My FEL Forks

AbDaBu · Oct 11, 2007

SkunkWerX, you've got it right. The weight is hanging from the top bars while the heels are resting on the bucket lip. (See first graphic)
These were not intended to carry heavy loads. However, I'm thinking about adding some pipe pieces to the heels that will hang over the bucket lip, like in the second graphic. What do you think?

SkunkWerX · Oct 11, 2007

AbDaBu said:
SkunkWerX, you've got it right. The weight is hanging from the top bars while the heels are resting on the bucket lip. (See first graphic)
These were not intended to carry heavy loads. However, I'm thinking about adding some pipe pieces to the heels that will hang over the bucket lip, like in the second graphic. What do you think?

It looks like the heel is not resting on the bucket lip, it is underneath the lip.
In other words, no weight supporting capacity.

I like your basic premise on Option B.
Anything that also allows the load to be distributed down to the bucket cutting edge will strengthen the set-up.

Instead of round pipe, I'd suggest something like a piece of square tubing? Something that protrudes into the bucket a little bit more and can rest squarely on the bucket cutting edge?
Something square/flat , even the lip of a piece of thick angle iron is not as apt to slide off/out should the forks flex forward a little.

Like this:
fork lift drawing.

Tororider · Oct 11, 2007

I agree with skunkwerx, I was going to suggest angle iron. Looks like you are proficient with a welder so it shouldn't take long and would make it much stronger. Just my 2 cents

easygo · Oct 11, 2007

AbDaBu,
You might want to add something to the lower corners of your fork that will not allow it to swing away from the bucket edge. That way if you pick up some brush or such you can dump it instead of having to pull it off the fork tines.

oodbdartman,
I really like the very quick and dirty forks. How heavy is that pile of wood you are carrying there? The reason why I ask. I will soon have the need for a pair of forks to unload a 350lbs pellet from a trailer. It is a small 2x2 ft pellet so there wouldn't be heavy loads several feet from the bucket edge. I thought about doing something like that out of 2x8 or 2x10 material. I could just try to make a permanent fork set, but I will not have the time until item arrives. Thanks
easygo

dbdartman · Oct 11, 2007

easygo said:
How heavy is that pile of wood you are carrying there? Thanks
easygo

I don't think it was 100 lbs, but may have been. My best guess is, build it & try. Worst case, it doesn't work & you end up sliding the pallet into the bucket & secure it with a ratchet strap.

Good luck!