Why SSQA?

/ Why SSQA? #1  

Musdalen

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2017
Messages
306
Location
STORY CITY, IA
Tractor
Ford 8N
On another thread, I asked "I'm about to buy a new tractor - about 39 horses. Why would I really want SSQA adapter for it if all I plan on using on the front end is the bucket or forks?"

To which someone replied, "That's really a topic for another thread. Changing between a bucket and forks without SSQA is going to be a real PITA."

If you go to the 9:05 mark in this video, it shows someone switching from bucket to forks faster than I can type this. I'm wondering that the advantage of SSQA is and whether i need it. I don't need anything faster than what is shown here:
 
/ Why SSQA? #2  
On another thread, I asked "I'm about to buy a new tractor - about 39 horses. Why would I really want SSQA adapter for it if all I plan on using on the front end is the bucket or forks?"

To which someone replied, "That's really a topic for another thread. Changing between a bucket and forks without SSQA is going to be a real PITA."

If you go to the 9:05 mark in this video, it shows someone switching from bucket to forks faster than I can type this. I'm wondering that the advantage of SSQA is and whether i need it. I don't need anything faster than what is shown here:

The video shows a quick connect setup - that is Deere proprietary, not the more universal SSQA. Very similar in function, and speed, but you'll be a bit more limited in implement selection since you'll only be able to get Deere style implements. If you'll be purchasing brand new, and never sharing, it likely won't be an issue.

No quick connect at all would require removing 4 pins (two pivot pins, two cylinder pins), and reinstalling those 4 pins every time you change attachments. Very time consuming, and messy due to all the grease. That's not what is shown in the video.
 
/ Why SSQA? #3  
JD does have a nice q/a, but it requires JD attachments. SSQA attachments are everywhere (used) and gives you the ability to "shop around" for both selection & price. If you ever sell or trade up I'm pretty sure you'd get your money back, and you may not think you will ever want other attachments now, but you will, trust me.:thumbsup:
 
/ Why SSQA? #4  
The video demonstrated John Deere's proprietary method of changing front implements. This is JD only. It is not a universal standard across all brands like SSQA is. There is nothing wrong with this proprietary hitch, but just be aware if you ever leave the JD marketplace you will need all new front implements as they will only fit JD tractors. It is a way of "locking you in" to JD. They didn't bother to show you how to lock those front implements in though with a couple of pins. :)

No big deal as it isn't much slower than throwing one or two SSQA levers. I mention it just so that you are aware there is another step.

NOW back to the question you really asked. The other posters were referring and comparing SSQA to the default alternative in other brands of a pin on bucket or heaven forbid pin on attachments. Now some people have the patience and time and the swearword vocabulary to get along with pin on, but I sure dont. And most others don't either. Pin on is an embuggerance. There is not another good way to describe it.

So to sum up, if you are buying a JD you can and will be happy with the proprietary JD system of front quick attach. If you are buying another brand you will want SSQA unless you just like to curse..:laughing:
 
/ Why SSQA? #5  
Generally that is called "JDQA" for John Deere Quick Attach. Its lighter than a SSQA setup, and although it is technically "proprietary" there are plenty well respected companies (like Artillian, WR Long and Everything Attachments) that make things that fit it-so it does not require "JD Attachments" as stated above.
The issue with most SSQA things you'll find used is that they are made for skid steer use and often way to heavy to effectively use on a compact tractor.
 
/ Why SSQA?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
embuggerance - I love it!

I don't see going further on the front end than the forks and the bucket. I've spend 16 yrs with an 8n and no FEL at all. I think I'm good with the fork and bucket arrangement. I'm going to gamble on it anyway.

Thanks.

Now to resolve loaded tires or chains, and the tire position questions. With those, I should have it all figured - I think.
 
/ Why SSQA? #8  
My only thought would be along the lines of personal experience, with a SSQA snow plow, which makes all the difference to me. That, and perhaps a grapple, or forks. Wouldn't want to be locked in to the Deere system. Pin on- uggg.
 
/ Why SSQA? #9  
The other noteworthy disadvantage to the Deere couplers is they aren't even compatible across Deere loader models.

SSQA is only "too large" for subcompacts IMHO. It is the most common, most utilized and has the most variety of attachments, period. No way that anyone choosing SSQA for a CUT or utility tractor is making a mistake.
 
/ Why SSQA? #10  
The other noteworthy disadvantage to the Deere couplers is they aren't even compatible across Deere loader models.
The 1, 2, 3, and 4 series machines share the same JDQA, only when you get into the 5 series the lower pins are about 4" lower.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1406411184.466229.jpg
 
/ Why SSQA? #11  
SSQA is great. So quick and easy. The big plus is there are so many attachments that use it. It's kind of the universal standard. I wouldn't get a tractor without it.
 
/ Why SSQA? #12  
That video is JDQA and defiantly not a non quick attach loader. It would probably take 20 minutes to change a pin on bucket and require getting greasy. I would prefer SSQA because it's more versatile, but anything is better than a pin on bucket. That video wasn't hardly an honest test. You do have to get off the tractor and put pins in and then get back off and remove the pins to disconnect.
 
/ Why SSQA? #13  
That video is JDQA and defiantly not a non quick attach loader. It would probably take 20 minutes to change a pin on bucket and require getting greasy. I would prefer SSQA because it's more versatile, but anything is better than a pin on bucket. That video wasn't hardly an honest test. You do have to get off the tractor and put pins in and then get back off and remove the pins to disconnect.

Mate, I have no idea what you are referring to as a "quick attach loader".

I run the JDQA on my 4105 and it does what is shown in the OP's video... with one exception. The video neglected to show that you do have to get off your arse and put a drop-pin into both of the pins at the bottom in order to lock it in place.

As kennyd has stated, there are plenty of implement manufacturers that make their implements to the JDQA configuration. I have a 4in1 bucket and a combination bale-spike/pallet-fork for my 300CX straight from an Australian company and I can swap them around easy-peasy. To be honest, in my limited exposure to tractors & FEL attachment configurations... the only other QA I've personally seen here is the European standard, which sorta looks SSQA-ish, but lighter in construction.

All I can say is that the Skid Steer Quick Attach is designed for a skid steer and the heavy work that it's designed to do. It's 'overkill' for what a FEL is designed to do. (putting aside the blatant, joyful abuse we put our FELs through)
 
/ Why SSQA? #14  
Do you guys ever see anything eurohitch or is it 'euro' for a reason? It's a real good system, self locking when you crowd back it trips the locking handle- but obviously not the standard one in the US. Curious.
 
/ Why SSQA? #15  
Do you guys ever see anything eurohitch or is it 'euro' for a reason? It's a real good system, self locking when you crowd back it trips the locking handle- but obviously not the standard one in the US. Curious.
Kubota and John Deere offer it as an option on the larger loaders sold here in the US, but it's just not real popular here. Another name for it is a "Global Carrier"
 
/ Why SSQA? #16  
Kubota and John Deere offer it as an option on the larger loaders sold here in the US, but it's just not real popular here. Another name for it is a "Global Carrier"
Thanks Kenny I have never heard it called that. Very similar to what's on the video except the dimensions obviously, and the solid bar across the top to prevent the flex. I have an oddball so I do feel the pain of having the 'different' system
 
/ Why SSQA? #17  
As Kenny says, Euro is less popular. Less popular in general and far less popular on the tractor sizes most discussed here. It is, however, far stronger than SSQA, easier to line up, and less likely to have tractor side devices twist from abuse or over use. The Euro coupler latches are simpler and more durable as well. Euro makes more sense at some point over 75-90 HP from the standpoint of strength and durability.
 
/ Why SSQA? #18  
Thanks guys. I'm fascinated by all the different gear you have over there. I did put a 4000 hours on an ASV positrack and thought the SSQA was a pretty neat design. I made an adapter plate so all the euro stuff for the tractors would also fit, did a lot of bale work with it etc.
The JDQA seems a hybrid of the two but it's not always good to be different!
So what is the standard over there for large tractors? Euro or the SSQA?
By large, say a 180hp-200hp tractor with a loader? Don't think you need much more on a FEL
 
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/ Why SSQA? #19  
I don't see going further on the front end than the forks and the bucket.

You say that now, but what about 5-10 years down the road? You might be saying "it would be helpful if I had XXXXX for the FEL, hopefully I can find someone that makes it for JDQA"

I can't really see Deere not going to SSQA as a standard soon. Deere was already significantly more expensive when I was looking, and I might have looked harder at them but the cost to have the quick detach loader and SSQA made it way too much more. If Deere does make SSQA a standard, then the JDQA attachments may become harder to find.
 
/ Why SSQA?
  • Thread Starter
#20  
scdeerslayer,
I'm not much worried about any of that. I'd rather bet on what is, than what might, maybe, could be, someday. Thanks for your thoughts though.
 

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