Boom Pole for QuikTach and Three Point Hitch

[DocHeb]

Well, I'm making my first post to the Build-It-Yourself forum, with a boom pole I designed and had a local welding shop "glue" together. I wanted a pole that would work on both my 3 PTH and also with my QuikTach skidsteer mounting plate for my FEL.

I started with a Universal Skidsteer Plate ($89 from the Bobcat Dealer). The steel came from the local steel supply ($83). They will cut to length for a nominal fee. The boom is 2 x 3 x 3/16" tubing 96" long, and the angled braces are 1 x 1 x 1/8" angle iron.

The attached picture shows the boom pole on the FEL, raised to the highest position.

 

[DocHeb]

Here is a rear view of the QuikTach and the boom pole with the universal plate as its base.

 

[DocHeb]

This is the front view of the boom pole plate on the FEL QuikTach.

 

[DocHeb]

The Boom pole also fits on the 3Pt. Some 3Pt boom poles attach without a top link, but my hydraulic top link makes up for the different geometry of the boom pole.

Here is a view of the boom pole at its lower position.

 

[DocHeb]

The hydraulic top link lifts the pole nicely.

 

[DocHeb]

Rear view with the universal plate attached to the 3Pt.

 

[DocHeb]

Dang Nabbit! I made sure nothing bound up when I raised and lowered the hydraulic top link, but as I raised the three point I didn't watch as closely - I heard a loud "BANG". /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Should have used the closer hole. Back to the welding shop.

 

[DocHeb]

First job for the boom pole - carrying the floats for the boat dock down to the lake.

 

[ronjhall]

Chris
Nice project. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Hope you were able to weld your toplink back together.

 

[Dargo]

I have always been curious about a hydro top link. What is involved in setting one up? Parts? Hydro outlet? Cost? Is there any "kit" to install one? I have a L5030HSTC and I've always thought those hydro top links were neat to have.