Converting FEL to Quick Attach

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 13, 2017

I ordered a quick attach adapter for my FEL this morning from a local Kubota dealer. I want pallet forks so I need to convert to be able to change between bucket and forks with ease.

I now need to convert my bucket to QA. I will have to cut the bucket pin on brackets off and weld on a QA adapter. I recently saw (either on TBN or Youtube, can't remember where) someone cut the brackets off his bucket with a 4.5" grinder and cut off discs. I had always previously assumed that would be a plasma cutter job. However, I don't have a plasma, and maybe it would be a cleaner job with a grinder. Anyone ever cut the brackets off with a grinder? It could turn out to be a tedious and time consuming job with the grinder but just wondering if anyone had tried it.

M5farms · Mar 13, 2017

ive cut a lot of stuff with a 4 1/2 grinder so yes it would be tedious but should be easy to do. FWIW I buy the 10pack 40grit cut off wheels from HF and they work just as good and namebrand.

not2old · Mar 14, 2017

I use a 4 1/2" grinder all the time rather than my torch. Most important is to use the very thin blades intended for cutting. I recently fabricated a 6' wide bucket for my GC2610 to be used for snow clearing. I made my own quick attach similar to one shown on a thread here that has to save lots of weight which is important for a small machine. I know that when I get around to modifying the original bucket to quick attach that I will cut off the old brackets with my grinder unless I can figure out how to do it so that they are reuseable and re-instal them farther apart.

bspeedy · Mar 14, 2017

I cut mine with a 4.5" grinder and a cutoff wheel. Not that difficult or time consuming.

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like this will be a job that will fit a grinder. I'll try to remember to take some before and after pics and post them.

JRobyn · Mar 14, 2017

Just please use a good full-face shield. HF has two, a cheap one and a good one. The good one is terrific - comfortable for long wear, easily adjustable, flip-up, tough to scratch.. I think it's made by AOSafety.

Edit - ok, "SAS Safety Corp." Adjustable Face Shield

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

JRobyn said:
Just please use a good full-face shield. HF has two, a cheap one and a good one. The good one is terrific - comfortable for long wear, easily adjustable, flip-up, tough to scratch.. I think it's made by AOSafety.

Edit - ok, "SAS Safety Corp." Adjustable Face Shield

Thanks for the good advice. I always wear safety glasses when using a grinder. I have a chain saw safety shield. I will probably wear it for this grinding task.

Rustyiron · Mar 14, 2017

Wait until you have your q/a adapter. You might be able to utilize part of the factory "ears", ya just never know.
There are also some dimensions (like dump cyl. extension at ground level) that you might want to copy*.

*so that you have the same range of motion as factory

k0ua · Mar 14, 2017

You can read about my journey here.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...hink-converting-pin.html?highlight=converting

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

k0ua said:
You can read about my journey here.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...hink-converting-pin.html?highlight=converting

UH OH! Thanks James for linking that thread. After reading through it, I just made an executive decision. I will purchase a new or possibly used QA bucket. Which brings me to another question; where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?