Converting FEL to Quick Attach

[k0ua]

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?

Well, I am not trying to talk you out of converting your old bucket. I would do another one if I needed to or someone wanted me to help them with it. I have learned a few things along the way, and I am sure I could do much better, much faster. I purchased a new bucket on the Kubota, and it was $600. It went along with the tractor when I traded it off. I kept my converted bucket and have it for a spare bucket for my Kioti. I don't use it all the time, but it still is a good old bucket and I use it a few times a year. I can't tell you where to get one cheap, but your dealer will likely have a bunch of Pin on buckets just like yours traded in from all the people getting SSQA buckets.

The dealer I bought the adaptor and new bucket offered me $100 for my old pin on bucket, but he said he did it to just be nice and he had several used pin on buckets in stock "in the weeds". I say grab a pack of slitting wheels for your angle grinder and have at it. If a man had a plasma cutter or a decent torch, you could make fairly quick work of getting that crapp off of the old bucket, and welding on the plate is not all that tough.

 

[RNeumann]

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?

Construction Attachments is a good bang for the buck. WR Long is nice too.

 

[Xfaxman]

And here is a site sponsor that sells them: Tractor Front End Loader Buckets

 

[bspeedy]

I cut the ears and welded up my bucket for my SSQA conversion. Wasn't too bad. Along the way, I reinforced the top of the bucket and added some hooks. I now have a nice heavy duty bucket and pride of doing it myself.
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Good luck.

 

[k0ua]

I cut the ears and welded up my bucket for my SSQA conversion. Wasn't too bad. Along the way, I reinforced the top of the bucket and added some hooks. I now have a nice heavy duty bucket and pride of doing it myself.
]
Good luck.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

 

[shaeff]

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.

Can't stress this enough. If you've got a strong stomach, google "exploded cutoff wheels" to see the damage they can potentially do when they decide to shred. I've burned through many of those wheels, but a few years ago I finally saved enough for a plasma cutter. I still use the wheels from time to time, as they still have their purpose. Just be safe!

 

[Leejohn]

You bet be safe. My brother found out the hard way. If he is facing north and wants to point to the west his arm is point north and his finger it pointing west. Thats bad when you are the kind of person that uses there arm and hands as they talk.

 

[Rustyiron]

where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?

Well now your able to look at used/auctions for a SS bucket. They are built much heavier, usually have available b.o.c.e. - bolt on cutting edge, or with teeth with replaceable covers. Depending on your chores, the extra weight might be worth it. Your tractor will never hurt a ss bucket.

 

[Oldoak]

I use an air arc outfit (arc gouger) for removing welded attachments. Much cleaner and less heat than using a cutting torch. Less chance of cutting into the base metal too. And much quicker than a grinder with cutting wheels.

The operation requires a DC welding machine and an air compressor, neither of which have to be commercial grade. The one draw back for some people may be the flying sparks of molting metal. Proper precautions are necessary.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I use an air arc outfit (arc gouger) for removing welded attachments. Much cleaner and less heat than using a cutting torch. Less chance of cutting into the base metal too. And much quicker than a grinder with cutting wheels.

The operation requires a DC welding machine and an air compressor, neither of which have to be commercial grade. The one draw back for some people may be the flying sparks of molting metal. Proper precautions are necessary.

Oldoak, I wish you lived a little closer to me. I'd load up my bucket and pay you a visit