That sounds high, even with the continued increase of steel pricing. .  .
Here is a used Bradco (heavy dute name - used to makes them for all the majors), for $400 bucks
Arnolds Equipment St Cloud   
I would think Bobcats would be around that $800 range (but maybe steel prices have increase that much?)
Here are some examples off craigslist . . . http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/for/2239995960.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/grd/2200195384.html  FFC is a major mfg of skidsteer attachments also
Here are 6200 lb Verning for $925 off craigslist . .  http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/grd/2166491572.html

The thing with shop built - be sure of the forks breaking strength . . . there are alot of cheaper pallet forks out there, and the forks are rated for 1000 lbs ea. or so they say (the ones that fold up when digging rocks or lifting their weight)

Verning are good. they offer a ligher version in the example above . . .
I made a pallet fork for my skid - 46in forks (use from a forklift, that need the full 48 in forks). Heavy duty 4000 lb each fork. $100 for the forks $100 for the back plate (quick tach) and my time and a little scrap from the junk pile. Got the forks from craigslist.
Good luck