Homemade Q/A Bucket Forks

[OrangeinWis]

Someone asked earlier for some better pics and dimensions on these quick-attach forks I built with a Miller 110v tig/stick welder, they work great for picking up logs, haven't bent yet, surely something to do with the fact that they're used on a SCUT with lower lift cap., and they're out past the bucket. The forks themselves, 2"x3" heavy wall rec. tubing (I think either 1/4" or 5/16"), 1/4"x4"x12" knife gusset. 26" tall, and 42" long. The brackets (4 of them, because 2 didn't seem like enough, and the 3rd one wouldn't be centered because of bucket mount) are made of 1/4"x4" plate, 1/4"x4" plate under them in top of bucket as a backing plate, and 1/2" S.S. bolts (overkill again, but free throwaways at work). The keep/release tabs are 1/2" square stock, used some countersinking because of clearance issues while loading/unloading the forks. I made these because I don't need a large lift capacity, and saw this idea as a fast way to switch between forks and bucket. The round stock connecting everything is 1" S.S. with 1" lock collars. I am currently looking for a design to actuate the lock/release tabs without getting out of the seat, any ideas, TBN land? Notice one is in keep pos., one is in release.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Great job!
They look plenty strong for SCUT use.

Turned out looking very nice. :thumbsup:

 

[mwb]

Very nice! Considering your fabrication skills, why not convert your loader to a skid steer style QA and then you can switch between bucket and forks. You will maintain a much better lift capacity and gain better visibility.

If you search for "tractor side QA" I wrote a detailed thread of my QA build and even included part drawings.

Nice job! Can't think of an easy (and durable) way to remotely release those lock tabs.