Here's a simple project. In fact, this was the first time I used my welder.
I started with a surplus electronics relay rack and simply burned the lengths I needed from it, using an oversize rod.
Then I drilled holes for the front chains, and secured the chains through the holes with a bolt and nut underneath - to put the stress out near the edges. Then tack-welded the nuts and bolt heads to the forks.
I welded the rear chains in place. No way am I going to show anyone those first time ever welds - but the chains are still secure a year later.
As others have noted, forks attached separately need something to keep them aligned. I added the little angle brackets in the third picture to take care of this. (Look near the bottom of the chains.)
Fourth picture: The forks will lift to the capacity of the tractor, which is defined by no traction on the rear tires even with the box blade for ballast. This is a typical application.
I started with a surplus electronics relay rack and simply burned the lengths I needed from it, using an oversize rod.
Then I drilled holes for the front chains, and secured the chains through the holes with a bolt and nut underneath - to put the stress out near the edges. Then tack-welded the nuts and bolt heads to the forks.
I welded the rear chains in place. No way am I going to show anyone those first time ever welds - but the chains are still secure a year later.
As others have noted, forks attached separately need something to keep them aligned. I added the little angle brackets in the third picture to take care of this. (Look near the bottom of the chains.)
Fourth picture: The forks will lift to the capacity of the tractor, which is defined by no traction on the rear tires even with the box blade for ballast. This is a typical application.
