fabricated a fork bracket for the tractor out of nothing but I-beams.

hackberry jake · February 19, 2012, 07:47:18 PM

I aquired a set of forks, I had some I-beams, so I threw this together. Talk about making it easier to load logs on the mill or unload them off the trailer!

leroy in kansas · February 19, 2012, 07:53:49 PM

HJ, any problem with the forks coming up off the I beam?

WDH · February 19, 2012, 08:00:15 PM

You don't mess around! Those are some long forks.

thecfarm · February 19, 2012, 08:06:26 PM

Good idea!! I have the part that the forks go on to from a fork lift,but like your idea better. The part that I have is only 3 or 4 feet wide at the most.

eastberkshirecustoms · February 19, 2012, 08:08:40 PM

Yeah, those suckers sure are long! Bet the weight of them alone will hold them on the I-beams.

hackberry jake · February 19, 2012, 08:14:37 PM

There's a hook on the top of the fork and on the bottom of the fork that keeps them on the ibeams. I can push the tips of the forks down and pick the front of the tractor up because of the hooks underneith the lower I-beam.

hackberry jake · February 19, 2012, 08:20:28 PM

I got to try them out today

bandmiller2 · February 19, 2012, 08:35:03 PM

I've got a multitec log grapple but prefer the forks.You did a good job,its handy to have them adjustable especially for regular pallets.Forks are hard to beat for log and lumber handling. Frank C.

Larry · February 19, 2012, 09:05:20 PM

I like your forks. I built some for my tractor...best thing I ever built for it.

Be careful when unloading taller trucks. You don't want to pop a log out and roll it over the loader.

cypresskayaksllc · February 19, 2012, 09:33:41 PM

nice work. cant live without the forks.

ladylake · February 20, 2012, 06:27:45 AM

Excellent job, make some for your 3 point also for the logs you cant lift on the front. I have both forks and a grapple bucket and wouldn't be without either. Steve

bugdust · February 20, 2012, 07:51:27 AM

One important precaution I've learned is to always have your hand on the control when lifting heavy loads. Be ready to lower the forks quickly because once you exceed the pivot point, (front load outweighs the center point) the tractor becomes unstable. Be especially careful for weight distribution overhanging the forks, this can cause the tractor to pitch over. It makes a huge difference to have wheel weights or fluid loaded ties. I use a fork/grapple, but I'm really impressed with your desigh.

r.man · February 20, 2012, 08:39:57 AM

I'll second what Bugdust said from experience. Never let your attention falter if the load is approaching max because loads sometimes shift sideways or forwards or the ground underneath the tractor will vary enough to change the side to side or front to back pivot point. The standard rule is to carry a heavy load as low to the ground as possible until it needs to be raised into place. Be safe.

Raider Bill · February 20, 2012, 08:50:28 AM

Quote from: bugdust on February 20, 2012, 07:51:27 AM
One important precaution I've learned is to always have your hand on the control when lifting heavy loads. Be ready to lower the forks quickly because once you exceed the pivot point, (front load outweighs the center point) the tractor becomes unstable. Be especially careful for weight distribution overhanging the forks, this can cause the tractor to pitch over. It makes a huge difference to have wheel weights or fluid loaded ties. I use a fork/grapple, but I'm really impressed with your desigh.

I learned this the hard way unloading a heavy pallet or bricks off a flat bed truck. Things got very sporty for a split second, much of what I was unloading got smashed along with a couple of my ribs and leg being bruised, and a split lip. Could have been much worse but lesson learned.

hackberry jake · February 20, 2012, 11:38:29 AM

I've had to beat my trailer fender out a couple times from picking up a log that was too heavy, as soon as I try to back up the tractor starts tipping and I drop the forks down on the fender.

millwright · February 20, 2012, 07:11:18 PM

Nice job on the forks. I recently built a similar setup and then added an hydraulic cyl. attachted to an arm that will clamp down on a log or a group of logs keeping them from sliding off the forks, this is real handy if you want to pick one log out of a pile.

WDH · February 20, 2012, 09:11:36 PM

Quote from: Larry on February 19, 2012, 09:05:20 PM
Be careful when unloading taller trucks. You don't want to pop a log out and roll it over the loader.

That would hurt. You might want to weld on some stakes to protect yourself because it could happen.

customsawyer · February 21, 2012, 02:27:27 AM

As with most tools around a sawmill they can bite you if you lose your focus. Nice design though. Are they easy to disconnect from or do you have to pull pins?

westyswoods · February 21, 2012, 06:37:38 AM

A couple of interesting comments about excessive loads, with smashed lips and busted ribs. Fortunately have not injury as a result of front load tipping yet. I know many of us don't use seat belts provided but that is what they are meant to prevent. Yeah they are a pain and time consuming. I will wear mine if in the skid steer for long time.

Stay safe and be well