Another QA Conversion

garren · Feb 13, 2008

I have been wanting a set of pallet forks for a while so I decided to convert the L2800's loader to quick attach. After asking questions on here and viewing some pics I decided to tackle it.

First, I ordered the Kubota QA mechanism since it was a lot cheaper than other brands and everyone who has used it said it worked fine with no problems.

Next came the bucket conversion. I welded the adapter plate higher up on the bucket, as others suggested, to keep the loader arms from loading up with dirt. I took some measurements before starting and by welding the plate as high as I could get it seemed to put the bucket closer to a factory height.

I ordered the lightest set of forks I could find since the tractor isn't rated to pick up a lot of weight anyway. I didn't see any need for a monsterous set of forks that weighed 500 lbs and rob myself of the weight on the front.

I've attached some pics of the process for your viewing pleasure.

- Garren

Adiredneck · Feb 13, 2008

Very Nice.

I saw a similarly designed set of forks on E-bay. They were priced pretty well too.

Just for my curiosity, how long did it take to prep the bucket to weld?

wushaw · Feb 13, 2008

Good job

I am sure it was a little cheaper to do it yourself and a whole lot more satisfying than to farm it out.

garren · Feb 13, 2008

It was whole lot cheaper! The dealer wanted 800.00 to convert the bucket PLUS 200.00 for the plate! He said they didn't like doing the buckets because it would take all day. I could have bought a new bucket for less than that.
After doing this though I can understand why they don't like it.

It took me about 5 hours of cutting and grinding the first day. Then I spent about 8 hours the next day finishing the clean up, making the triangle covers and tack welding everything in place. The third day I finished the welding and painted it in less than 2 hours.

My plate came from eBay at 144.00 which included shipping.

The forks also came from eBay at 550.00 shipped.

Kubota QA mechanism from dealer was 454.00 out the door.

Weld on hooks from dealer 4.50 each.

Paint from dealer 10.20 per can (used two cans but wished I had bought three)