Front-End Loader Skid steer quick attach adapter

[Alpha Dog]

Anyone got any advice (or horror stories) about converting an older LA463 loader (on an L2800) to a SSQA instead of "pin-on"? I've got one, with a 3rd function and a welded on "grapple" on the bucket, but would like to have the option to use a "real" brush grapple. Right now, clearing 20 acres, adding another 14 to the mix on Thursday, and I'd like to be able to use a grapple more effectively than I can't with a bucket I can't "see through". I've priced the "adapters" at around $850, and looked at one that's $525, (plus about $325 shipping, and even my math skills come out to $850 there too). I can pick up the grapple I want about 90 miles away for $1500, but they're all "SSQA" attachment, and if I'm going to do any "conversion" I'd rather add flexibility too, but spending over 1/2 the price of the grapple for the "mount" seems kind of unreasonable. I thought about fabbing an adapter myself, but I just don't have the time.
Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[EverythingAttachments]

We offer a quick attach adapter custom made for your loader. You're right, they are expensive but it definitely makes changing out and finding attachments a lot easier. Check them out here on our website. Shipping is free within 1,000 miles of Newton, NC. I hope this helps.

[Ductape]

Spend the money. Converting my loader over to a skidsteer style quick attach was the best single thing I have done to my tractor.

[94BULLITT]

Have you checked with the dealer? You can buy the conversion on ebay.

[k0ua]

Here is my horror story... It ended well, and now that I know how to do it, I would not hesitate. best money I ever spent. It is an La463 conversion I still use the converted bucket sometimes on my new Kioti. I kept it after I traded in my Kubota L3400. My adaptor was only $400 from the Kubota dealer.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/c...rting-pin.html

James K0UA

[wedge40]

AD you will find almost everyone will tell you to spend the money, INCLUDING ME. Like others have said it has been some of the best money I spent on the tractor today, right behind getting the grapple. The simple fact that I can drop the bucket or grapple in a matter seconds makes it well worth it. When I was clearing land I would move from grapple to bucket and back with the same day cause it was so easy.

Wedge

[HCJtractor]

I bought the Tach-All Quick Attach for my Kubota with a LA1002 loader. I use it primarily for the grapple connection. I have found this adapter to be disappointing, as the latch system is not well designed. The 1" pin slides up and down inside a short piece of pipe welded on the main frame. This little pipe section has a grease fitting (which popped out the first day of use) and the pipe is easily distorted when the pin is torqued during regular use. This results in binding of the pin that should slide freely to connect and disconnect. Therefore the pin has to be banged out with a hammer and a punch rather than simply using the lever. It is a pain to use. Luckily, I don't change implements much. The little welded pipe needs to be replaced with a more substantial part that resists deformation so the pin will slide freely with the lever as designed.

I just had my grapple come off one side resulting in bending the main frame of the Quick Attach adapter, so I am going to have to cut out the bent angle iron, reweld a stouter piece, and will take this opportunity to redesign and replace the latch mechanism.

I will say that the grapple is used heavily, but the adapter should be designed to hold up.

I would look at other brands, such as WR Long at Everything Attachments, but not having seen theirs, I am not sure if it is designed any better.

[Rockgod]

I bought the Tach-All Quick Attach for my Kubota with a LA1002 loader. I use it primarily for the grapple connection. I have found this adapter to be disappointing, as the latch system is not well designed. The 1" pin slides up and down inside a short piece of pipe welded on the main frame. This little pipe section has a grease fitting (which popped out the first day of use) and the pipe is easily distorted when the pin is torqued during regular use. This results in binding of the pin that should slide freely to connect and disconnect. Therefore the pin has to be banged out with a hammer and a punch rather than simply using the lever. It is a pain to use. Luckily, I don't change implements much. The little welded pipe needs to be replaced with a more substantial part that resists deformation so the pin will slide freely with the lever as designed.

I just had my grapple come off one side resulting in bending the main frame of the Quick Attach adapter, so I am going to have to cut out the bent angle iron, reweld a stouter piece, and will take this opportunity to redesign and replace the latch mechanism.

I will say that the grapple is used heavily, but the adapter should be designed to hold up.

I would look at other brands, such as WR Long at Everything Attachments, but not having seen theirs, I am not sure if it is designed any better.

Sorry you've had problems but i've had just the opposite experience with my ATI adapter. Well built and very solid. The welds are nothing short of perfect.

This thing has been through the ringer with hours upon hours of use/abuse and it's still going strong. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

[Alpha Dog]

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, the e-Bay prices I find are about $850, (or the "universal" one with sliding brackets for $525 + $325 shipping), and of course the advertiser above shows them for $839 (and with free shipping since my house is 959.05 miles from Newton S.C. in a straight line, and $11 is $11, so...), but I'm still hoping not to make the mistake I've made before in spending a lot of money on something and then finding out what I bought was available for about 1/2 the price. I keep hearing people buying these in the $400 range "a couple of years ago" but I haven't seen any sign that other things have more than doubled in price in "a couple of years." (Maybe these things have, but I will feel better if I ask everyone first.)
Thanks for the input so far, keep those cards and letters (or bulletin board posts) coming!

[k0ua]

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, the e-Bay prices I find are about $850, (or the "universal" one with sliding brackets for $525 + $325 shipping), and of course the advertiser above shows them for $839 (and with free shipping since my house is 959.05 miles from Newton S.C. in a straight line, and $11 is $11, so...), but I'm still hoping not to make the mistake I've made before in spending a lot of money on something and then finding out what I bought was available for about 1/2 the price. I keep hearing people buying these in the $400 range "a couple of years ago" but I haven't seen any sign that other things have more than doubled in price in "a couple of years." (Maybe these things have, but I will feel better if I ask everyone first.)
Thanks for the input so far, keep those cards and letters (or bulletin board posts) coming!

The $400 was for the genuine Kubota part in the summer of 2011.

James K0UA