I strongly agree with Bunk on this. Dont try to build you own forks. Buy real forklift forks and build a frame to hold them. I built a set a few years ago. I got forks from the junk yard, they were class 1, I got a class 2 carriage from work for free. I bought a 3/8 skid steer adapter plate from ebay, cut the class 2 frame down to fit the class 1 forks, welded it all together. It will easily hold more than my loader will luft, and also more than my 4 series John deere. Welded channel won't be nearly as strong. Do it right once, or you will never be able to truck the forks. I will get some pics of the ones I made.
My forks are only 42" long but have done everything I need them to, I have loaded pallets, picked up trees, they are by far the most handy attachment you can have. If I had to choose between forks and any thing else that I have I would keep the forks. (not that the buckets, and other stoff isn't needed also).
I see forks selling for 75 to 150 for a pair all the time around here.
