keep the extensions even with the forks. I used what I did because it was what I had on hand.
Rob

firemanpat2910 · Apr 4, 2008

The extensions on my lift at work are very simple. ] channel cut a square hole at the fork lift side, slip fork in hole, slide extension toward fork lift, when you get to the L the extension lays flat on the fork and the [ channel keeps them from sliding around.

kubota2630 · Apr 4, 2008

Thanks everyone for the info. I just need a little time now to go for material, make the extensions & test it. When I get done I'll post some pictures.

FLH · Oct 6, 2013

I have a B3300 which I believe is rated somewhere bewteen 8-900 lift. My forks are Land Pride and are rated much higher. In actuality I am able to lift 12 x 80 lb bags of cement plus the pallet at without complaint. I bought a set of extensions to do the very same thing as NH & 2630. Not gunna happen. I started with my mid weight machine. a Ski-doo Summit w/600 e-tec and 154" track. Nothing. Then I tried my sons A/C 440 fan. Nope. I didn't even bother with my big machine.
For sale: One set slightly used yellow 7' long fork extensions that weigh about 100 lbs.
If you want to build a set these are pretty simple. Its just a piece of Channel with a strap welded to the end in a rectangular loop. You thread your fork in the loop holding the extension at an angle with the open side of the channel down. When the loop clears the inside end of your fork the channel can be let down over the fork. Wah-la. I can't picture an easier or lighter way to build them unless you went for Al++.