Loader SSQA mount play

dstig1 · Apr 6, 2020

I had a similar issue with my grapple, but there was a secondary effect due to how Kubota makes their upper mount for the SSQA. You will note that it is bent leaving a V-shaped gap pointing towards the implement. If the implement has a full plate for the mount, then this is fine, but if there is any gap up there like my grapple had, then it can pop right out of the SSQA like mine did. I added shims like you did and it did not solve the problem, until I figured out the issue with the upper mounts. Not the same thing you are seeing, but just an FYI. I had a thread on it... Here it is https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/206260-gator-grapple-fix-kubota-ssqa.html?highlight=

Smokeydog · Apr 7, 2020

dstig1 said:
I had a similar issue with my grapple, but there was a secondary effect due to how Kubota makes their upper mount for the SSQA. You will note that it is bent leaving a V-shaped gap pointing towards the implement. If the implement has a full plate for the mount, then this is fine, but if there is any gap up there like my grapple had, then it can pop right out of the SSQA like mine did. I added shims like you did and it did not solve the problem, until I figured out the issue with the upper mounts. Not the same thing you are seeing, but just an FYI. I had a thread on it... Here it is https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/206260-gator-grapple-fix-kubota-ssqa.html?highlight=

Didn’t quite understand till I clicked on your thread link with pictures and explanation. Well thought out mods and repair. Clearly an oversight design flaw from the grapple manufacturer. Added expanded metal was a nice touch.

In the skidsteer early days the bobtach was a patented qa by bobcat. Advantages were quick mounting of a ever growing list of attachments. Some competitors made similar designs different enough to get around the patent but still able to work with bobtach brand equipment. After decades of legalization spats, patent expirations and change has led to universal ssqa. The size, strength and construction still vary. I purchased this grapple over 25 years ago during the ssqa wars. My Kubota brand equipment fits very well. Especially like the side flares on the B26 bucket to make it easy to guide in. Wish more ssqa had this feature as tractors have more visual impairment than skidsteers. I have only got my ssqa mounting plates from my local bobcat dealer for custom fabrications. They have always been a good fit and competitively priced.

dstig1 · Apr 7, 2020

The expanded metal on the back of the grapple was a great add for brush. You can push into a pile and pick up more plus rest assured that a stick isn't going to poke right through and stab the radiator.

Smokeydog · Apr 7, 2020

Sticks are sneaky. Roots tend to be most vengeful. Some sort of grill protection should be a prerequisite for grapple operations.

Gordon Gould · Apr 7, 2020

There are other things that can get you too. One time I was crushing down on a brush pile with the grapple and a branch or something in the pile pushed up one of the SSQA latch handles. All the way up - so the grapple came unhooked on one side. Not good. I made some pins to lock the handles closed so it won't happen again.

gg

Smokeydog · Apr 14, 2020

Got to test moving big oak logs. Grapple stayed secured, tight and quiet. 3/8” doesn’t seem like much but made a big difference. Should have took the time and made the shims years ago.

dstig1 · Apr 14, 2020

Good deal. Glad to hear it worked.:thumbsup:

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 15, 2020

Gordon Gould said:
There are other things that can get you too. One time I was crushing down on a brush pile with the grapple and a branch or something in the pile pushed up one of the SSQA latch handles. All the way up - so the grapple came unhooked on one side. Not good. I made some pins to lock the handles closed so it won't happen again.

gg

Been there, done that but haven't done any fixes and never had it happen again. Couldn't figure out what was going on for a few minutes with grapple hanging loose on one side.
I've had stick go thru and loosen hyd lines also.
Have a Titan SSQA front mounted backhoe, guess it's a front hoe. This is my second one. Improperly used the first one and damaged arms and sold it. Bought biggre tractor and have bought second hoe and it keeps popping out at the top on left side. My BIL has a machine shop so he made me a shim plate which I have drilled two holes holes orhe drilled holes in shim and gave me screw and nut and I drilled holes into attachment and mounted shim plate but haven't tried it yet. Will try when it warms back up and stops raining and report back with maybe pics if anyone wants to see them,

Smokeydog · Apr 15, 2020

Johnthomas, on mine there was two issues that needed shimmed. First the ssqa mount needed 3/8” shim. Plate thickness. Also the wedge pin needed 3/8” to engage properly done by narrowing the engagement slot. Now that new shim plate sees the compression by the existing mounting bracket but also considerable shear from the wedge pins. Particularly grapple loads at dump angle or back dragging. Over 4’ of weld bead holds mine. 2-4 bolts hold yours? A picture would help.