How Much Metal do I Need to Leave on SSQA Mount?

[Suburban Plowboy]

Here is where I am at in converting my Kubota 60" LA681 bucket to SSQA. Removing the ears was not a lot of fun.

I have a solid 3/8" mount plate waiting to be attached. Obviously, I don't need all this metal, but I couldn't get exactly what I want, so I am going to cut this plate down.

How much metal do I need to leave behind? Can I cut the ends off the mount and use those without anything joining them? That would make painting the bucket a lot easier when I'm done, and I might be able to use the scrap from the mount as the basis for mounts for something else.

I saw somebody on the web saying he had one plate on each end of the bucket, and they were about 7" wide. I can't recall if that was here or elsewhere.

I would think that if the amount of weld was equal to or greater to the amount on the original bucket ears, I should have a strong bucket.

 

[Rustyiron]

I would assume that the angle turned the stupid way is necessary, at least in kubota's opinion and try to retain that. A picture of your ssqa plate leaned up against the bucket would help us with suggestions. I can see that you'll need to support the lower "area" on the plate. They are about 18"
and your flat surface looks to be about 10".
Put a picture up.

 

[5030]

Just did one exactly like that for a customer actually.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

It's hard to see much in the photos, but here they are.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Here's a capture of a Youtube video in which someone put a mount on pretty much the same bucket. He cut the entire angle iron out, which seems like a bad idea to me. His mount was just two plates connected by a thin strip of metal.

I don't see what that thin strip does that is of any use. I can leave most of the angle iron in place and weld it to the SSQA plates.

 

[Rustyiron]

Will that angle fit in between the ssqa and its pin and spring assembly providing you cut the plate?

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

It will fit if I make it fit. I have already cut around 4" of the angle iron out because it made getting the ears off hard and I knew I was going to have to cut some out anyway. I plan to cut a little more out before welding the mount on. Looks like I will lose around 4-6".

 

[PreacherM]

His mount was just two plates connected by a thin strip of metal.

I don't see what that thin strip does that is of any use.

It basically just serves to keep the plates aligned and spaced while being installed. If it's welded continuously it would provide just a bit of reinforcement.

 

[cathy liebchen]

Most people just buy a new bucket since they are cheap

 

[mikester]

You need to use "enough" material so the attachment doesn't fall off and cause damage to equipment/property or bodily injury.

"enough" is determined by the grade of materials used, thickness, geometry and applied loads. Now add a factor of safety.