quick spade combo, FEL shovel ideas

[badbowtie]

I am looking for some feedback from people that have built the quick spade for there tractor what works and doesn't. I did search around and found some different ideas like using pipe and using a bunch of different things I am also trying to figure out what thickness metal to use. I think I am going to use 3/8 x 4 or 5 flat stock 20" inchess long and use for of them and make a seam at the center of my shovel and taper the ends up 5 deg then add one more piece to each one of them with another 5 deg I hope that makes sense. I just want to make sure 3/8 is thick enough and what is better for width 16" or 20" I am using a b7100 so nothing big at all.

 

[badbowtie]

Still looking for some feedback I am not sure if if the way I described it is confusing. Not sure if 3/8 is thick enough I dont want to make it and bend it first try.

 

[beenthere]

Any reference as to what "the quick spade" is or looks like?

I've talked to my welder/fabricator about fabbing a spade for my forks. Not sure if it is anything like "the quick spade" you are referring to here.

Drawing would help.

I find uses for a spade-type attachment for the FEL.

 

[tglass]

I'de think 3/8 would be heavy enough depending on the depth of the cut, spade size and tractor weight size. As beenthere said, a drawing would help. I just use a post hole drill and move the drill with the tractor. Usually leaves most of the backfill loose and I can justify the purchase.

 

[gotrocks]

Here's my efforts so far, still need little more mods.
Have moved mounting back as far as it will go.
Not using the angle iron across bucket.

 

[badbowtie]

So you made yours out of 3/16 is that strong enough or does it flex around I would be doing something similar but I wasn't going to make me ears stick up so far more like a spade shovel.

 

[TO_Bud]

I like the idea of the U-blade from this link. That is if you are looking for something to transplant some trees. It hangs below the level of the loader arms once you plunge it in you can level if off to cut the rest of the root system, then cradle the rootball to lift out. Should be easy enough to fabricate.
WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS - Miscellaneous Attachments

 

[gotrocks]

So you made yours out of 3/16 is that strong enough or does it flex around I would be doing something similar but I wasn't going to make me ears stick up so far more like a spade shovel.

No flex in the "spade", but a little in the FEL front edge.
That's why the chains were added.
The most difficult part of this was bending into shape after cutting out one side of the column. Finally had to impose on a friend with a "multi" ton press.
Also the channel iron bent on first try. Straighten it out and put block behind.