Has anyone made a set of HD slip on forks for a bucket

[tucker2]

I need to build a set of forks to fit my skidsteer bucket, I only need them several times a year to move around 500lbs of stuff. Cleaning up area of old riding mowers,atv's and motorcycles. I have a set
pf old forklift forks but my bucket is deep and they are short, so they don't stick out much, I need 24-30" past the bucket teeth.

 

[john m]

i saw a set today that attach to a bar on the top edge of the bucket and hang down and rest on the bottom of the bucket (the inside) i have seen these before. i am going to make a set for my bucket and model them after the ones they sell at northern tool. i could have used a set today.

 

[BukitCase]

click the "+" on this pic

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ving-arm-stabalizers-order-change-rehose3.jpg

Those forks are made from 3/16" wall 2x6 rectangular tubing - the side pieces connecting short tubing to long pieces are 1/2" x 6" flat bar. Under the edge of the short piece of tubing is another 2" wide piece of flat bar, so the weight bears about 4-6" away from the cutting edge. The rear of the forks has a piece of 1/2" wall 4" angle, with a 1-1/2" hole (hole saw) in it - I use two ratchet-type chain binders between those holes and upper bucket hooks to hold them on.

For short lifts, you can just slide the forks into a pallet (hard to see with the bucket in the way), then tilt the bucket down, approach the forks, drop the bucket into float mode, let it land on the area between the angles and the short tubing, roll the bucket inward while driving forward, pick up the whole mess and go.

I've lifted over 2000 pounds with these on my Case 580, but will be changing things around when I get time to make everything QD. Too hard to see what you're doing this way.

For your purpose, I'd go with 2x4 x .120 wall tubing - should be plenty strong... Steve

 

[50plus]

I have had bucket forks for a good while and use them way more than the bucket alone.
Big Problem: My bucket is 6' wide, but now only the center 3' is flat. Unless the steel on your bucket is substantially thicker than my 400x you WILL eventually warp your bucket.
My suggestion is to bite the bullet and purchase a separate set of forks for your tractor.
My $.02