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Wow! Great fabrication and problem solving skills. Enjoyed your post.

On my Danuser Intimdator has a spring tower for the lines. On all the grapples use a rubber bungee around the FEL cross bar to police the lines and keep them clear of the ssqa latches. The lines are also sheathed in nylon protector sleeve. I use el QDs on the implement sides just aligns better.

Have the older style, bigger Miller 211. Been a pleasure to use. Used over 150# of wire in ten years. Would buy again. Before using added a longer, bigger and better grounding lead and clamp. Eventually added a Miller 15’ gun.

My 80s M5030DT ran two 1/2” hoses from rear remotes to FEL front for grapple. Welded four double hydraulic line mounting blocks to support the lines. Protected the lines in nylon sleeve. Believe the lines were 12’ long. No problems for over twenty years. Newer tractors have factory 3rd function...

Adding the Kubota soft ride to the M59 FEL made a huge difference in ride quality but also helps in component wear from reducing the shock load. NOS from eBay $200 and about $150 in valves, gauge and hydraulic line/fittings to modify for my application. With a valve to turn on/off and gauge to...

Nice. Consider putting braces on both sides? Bevel the tips? Plate on the tips? Hole in back stop to hook a strap? I think you’ll find the forks very useful. Good job.

Heartfelt condolences. Amazing mentors are rarely fine folks.

I would fix the leak first and check your fluid level in case you have to replace a line or other repair. Then do a fluid and filter service.

If UPS trucks rutting up your driveway you have two problems. Not enough or right kind of stone and drainage. Fix drainage issue first. Either hire someone or rear grader blade. May require ditching. Observe the driveway during downpours and correct according. Most of my driveway maintenance...

Not enough. Alway need just one more.

I got a Jancy cold cut saw last year for under $400. It has its place with all the other bandsaws and plasma cutter. Spent another $50 on MK Morse vise jaw inserts. Holds work better for longer blade life. Cuts fast, clean and accurate. No dust or smoke hazards. Easily paid for itself after a...

That particular joint is tolerant to considerable play. A good moly grease applied frequently helps. 2” brass shim stock0.010” Wrapped around the shaft top and bottom might extend the life before replacement is needed. Sometimes a washer top and bottom helps tighten vertical play helps too...

I have the 54” wicked dual lid and appreciate added value of the design. Wait time and price are small inconveniences over the life of the equipment. Guess a lot of others think the same given the long delivery time. Don’t use this commercially but hope I can many years to come. My big...

Cool. Fun and learning working together for a productive project.

Granted the pictures look odd. The bottom is angled just as the other ssqa equipment. Attached to B26 just fine and carried to the tractor shed. The B26 front bucket and backhoe buckets all have wonderful flares to guide the tractor in. Had to make some for the M59 grapple. The top bar was a...

https://www.palletforks.com/skid-steers/adapter-and-mounting-plates/mounting-plates/38-inch-attachment-mount-plate-for-skid-steer-bobcat-kubota/163100.html

Ordered a 3/8” full back ssqa plate late Monday, end of Titan Attachments Memorial Day sale for a project. Got here 10am Wednesday morning. Shipping weight 108#. $119. Box had just a few tears and the plate was plastic wrapped. No damage. Corners were welded. Nicely made. Took time grind a...

Could be electrical. Wiring, connection, switch or coil on the solenoid valve. Most likely. Do the easy stuff first. Checking for power. Swap leads to solenoids to check for a bad coil. Could be mechanical operations of valve via the coil. Have not had quick disconnect fail that blocked flow...

Possible one of the two solenoid valves has a problem. It allows flow to tank but not pressure flow to grapple.

Once you figure out the anvil then comes the anvil stand. Save all your shorts, sharps, dross and grout into the stand for mass. Bending cams and fixtures on other side.

The hoses I have got from Napa and auto parts stores are nowhere near the quality from surplus center or hydraulic shops. Basic hydraulic hose vs tuffguard gates hoses that last longer in a tractor environment. Some of my Kubotas have had special ends including British pipe thread. Replacing...

Hard to beat a $125, 12v electric sprayer for spot spraying. Mounted in FEL bucket or carryall. Have boom for even doing small plots.

Check the wheel lug nuts and wheel disk to rim bolts. Dealer installed. Had rear click that sounded like axle trouble once. Ended up being some loose disk to rims bolts.

Surplus center saved some $$$ replacing all hoses on the B20 after 25 years. Took a lot of figuring with lengths and fittings. A hydraulic shop is your best bet. Be sure to label, take pictures and maybe a couple of trips/batches with the worst ones first.

Not all rototillers are the same. Field tiller vs garden tiller (TSC). My 50 year old Howard rotavator has a two speed gearbox. Good used tillers are out there. Learn about underground mining to gain some mobile electrical operation knowledge.

Installed. Gen2 guard could have a tab with hole and have two bolts to attach to the ROPS bracket to prevent rotation.

I’ve had a dirt dobber or maybe road dust plug the rubber vent line on my truck rear axle vent and push oil past the seals and wet the brakes. Extending and making axle vents is common in the off road circles. The bush hog has a sintered metal vent in the center on the fill plug for the...

The front axle of my M5030DT wasn’t vented. It looked like it was leaking at the hubs some after heavy working. Bushhoging steep fields in 4wd that includes some loader work. It had a massive front axle. Checked level via the level plug and noticed slight pressure. Found a swaglok pipe to...

I’ve seen some low tank-like dedicated orchard tractors. Orchards are not operator friendly. Had M5030DT full size tractor that had 6 post ROPS steel Laurin cab. Previous owners sons knock out all the glass. It felt like driving a tank. For our woods, walnut. Pecan(limb shedders) apple, pears...

Your B21 have ssqa FEL mount? Small rock bucket? Have a long bottom 54” wicked grapple on the B26 that’s moved a lot of rock. Gets the rocks leaves the dirt. Danuser Intimdator used to dig and place some large landscape rocks. Also backhoe thumb. Wife likes her rock flowerbed boarders with some...

B26 has 4 post ROPS and canopy. 6’ Rear finish mower works good in our orchard, grapes, blueberries and landscaping. Wife does most of the mowing. Carefully backing up to trim where needed. Hadn’t started a weed eater in 10 years.

To answer your question, no. Specialty grapple. Root and log grapples work best for rocks, roots, brush and logs. Curved plate tines, serrated teeth and geometry works best for that task. You do need skidsteer quality and strength for your size tractor.

Did you provide drain hole or slot? Guess it could drain fully raised? Don’t think there is a down side and keep the tubing clean. I’ve had mice and one snake come out the upper FEL arm holes back towards the operator station. Live action fun!

The round tube welded ~8” in-between the teeth/times of the long bottom root grapple acts as guide to control the tooth depth when raking the ground depending on the tilt angle. Also handy chaining to lift stuff. For sticky stuff like manure with bedding straight tines work best but don’t...

Another tool that surprised how useful I got about a year ago was a Dewalt 20V polesaw. 8” bar cuts fast and good battery life. Easier than a chainsaw. The reach helps a lot. Keeps me out of the danger zone. Bigger stuff don’t have to cut all the thru will break when grappled. Once a load is...

Been a great work, old man multiplier tool. Plucking mostly evasive bushes from roadsides and fences. Built a typical post/tree puller. Saw the advantage of the Danuser design. Only seen videos. Contacted my local distributor to buy several times about purchase. Can’t buy direct. Promised to...

2016 I bought a used Kubota B26 from a local rental business. He also brought over a landpride land plane to try. He had modified with ssqa plate on the back. I used it with as 3pt on a bigger tractor. Didn’t buy it but after seeing the the results bought a EA LP. Do think it would take a stout...

My point about willows. You have to be judicial when pulling trees. Cut and kill sometimes the best option. Big advantage with the Intimdator is the ability to excavate and break/cut roots prior to pulling trees leaves less ground disturbance. Made to back drag filling the hole. Expands the...

Danuser Intimdator makes easy work of olive, privet and rose. Willows have root systems larger than their crown. Tend to take a bit of the shoreline with them. Roots break pretty easy. Once clear the cutter of your choice will maintain.

When I looked at them the dealer recommended the pto power pack for much continuous use even though my tractor has the hydraulic flow. How much you going to do? For how long? A lot of up and down? Do you want that cutter motor using the same fluid as your hst? Have many places it sure looks...

Orange Tractor Talks All things Kubota.

Upgraded grill protection is a must do for grapple work. OTT has some fabricators making some bolt on ones for newer models. Have used a wicked 54” dual lid grapple on a B26 for several years now. Absolutely loved it. Without a doubt highly recommend. Think it’s rated to 55hp tractor.

Put these on the front of a Kubota M59. Immediately improved traction. Heavy sidewall and rim guard helps with loader operations. Twice as heavy as OEM tires. Several years now and doing well. Tractor stays mostly in 4wd and scuffing off-road is minimal. Only problem is they are difficult to...

2-4D amine will kill broadleaf plants but not grass. Good stand of grass helps crowd out other plants. It is a plant growth hormone that makes broadleafs grow themselves to death, make grass a little greener. My spray of choice fence lines and pastures. Roundup kills everything and is hard on...

That’s just cool and may have to barrow your inspiration. I agree safety is paramount. The older I get the more chicken I become. Have a fall protection reel I can attach on the basket and run to the ground. Tethered all the way. I bought several of these equipment frames surplus from the lab...

When I took my Chinese colleague to the flea market for the first time he loved it! Buying all kinds of tools and stuff. This is like shopping in China he said. When looking over tools and especially Chinese made knock offs, I asked “you must see a lot of these in China?” No he said. “Only name...

That’s some nice work! That would be perfect for a land plane. Since getting a land plane the grader blade and box blade just sit. Can’t carry material like a box blade. Only moves what’s necessary and developments a durable surface that lasts a long time. Savings in gravel, time and maintenance...

Run a 6’ woods finish mower on our B26. The extra width makes trimming next to landscaping and buildings easy. HST transmission can handle it. We, my wife mainly, mows lawn, orchard, around barns, to semi woods. In the fall use it to mulch the leaves in our 1/2 mile green tunnel driveway.

You definitely enjoy designing. Not sure your experience on fabrication skills but everyone has to start somewhere. Prototyping takes multi-skills, patience, lots of money and the ability to learn from failure more often than not. Suggestion? Get a used 3pt pto tiller or two as a learning step...

Great buy and sure to be handy. If it doesn’t work out let me know. Trying to decide between a side shift or ditchbank model.

Big differences between pipe and tube. Pipe is not as consistent for structural strength and hard for fabrication. Use tubing or DOM tubing.

Creating good memories is part of the fun that no amount of money can buy.

That’s an interesting build with many features. Homemade fork lift? Is that your high lift tree trimmer? How is it secured to the forks when spaced like that? Why ladder behind the platform instead of to the side? Sorry for the many questions but often have to make or modify equipment when you...

I’ve done that once spreading gravel. At least the tailgate was partially open to let the gravel hourglass out and truck come down. Scary.

For the Kubota B26 use the No-Spill plastic jugs. Two handles and can lay on the hood. Only epa nozzle that sorta works. Can fill without spilling a drop. Bad…have to hold the spring button valve during transfer which is slow. Recently added SS screw in vent with silicone cap. Now drains 10x...

Appreciate the successful solution follow up. The M59 has the 3 pt/backhoe valves but not sure of a electrical interlock to prevent starting. The labels on valve positions is about faded out on mine so have extra Paint pen instructions.

Seen those. Some models would even tilt for slightly uneven ground. $pendy Picked up a heavy galvanized metal pallet at the scrap yard years ago. Corrugated top and bottom. Maybe a rubber stall mat could improve the floor. Been handy for moving heavy materials. Wrapping with a handrail and door...

Bent forks are common at the scrap yard. Use a combo spade with forks on the Kubota B26 for olive and privet shallow rooted invasives. Would have to be careful with a bigger tractor.

When you connected the backhoe hoses did you also change the two valves under the seat? Tractor deadheading the hydraulics? Slime in stored or low hour equipment diesel fuel always a problem in warm humid climates that has to be considered.

Titan and others makes many models of forklift platforms. Some suitable for warehouse work, some more robust for the type of work I envision. We had a bucket truck for awhile and handy for many of the same operations. Used, the lift part usually becomes a value reducing asset of the truck...

While browsing the local scrapyard for fun bought some short drops of stainless steel tubing. Back home cut some 2” rings of 5.5” OD, 1/8” wall tubing. Drilled a 1/2” hole for the lamp bolt. TSC has these lamps for $7. Had to slightly oval the hole and temporarily removed one lens for the lamp...

Nice use of limited space. Every tractor should have a good tool box. Good job.

2013 M59 seat vinyl was starting to crack along the top cushion. Durafit seat cover from Amazon. KU05 KNT C Durafit Seat Covers, KU05 SST for KUBOTA Tractors L45/M45.L48/M59.B25/B26 M108S LP MOWERS F2680/F2880/F3080/F3680 in SST Camo Endura Amazon.com: Durafit Seat Covers, KU05 SST for KUBOTA...

I only seen totes with bottles till in them. Pretty strong removing bottle after cutting a door? Need extra reinforcement? 275 or 330 gallon better? Local place sells cages and different prices of totes depending on condition. Looks like a pretty good option.

Forklift platforms are common and used safely everyday. For tractors the the hazards of off road and usually dangerous operation of construction, maintenance or tree work are many. Telehander type baskets closest comparison. Probably a good argument to never have personal on a tractor FEL...

Have a milemarker hydraulic on the truck and frequent use it for trees. Have to anchor to tree or tractor grapple dug in. While impressive power and pulling time over electric, it is still a vehicle recovery winch. Thought about something for the tractor. It’s just hard to beat logging winch...

Excellent advice RickB as usual. Maybe the new ones fixed a flaw. Once trapped water is hard to leave without a drain or vent. Shocked to see my truck headlights plastic housing foggy and liquid water in the bottom. Figured I didn’t have much to loose so drilled some small drain holes...

Like using metal tubing for chain boxes. Have 5” &6” x 30” metal tubes bolted or welded to loader up rights for chain, chainsaw, and long handle tools. Hook for 5 gallon bucket for smaller tools.

Interesting and well made modifications. I need some hazard light guards for protection. The fan is novel. Trying to envision the benefits in a tractor environment. Think having a furnace filter on the fan inlet to flow clean air over the operator an option? Our pollen load is extremely heavy.

My old M5030 seat would cause tailbone pain mowing or haying. Used a kitchen chair cushion with anti slip bottom helped a lot. The newer tractors seats are better but don’t do the long hours anymore. Do think I need to tilt back and space up just a bit on rubber blocks would help ergonomically...

Bumper 3x6” tubing and 7x1/2” plate. Metal I had. Pushing over trees and stacking brush makes the lower part susceptible to damage. Gives protection to front axle from stumps and rocks. Added tie down hooks and ring for trailering. Added about 100# to the front bumper. Also decreases the...

Congratulations on the new grapple. Your L48 is built like my old B20 with lots of metal in the front grill compared to ag tractors. Still extra protection from sneaking sticks is recommended. Ran a grapple with rear remote 20 years with no problems. Valve Detent feature nice. Of course had...

My regular ratchet binders were too long on a B20 bucket.

Rigging the bucket spade on is a bit of a challenge. Not only to retain in place but for strength. Used a special ratchet chain binder from Northern tool. It has T-handle and attached 6’ of chain. Works good on small buckets and fork frames. Durabilt 3/8" T-Handle Ratchet Binder w/ 6 ft Chain...

Think you can flip them with the spikes up for smoother results. Chain harrow worked a little better than the log drag on the pastures pies. Not what I would use to over seed. Missing good advise and possible money on the table without your county agents help. If your soil conditions are not...

I have the paumco combo quick spade. Used on B20. Great for planting orchard trees and blueberries. Cutting hedge privet and multiflora roses from near/under fences. Poor man’s backhoe. Did manage to bend the tractor bucket cutting edge. Able to straighten then reinforced with bottom plates...

Welded 1/2”x1.5”x15” flat bars on the sides of grapple ssqa to help connect. Quick and easy mounting now. Wish more were made that way. Pretty easy modification. Kubota B26 HD bucket is the only manufacturer that I’ve seen with OEM side flares.

I see a fabricator selling bolt on grill guards for newer tractors on OTT.

My types and sizes of tractors and what I’ve do with them has changed with the decades. Mostly maintaining my hilly piece of mountain paradise now. Often loader work picking up trees, grading, digging and mowing the tractors stay in 4wd both for traction and braking safety. Rarely see flat hard...

Titan makes a clamp on receiver hitch. Pretty good clamp think I only used it once. Have a receiver hitch welded to top of bucket I like for hitches and various tools.

Be careful. Pretty easy to jump start a diesel at the starter. Once started it will electrify all that burnt wiring? How are you going to shut it off? Fuel shutoff? Fuel system rubber lines need replaced? Without knowing the full damage you can go from a mess to a tractor fire real quick if...

That’s a neat trick I’ve read several folks use. On my tractors the HST is above the tank or transmission level so the oil loss is minimal at 200hours. At 400hours the oil, hydraulic and HST all get changed so oil loss is not a problem. Can see the technique be helpful changing a dented...

Always used a stick. Now see a better way. Maybe cut some teeth on the tubing for the lower ones packed with mud? Good tip.

Great fabrication work gg! Nice setup for firewood.

Thanks for the follow up explaining the resolution of the problem.

Heavy duty! Nice build.

Good advice on 600-800 Ford or 135MF with live power pto would be work with most modern attachments if you like the older tractors. With your skills you could easy use and maintain for several years and recoup or increase your investment if you decide to upgrade. There are some good safety...

Felling trees around live power lines is never a good idea. Even professionals with insulated boom trucks kill the power. Traded a smart logging grapple with winch to take out 13 large trees, some close to 13.8kv power lines. Tree crew called the utility to have them kill the power just in case...

Might want to square U-bolt the rubber belt around the tubing. No loss of strength from drilling the tubing and no entry from liquids.

Sage advice. Improving the grill guard is important for brush work with grapples. Your L48 is metal nose is maybe tuffer than my plastic M59 but serious damage can happen from even a small stick. Good time to think about adding a bumper for front end protection. Root balls from pushing trees...

Hope the new line configuration is a durable solution to the rubber elbow cracking. Still probably replace again at the next 400hrs fluid change. Could you tell any difference afterwards?

I just blew up the picture and saw the hood and cowling damage! That one improperly tightened bolt on the level indicator that was lost caused all that!?! Would not be surprised at $1,000 damage. That would make me sick. Good example for dealers, mechanics, operators and us to learn from...

Yes. The pipe support near the teeth help gauge the tooth depth and rake thru the ground from 0-6”. The added reach long bottom very helpful too. Each grapple style has strengths and comprises. Blessed with 4 different ones. Have the newer EA wicked 54” long bottom on the B26 and love it...

Land plane works wonders especially recovering the stone you already have. Well worth the cost if you have a long steep driveway. People often comment that it looks like I just had new gravel delivered. Regular grader blade angled and turned backwards works good for leveling. Adjust the side...

Like the long bottom

The Kubota B26 we have has several operators and operating with the parking brake on was a problem. Fixed by extending the parking brake handle and adding a parking brake on light. Much more ergonomic intuitive.

Most of the time on the FELs and grapples they get 2-4 pumps depending on the pin size every 6-10 hours. That even includes bush hogging not using the FEL. Swing pin on backhoe gets more, rotate and a few more. Sometimes don’t see new grease till I’m working the joint. Better too frequently than...

Figuring things out is part of the excitement. Had an MF135 with trip manure bucket. No power steering. Used that for all kinds of stuff from moving pallets, hay. Manure, brush, fencing, logs. When I first got a tractor with a bucket it was about worthless in comparison. Bucket forks and later...

Demolition grapple?

Not sure I fully understand your problem. If you are getting moisture inside your tubing sealing at the base will only make another problem if water can accumulate. Seen where tubing has deformed or split by water accumulation. If I can seal tubing by continuous welding I do. If I can’t, piece...

My wife dose most of the mowing with HST Kubota B26 with 6’ rear finish mower. Out property is steep, wooded, lots of obstacles. Being able to back under low handing bushes and cut banks where ztr can’t go. Moving limbs every time is usually needed. Mowing or working under trees having a 4 post...

Don’t want to talk you out of a new tractor but consider: Converting your current tractor to ssqa? Drill a hole in bucket side or weld/bolt a shackle mount and use log tongs. You can get pretty good at grabbing, carrying and dropping from the tractor seat. Grapples are useful and now be hard...

When my M59 needed filters and fluid changed went to buy them. Fall the dealer offers 10% discount on parts and labor for their slow season. Casually asked how much they could do the service? They can pick up and deliver, change oil and filters for what they can sell me the oil and filters for...

Lot of skidsteers have a third QDs for a case drain for hydraulic motors. For tractor or 3pt hydraulic packs your looking at 3 lines. FEL hydraulic cutters usually need free flow on the discharge so the cutting disk can spin down after you close the supply. Not how 3rd function or remotes...

Welcome and appreciate you sharing your awesome cab!

Looks like a good product and have a several places to try on. Look forward to your review. Trying to make something similar. Like many had the idea for something similar before someone made one availability. Ordered the hydraulic parts on surplus center. Most of the steel I have but somewhat...

With all your hydraulic versatility and capabilities, did you ever consider a connection for a hydraulic motor case drain? Common with skidsteers. There are FEL mowers and 3pt hydraulic equipment that need case drains. Even small hydraulic motors can benefit from a case drain. Be an easy...

That’s just cool beans and the future for many parts. The local Makers group have several 3D printers and a good place to learn and meet like minded people that are helpful that would be cost effective. Also access to mills, welding, blacksmith, sewing, electronics. Not for me but really...

Very nice and impressive work. Very professional. Will add significant added functionality to your tractor.

Bought this flat belt saw at the scrap yard for $46. Simple angle iron frame with hinged table to crosscut firewood or posts. Poured bearings have no play and rotate. Better now with a few pumps of new grease. 28” blade pretty rusty. People spend that much on blades for decorating or cut up for...

I have a 1996 5.9l Cummins in the truck. Most of diesel noise comes from 6 cylinder inline fuel pump. Don’t like the noise but love the reliability and low maintenance cost. Adding Stanadyne fuel treatment helps keep it quieter. Also add to the the Kubotas. Some mufflers get quieter when the...

Hope the OP resolves his issue. Either by repair or understanding how best to operate. Surprised the misconceptions how HST operates. The more gears the better when pulling, pushing and FEL work. Hard to beat almost infinite variable ratios the HST provides. So many operator actions that can...

Maybe a better statement would be that sycamores grow best where they can reach water. Well diggers respect their abilities. I can trace my mile long water shed till it erupts to 500gpm year round spring. Sycamores and popular (tulip magnolia) are also good harbingers of a rain shower is coming...

The lady I bought the farm from cut a sycamore for 2” stair treads for a house she built for her best friend. I cut the same tree that grew from the stump 36 years later for 2” stair treads for our log house. Now again 25” x 60’ tree. Sycamores always grow near water so hiking or hunting they...

You are doing the important steps first and hope you see an improvement. Much debris in hydraulic cooler or radiator? Fan belt tight? Also check filter bases the center pipe nipple is tight and clear from old filter gaskets. Air inleakage causes cavitation causes heat. Check remotes and third...

Also detail the brand of filters and hydraulic fluid. I only have bought used equipment and is the first thing I change so I known what I’ve got.

Lot more to an anvil than a flat surface. A design that has stood the test of time. All anvils are not the same like all tractors are not the same. Hot working mild steel on a block of steel might work OK. Working high carbon steel needs a better anvil. Many professional blacksmiths prefer a...

Kubota makes well engineered machines. Always room for improvement. Hopefully but unlikely they could incorporate a hole and driveline design to better facilitate repairs. They did improve the hydraulic suction line on the B26 after years of rubber elbow failures.

Congratulations on your new to you B21. Might be good meet your local dealer and start a relationship. They have filter kits, super UDT, O-rings for fuel filter, manuals, etc. Paper manuals not only easier to read but also significantly increases resell price. Also good for information. Might...

Also benefit using Pat’s quick hitch by maintaining or adjusting hitch width when hitching up equipment. Much easier.

Winch Choker Chain 5/16" x 7' & Choker Hook w/Steel Probe Stake 14" Long Grade G70 Load Limit # 2 Ton | Log Forestry Logging Choker Chain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZT2ZD4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S8HDS3205FAZTPM43M7A

Impressed with your clever ingenuity to fix the problem. I would not want a dealership to split my tractor needlessly. Had many problems from dealer splitting my B20 that took a lot of money and time to try to fix. Agree the B26s are tough built workhorses. Thanks for sharing.

Reread and very impressed with your clever fix. Hope our B26 doesn’t develop the same problem. Now that you solved the problem particularly with the driveshaft spline modifications, what’s your advice for the size of the access hole?

Have to keep this repair in mine. Nicely detailed and innovative work. Labor savings about paid for the plasma cutter. Which side did you cut from? Our B26 stays in 4wd almost all the time. Sees no paved surfaces. 464 hours. Same for the B20 it replaced at 3600hrs. Properly done sealed...

Always enjoy your posts and professional fabrication skills. The vertical stabilizers are rare in the US and sought after by foundation repair folks. A local excavator contractor made and marketed retro kits to convert to vertical stabilizers. Coupled with the side shift ability makes yours a...

You made a good choice. You’ll find it will cut brush just fine. Usually replace the blades and blade bolts at the same time. Enjoy.

Use the backhoe hook to pull out evasive brush. Not to hook and drive, but hook and pull with hydraulics. Then Stack and pile with the thumb.

Bark on stems is loose and slippery this time of year. The pipe helps bite and choke the load. Want to pull out of the ground not skin or break off. Usually use two on each end of chain to pull multiple clumps. Easy to hook and release. Wife approved.

Had grapple(s) lines unlock a side. Use bungee on the loader cross tube to better position the loop and fixed that problem. A stick a couple times. A simple clevis rod between the handles could lock them would be a quick fix. I sure could have utilized a hydraulic option early this year.

Use anti-seize on stainless. Or use a combination of steel and stainless.

Some other members have made their own clever pressure release threaded clamping devices made from scrap steel. Not complicated and small enough to fit in a tool box. On eBay one seller has made a modified quick grip bar clamp for QDs. Again not hard for the tractor community to make.

Take time to drive around to farm and tractor stores and shops. Their business is helping people just like you. You’ll need them again sometime. Brakes are important particularly in hill country. Your hills are bumps compared to ours. Most tractor dealers have ways of pickup and delivery. This...

The Waite tool from Ken’s hooks works to relive pressure on the implement side easily and safely on flat face connectors. Costs about as much as a pair of QDs. Even with jaws open and lines connected a 40* temp change can build up pressure. If running the loader hard and changing buckets it’s...

I’ve had to repair many a vertical mufflers. Branch and grapevine magnets. Could feel the heat in an open station tractor. Not bad in winter, not so much making hay in summer. The older tractors I had some underneath rear discharge. Not 3pt hookup friendly. Easy to damage in the woods. The...

Have one like that. Haven’t used it in years but it works well. Well greased they last a long time. Pans, spools and bearings were readily available at the local coop. Agri supply a source too.

You are lucky. Had open station tractors till I wasn’t so lucky. Then got an old steel cab six post ROPS cab that didn’t have any glass. Great protection. Built a four post ROPS with top for a smaller tractor. Current tractors both have four posts ROPS with top. Need the protection if working...

Piranha type tooth bar easily handles the up to 4” stuff. Try to do planed clearing in the spring where they slip out of the ground with little effort or dirt. Don’t like stumps or Stubs. Danuser Intimdator on the bigger stuff. Stumps are a whole lot easier to get out with the stem attached.

Good to have on hand some extra valve stem inserts with ballasted tires. I also use metal hex brass caps with sealing washers. Be sure to wash everything thoroughly the CaCl contacts. Another forest tire problem I had was bending the front rims if caught on stumps, rock or wood. Nothing...

That’s a nice big one. My tractors don’t have the clearance between the grill guard and FEL. Used 50cal boxes bolted to the ROPS. Carrying tools is essential for tractor work. One note of caution is being under the FEL without a prop is risky. Commercial construction equipment usually has a...

Enjoyed your problem solving idea and post. Thanks for sharing. If removing some bolts to check air pressure works for you that’s fine. Your modifications work for you and that is most important. Having valve stem damage out in the woods in no fun. It was only a suggestion to have a piece of...

Those are heavy duty and should be great armor. Like the pipe nipple protectors on our tractors. Surprised you didn’t box, pipe or notch to provide access to the valve stems? You do have good protection now.

Missing link

Thanks for sharing a painful experience. A few of those repairs would end my hobby farming. Beginning to talk like my dad on the “economics” of new equipment. Hope for trouble free hours from now on.

Great fabrication skills! Good write up and pictures detailing your progress. Giving me inspiration to try something like that for my M59. Question on the float valves, they allow double acting positions and float detent? Where did you source the valve from?Would like a similar type mower and...

I see many on eBay, generic or for construction equipment. Still going to be tuff to match. You think the holes are from corrosion or from rubbing? It might be repairable if finding the right person to weld. Vigorous cleaning before and after. I think I would be more comfortable with a...

Just checked with Messicks online. H24500 oil cooler, 32771-55370, $363.65. It let add to cart with 3-6 day ordering time. You can look at their parts diagram and see if that matches yours. Messicks has been able to get parts my local dealer couldn’t.

Don’t use a transmission cooler. Use a hydraulic oil cooler for rated for your flow. Surplus Center is one of many places to spec hydraulic oil coolers. Flow size, mounting flanges and pipe connections you can adapt. A good hydraulic shop can help. A major component not going to be cheap but...

M59 backhoe quick connect. My BT 1200v has a pin on bucket. Called Werk Brau I think were the bucket and qa makers. Asked if I could upgrade to excavator type QA? Really have to work thru a dealer. My local large Kubota is not listed as a dealer but could. Said they do lots of business with...

Why was the valve body rebuilt? Because of the loss of control? I have lost temporary control on two circuits, left swing and down boom. The down boom was odd as I had gravity down but no pressure down for a few minutes. Intermittent problems are the hardest to fix and repair. I suspected air...

All good suggestions that depends on terrain. Could possible rerouting road to higher ground help?

Converting my Ford 850 made it one of the most dependable tractors in the shed. It would always start. Went to autozone and got one wire 12v alternator that someone turned in that tested good but bought a new one. $15 core. New coil. Had to partially saw off a mounting aluminum lug with a...

My pins for the stabilizers have a keeper chain. Held in place by gravity. Never have had one come out....yet.

Was that K7543 something you figured out or dealer recommended? Excavator buckets and ears are easier and cheaper to find. Wonder if that would work on a M59? A picture showing the connecting yoke and bucket ear would be helpful. From a 2014 OTT post the M59 quick connect is BT4580. The...

I suspect cracks in the suction line line elbow. The link above details the replacement and new and improved line assembly. Achilles’s heel of an otherwise tough machine. Might consider changing the hst filter if replacing the suction line. There are drain plugs on either side of the rear axle...

That’s some great fabrication skills! I can see that would be handy if you had to adjust often. We have a few decades of rear finish mower experience. First mower I’ve seen with the discharge on the left. Having the front blade tips slightly lower than the back reduces required hp and improves...

To follow up; Called Kidde and didn’t take too long to speak to a customer service representative. Gave them my recall form number. They quickly found my request and told me it might take some time to know about the other four. Ask about how long? Put me on hold then told me shipping would email...

A grapple independent of curl like the FEL would sometimes be better. I find the foot valve thumb control great for grubbing and grabbing but less ergonomic for precision rock balancing control. Age and experience factors too. Thought about a hand handle welded to the foot control shaft. The...

eBay is a great place to sell/source sales brochures. Some I’ve gotten free from dealer are asking quite a bit for now. I try to collect sales brochures, owners manual, shop manual, parts manual for my major pieces of equipment. Not only help me with maintenance over the years they also help...

I cut a slot in the side of the pipe for the hook. This makes it easy to wrap around and connect then disconnect after. The pipe allows the chain to choke the load and uses the pipe edges to bite and help keep from slipping. Usually use pipes at either end of the chain to pullout multiple...

Like the artistic wall. We have 600’ rock wall that fronts the road. Rock castle and significant rock work on log houses. All built by a little lady I worked for when young and bought the farm from. She would have loved the tractors and grapples we have now. How would you improve a backhoe...

Most the time I need other tools additionally to a chainsaw when working. Tractors could be better improved to support such work like many owners do.

Those “old” experiences came up with successful and cool fix. Nicely done.

That’s just cool beans! Don’t know much about dozers except I like them. Like the pictures detailing the fabrication. Good skills. I’m just seeing two bolts, thru tubing, securing each track to the frame? Enjoy following your post.

A lot of satisfaction comes from imagining an idea, fabrication and a successful outcome. On our property you can’t go far without having to cut a tree. Good job.

Thanks for sharing your experience. The good, bad and ugly. Hope you can gain confidence in the repairs are reliable. When I visit the local Kubota dealer to pick up parts the owner/salesmen always eager to show me the new models. I ask are they reliable? The answer is “We are selling them!”

My M59 has a pin on bucket with a thumb. Studied the parts diagrams on Messicks for QA and think the rear yoke is needed to couple to the QA bucket ears for my machine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/264710524853 These ears look similar to the Messicks drawings. Think at one time the QA ears for...

Like your multipurpose ideas and tools.

That’s clever use for a file cabinet. I use old file cabinets in the shop and barn for mouse proof storage. Have to cover the bottom with sheetmetal or plywood. Some are on casters. The old government file cabinets are considerably heavier, sturdier than newer ones. Have to carry tools and...

Submitted 6 fire extinguishers from recall. All met their requirements. 3A40BC for all 6. Got two delivered today. Both 2A10BC. Not the same. New ones have metal handles. Labels and instructions to how to return. It does not give information which of the 6 that qualified for recall to...

Need a side grinder. Maybe could sharpen the blades in place. Removes metal much quicker than bench grinder. Don’t cost much and good for lots of other chores. If need to remove blades, switch to a cutting disc and “V” notch the access hole thru the deck to get to the nut. $3 and 1 minute job...

Intended use more dictates the grapple selection than tractor model. Your L48 is heavier built than most ag tractors. I run a 72” skidsteer long bottom brush grapple on my old M5030 and now M59. Would not want anything lighter duty. EA wicked 54” grapple on the B26 is perfect for that size...

Like in blacksmithing, heat is your friend. Controlling the heat is the trick. Having a hard time seeing all the pictures. Like my poly lined steel scabbards.

Had same problem with square shaft pto shaft PHD. Made before safety guards. Took several attempts and several days of Kroil and propane torch heat to break free. Finally rigged porta power to pull shaft apart. Twice! Now store pto shaft inside.

Like a good find and good deal!

The women in my life love the Miller 211. Just like a glue gun for metal. All kinds of yard, wall, horseshoe and kitchen art and utensils. Add a little blacksmithing they can take over your shop. Buyers beware!

Prefer a good front tie down point when trailer over going across the front axle.

Both are good and similar machines. Do like the auto set training wheels on the Miller. Easy to set given the wide variety of thickness and joints. LWS beat the best Internet price. Also on the gas cylinder. I get good support and advise thru the LWS. At the time Miller was 15% more than...

I love my Miller 211. Similar to Hobart 210mvp. Like the variable knobs over the notches. Auto set feature is easy to use particularly for new mig users. With gas shield welding is easy, clean and fast. Bought it after retirement 12 years ago to upgrade from stick welding. No regrets. It’s...

I just had 84.4 tons delivered and spread to top dress my 1/2 mile driveway. $2,600, four truck loads. Special driveway mix of high population of 3/4, 1/2 with some base fines. Higher compaction strength than base or #57. Have 300’ elevation change winding thru the woods. With continuing...

Cut two pieces 0.5x1.5x10” flat bar for the LIPS. The grapple ssqa sides are 3/8” thick. Welded the LIPS on top of the grapple and about 1/8” wider than the inside dimension at a 45* angle. This doesn’t reduce the inside dimension. 45* gave a nice bevel to weld to. A few stitch welds on the...

Danuser Intimdator and EA grapple use the spring towers. I install extra nylon sleeves on most hydraulic lines and use rubber bungee to take up slack.

Did lots of “farm” rigging growing up and have the educated scars. Engineering career and maintaining a crane license see need for proper rigging. Chain slings with oval rings and slip hooks. Nothing slicker than steel on steel so choke those loads. Loop synthetic straps help too. Watch those...

Side loading collapses cranes and hoist. Careful with rotation. First rule in crane training, never side load. Cranes are not winches. Modified truck crane to help in various places. Leveling helps rotation. Simple, inexpensive thrust bearing in base with bushing. Has a jam bolt for friction...

Wives and their big rocks! Rock gardening with her this weekend with the B26 too. Having the thumb much easier to transport and place large stones. Have to admit looks pretty good when done. Hard to beat a B26 for this type of work. Have used the backhoes with chain to retrieve/winch rocks and...

I know your rig is lots more heavy duty than most. Those upper triangular wedges help to center the top. None of my attachments have that. Is a standard ssqa plate easy to hitch to?? Just that little extra material to help guide the tractor ssqa in helps. My old 80s, M5030DT cab with Bobcat...

LIPS (Lateral Implement Position System) Ssqa bucket lips. Backhoe lips. Think the side to side tolerance on the grapple is tight, 1/4-3/8”. Thinking of welding on 2.5x3.5x0.25” tabs on the side frame at 45 degrees. Just to help funnel the ssqa tractor mount in. Gray hairs have to work...

This might be a trend on newer tractors. My 2016 Kubota B26 ssqa factory HD bucket has flared lips to help center the tractor ssqa mount when attaching. Of the dozen of other attachments from various manufacturers it’s the only one I have ever seen to have this feature. Have great line on sight...

Powder coated and installed.

Not much oil near here. The ~3” drill pipe? I got from scrapyard for cattle guard repair were 10’ long, each had male and female special tapered course threads. Unlike pipe threads they would screw together till the pipe wall touched. Wall thickness was about 3/8” except at joints was over...

Thanks for the info. I checked my fire extinguishers stock had 6 that met the recall. Most were taken out of service from low pressure and up to 30 years old. Had switched to metal handle other brands. Filled out the forms, got an email acknowledgment and see what happens.

On the M59 the bottom plastic of the seat where the switch mounted was breaking causing intermittent shutdown. Also didn’t like not being able to stand with forks or grapples. Of course it totally failed at the worst time. Took the opportunity to replace the OEM switch to regular on/off...

The previous owner put in two cattle guards using 2 1/2” water pipe. Wasn’t durable with big trucks. Repaired with well drilling pipe was stronger. Rebuilt using 3” square tubing, 8” wide channel sides, capping H beams and 50# of 7018 rod. 4 - 1.5” bolts hold each grid down. Made where I can...

I agree with most of your analysis. The dangers of not using spacers to prevent rollover are more significant. Static forces are small compared to dynamic forces particularly on uneven ground. FEL are particularly hard to balance. Have never had problem with rear wheel bearings from spacing...

I picked up some powder coated parts from fab shop this week. They also do laser, water jet and plasma cutting. Dove their metal scrap dumpster for some drops. They get 0.09$/#. They had large sheet stock with various part cutout patterns that could work as a grid. See the same stuff at the...

6’ Baltic all gear drive tiller has been a good worker. Compares good with old but still ticking 50+ year old Howard 5’ we still use. Much rather invest in a used well made tiller than the many new tillers I see now. Both are good with self cleaning tines that last a long time. Big difference...

Have a milemarker two speed winch on my truck. Uses the power steering pump. Has inline filter cooler. Scary strong for a truck. Use mostly for felling trees leaning the wrong way. Has to have a good anchor. Much better than any electric winches I have used. Had a skidsteer Smart logging...

Hope experts will respond as I have limited experience with my experiments. Try advice from an hydraulic shop? There are orifice plates that go into fittings to slow flow. Quick and easy. For adjustable control I have used a throttling needle valve. You need a hard seat since you don’t need...

Got 55” wicked grapple years ago. Well worth the wait. 6’ land plane too.

Our B26 with backhoe, front and rear buckets, thumb, 3rd function, rear tires ballast and 2.5” extensions, tool boxes with operator is close to 5000lbs. Well worth the extra expense of their ag tractor counter parts for our use.

The Home Depot here rents a B26 with backhoe for $260/day. Sunbelt does too. Might try before you buy.