BX-Size Pallet Forks

[gmtinker]

I needed a set of pallet forks to load and unload a 250 gallon water tote (empty) into and out of my pickup. I looked into commercial ones, noted that they tend to be $400-$500 a pair, and are much too heavy-duty for a little squirt like a BX1850. So, being the cheap so-and-so I am, I built a pair, and after a bit of tweaking find they work beautifully.

The loader is rated for ~500 lb, and the pair of forks weighs maybe 50-60 lb. The closest commercially-available clamp-on ones are much heavier than that, and reinforced 2" square tubing is plenty strong for this kind of machine. I've posted the pictures of them as they sit in case anyone else would want to build their own, maybe you can improve the design for your application (I can only imagine the beautiful fab job Wildfire would do on something like this!).

I'm into it for ~$60 in steel, 3 hours cutting and welding and now need a $10 can of spray paint. Only question now is Tremclad Black or Kubota Orange . . . .?

 

[eserv]

someone should design a light duty 4-in-one bucket for the BX Bet we could sell lots of them if they were around 800- 1200 bucks! A electric ram would be just fine on a little tractor like that.

 

[gmtinker]

Sorry, Vic - I used to work for GM, but now I work for a Chrysler dealer (which, apparently is only marginally more secure as a career . . . ) Maybe I should see how close Hemi Orange is to Kubota Orange . . . of course black is probably easier to touch up.

And eserv, I totally agree. That is the only thing the "green tractor" I was looking at had over this one was a detachable bucket. Who knows, maybe the aftermarket will come along some day.

 

[eserv]

detachable would be nice on the bx, But I was thinking more like this
http://www.digga.com/4-in-1-buckets.html
Ed

 

[Wildfire]

Sorry, Vic - I used to work for GM, but now I work for a Chrysler dealer.

My gosh man you crossed over to the dark side

I used to work for a GM dealership as well one time. Just wanted to stop in a say I like what you did with the forks set up. My vote is black on the forks

 

[Hari.K]

Don't know if you guys have TSC out there, but they have a Farm Implement Enamel by Serif Coatings of Mississauga Ont. Number 2299, Chalmers Orange is a perfect match for Kubota

Hari.K

 

[ipz2222]

I went by tsc today. NO #2299 but they do have Kubota Orange in quart cans, none in spry can.

 

[ipz2222]

Here's a different set of homemade forks. Mainly used for picking up logs. If the pictures come thru.. The other is a modified single plow that i used to split the ground to run cables and air line underground.

 

[ipz2222]

trying pictures again.