OK, I got the SSQA adapter, and have ordered a QA grapple for it, and a QA plate for the old bucket (gulp). Still thinking about taking it to a welding shop and saying "please cut the brackets off and weld this thing on (but figuring the "angles" to keep it at factory settings will be hard with the brackets still there.) I may just get froggy enough to try to do it myself, using K0ua's suggestions. I don't know if I'll have the time or inclination by the time the parts arrive, but who knows?
Front-End Loader Skid steer quick attach adapter
- Thread starter Alpha Dog
- Start date
Notforhire
Veteran Member
Here is my thread where I did the SSQA and how I went about it maybe it will help ya. (hope the link works) Go to page 3 about post #27 starts the pictorial and post #34 has some better detail of cutting the old loader bucket brackets off etc.
The actual placement of the plate on my bucket was different than stock and really wasn't anything I saw I could do about it other than brace it I didn't want that or think it was necessary. The top of the bracket would have been too high above the top of the bucket to place it at the stock height (see pic with old bracket next to plate) and that worried me it may weaken it so went the way I did. fwtw
www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/241460-new-skid-steer-change-over.html
The actual placement of the plate on my bucket was different than stock and really wasn't anything I saw I could do about it other than brace it I didn't want that or think it was necessary. The top of the bracket would have been too high above the top of the bucket to place it at the stock height (see pic with old bracket next to plate) and that worried me it may weaken it so went the way I did. fwtw
www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/241460-new-skid-steer-change-over.html
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Go for it,, IF I can do it you can do it.. I am not anything special in the fab department. Or welding department or even the thinking ahead department. Mine is still holding up fine..
James K0UA
Well, I got the grapple and the adapter plate, got the quick attach installed and picked up the grapple, then realized the quick connects on the hydraulic hoses were wrong, so I've got my son out searching for those. I've got to make a quick trip of about 300 miles tomorrow, to pick up some fence panels for some working pens, so I won't start the conversion project yet. I'll probably do that on weeknights, since it's getting dark so early now that I don't have time to get out to the "new" rancho after work. If I get the bucket converted, I've already got some plans to build some other attachments, including one to help move around the trailers in the back drive by the barn at my current place, (four of them are mine, one belongs to a friend who lives in town and can't store it in a driveway, and another belongs to an organization that my wife advises), so it gets a little "trafficy" near the barn sometimes, with six trailers, two tractors, a pickup, and who knows what else. Anyone built something like that?
I need a trailer moving adapter also and my thoughts are to use a 2" receiver hitch setup and weld it to the back of my bucket so I can tilt the bucket forward enough I can see what I am doing lining it up.
I haven't gone any further that the thought so it may be a bad idea dunno. We like pics of stuff btw hint.
I haven't gone any further that the thought so it may be a bad idea dunno. We like pics of stuff btw hint.
I went to the local Bobcat dealer and I bought the quick attach (skidsteer side) from them for a $100 off their junk pile. They'll get them in where the bushings are wore out and someone puts a whole new one on the skid.
I cut and ground the mounting brackets off the back. Then I made new brackets suitable for the tractor and welded them to the back side of the quick attach. So now I have the factory Bobcat quick attach on the front of my tractor.
PandDLong
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Messages
- 162
- Location
- Southern Alberta
- Tractor
- Kubota L3540, JD Z445 Mower, JD LX188 Lawn Tractor
Even if skid-steer attachments fit, I have been told that the angle of the back and the earlier comment on bucket depth, will limit the usefulness of the attachment when put on the FEL of a CUT. Anyone's experience differ and the attachment works well?
I have a Kubota FEL with SSQA and the square back 72" bucket. I am thinking of getting a 60" toothed bucket for digging tasks but am now quite uncertain if a skid-steer bucket will work or if need to stay with a Kubota/loader bucket. Suggestions?
I have a Kubota FEL with SSQA and the square back 72" bucket. I am thinking of getting a 60" toothed bucket for digging tasks but am now quite uncertain if a skid-steer bucket will work or if need to stay with a Kubota/loader bucket. Suggestions?
Notforhire
Veteran Member
You can go with a non-Kubota bucket with a SSQA that is made for a CUT, like this. CCT - Compact Tractor Bucket
I haven't had any problems with the angled back on buckets from my old Skid Steer. As I have mentioned, the deep bottom seems to be the problem. It places the load farther out, so lift and break out are reduced. I can use my rock bucket on my CUT as long as I don't fill it up. The SSQA system itself is great.
If you have a larger tractor, like my friends 75hp New Holland, using buckets intended for a Skid Steer don't seem to be a problem.
Bill
Hey folks, I finished converting the bucket and painting it Monday night, and yesterday after work, hauled it out to the "Rancho" but after that half-hour drive, it was too dark to mess with unhooking the grapple and testing the bucket, so it's still sitting on the trailer. I tried to take pictures during my conversion, but they didn't turn out too well since all I had was a cellphone camera.
But I wanted to thank everyone here, particularly K0ua, for the input. Without James' "horror story" I'd have never figured out where all those welds were, and would have probably ground much bigger holes in the back of the bucket (oops, went too far once with that 7" grinder) than I did, and would likely still be fighting it. It actually only took me about 4 hours of work, and ten 4 1/2" cutting wheels plus 9 of the 7" wheels to remove the brackets, and as far as "ugly welds"... Well, there is another reason I can't post pictures, too embarrassed to photograph those!
I hope to have time this evening (if I get off work on time) to go out and test the setup.
So, thanks again, I appreciate the help!
But I wanted to thank everyone here, particularly K0ua, for the input. Without James' "horror story" I'd have never figured out where all those welds were, and would have probably ground much bigger holes in the back of the bucket (oops, went too far once with that 7" grinder) than I did, and would likely still be fighting it. It actually only took me about 4 hours of work, and ten 4 1/2" cutting wheels plus 9 of the 7" wheels to remove the brackets, and as far as "ugly welds"... Well, there is another reason I can't post pictures, too embarrassed to photograph those!
I hope to have time this evening (if I get off work on time) to go out and test the setup.
So, thanks again, I appreciate the help!