FEL quick attachment ideas

[ddonnell]

I have a Simplicity Legacy XL FEL loader rated for 500lbs.. I am looking to fab a quick attach system that will mount to the loader arms and tilt cylinders with minimal weight and forward extension of the implement. I am building adjustable forks and would like to be able to switch between my bucket and forks with nothing more than sliding in a pin.

I already realize that the Legacy (Kwikway) bucket brackets probably will need to be modified, but I would like help in designing a simple (I'm guessing male) bracket attached to the loader, that would mate with an appropriate (again, I'm assuming female) bracket welded to an attachment such as the forks I am trying to fabricate. I don't want skid steer stuff as the attachment system itself weighs too much. I have looked at the Deere attachments, which are great, but I am still looking for something that might work equally well with less weight. Lightweight hook and pin setup. Any pictures and descriptions would be great! Thanks

Dave

[kennyd]

Sounds like a great project, any may here could help but are probably unfamiliar with your FEL and tractor. Could you post some pictures?

[ddonnell]

Here are a couple of pics of the loader. Pretty standard 2 cylinder setup.

[Farmerford]

I did a set for a Kubota B2400HSD (700# capacity) a few years ago that only extend the implement a couple of inches. They probably weigh 50#, but I think they could have been lighter. I will take a picture next week and post it.

[ddonnell]

I am building my quick attachments for my loader and am now at a decision point. I am going to use a hook system to slide under and catch the top pins of the implement (see first picture). However, I'd like some input from those of you that use the Deere type attach as to any advantages to its lower linkage method (picture 2) as versus a horizontal tab and pin design (picture 1). My thanks to Kubotatrax for his ingenious design and pictures (his design is picture 1).

[kennyd]

I think either system will serve you well. I use the Deere QA system but from the pictures it looks like the other style would do just as good.

[GT2]

Have you seen this? eBay: Quick Attach PLAN (14 pages) for Front End Loader (item 180086921778 end time Feb-24-07 06:53:30 PST)

[ddonnell]

GT2,

Yes I did see that and it looks like it would work also. The only problem is that it would require that I modify the bucket's existing brackets which I'd like to avoid. The direction I'm headed lets me use the existing bucket brackets and adjust the QA to fit them so that some possible future owner could go back to the OEM hookup if they wanted to. I'm also building a fork attachment which I can set up to mate with my new QA, and any future attachments I might dream up would be designed to fit my homemade tractor QA also.

Thanks, Dave

[MrJimi]

Why would anyone pay for plans? most members here willingly share their ideas, I do
Jim

[tlbuser]

Originally Posted by ddonnell

I am building my quick attachments for my loader and am now at a decision point. I am going to use a hook system to slide under and catch the top pins of the implement (see first picture). However, I'd like some input from those of you that use the Deere type attach as to any advantages to its lower linkage method (picture 2) as versus a horizontal tab and pin design (picture 1). My thanks to Kubotatrax for his ingenious design and pictures (his design is picture 1).

The disadvantage to method one - you need two fasteners (pin and keeper)

The disadvantage to method two- more fabrication time for mounts and attachment mounting points.

Personal opinion- from the pic's. Kubotatrax has the winning design, maybe add a coarse threaded weld-on nut to the inside edge (unless it's there and we can't "see" it.), then weld a wing to a coarse thread bolt (like a thumb bolt)for the retaining pin, that way only one pin to lose and no tools required.