Bucket Fork

[JJZ 109]

I know that there have been several threads on this subject, I've even posted on a few. But this is a new thread for my particular issue.
Selling a set of Payne's forks because I've never really been happy with them. Had my eye on the pallet/brush forks on BXpanded, but Harry got back to me and informed me that they only fit the BX series and wouldn't work on an LA403 on a B3030.
I wanted these forks because they had the ability to float a little and they appeared to hang below the bucket a little bit for some better visibility from the seat of a cabbed tractor. Is there anything similar out there?
The goal is to eventually go to SSQA with a dedicated set of forks, but that may be just a little further into the future, unless I can't find anything suitable for now. If I need to go the SSQA route now, who's a good low cost alternative to get the lift arm adapter and bucket plate from? Maybe the forks could wait a bit for now.

 

[kennyd]

As you know, a QA is the only way to go Put your money towards that, and not another set of clamp-ons.

 

[JJZ 109]

As you know, a QA is the only way to go Put your money towards that, and not another set of clamp-ons.

Looking more and more like I'll be taking your advice kenny. In the past I had been looking on Washburn Hayspear and other sites. Any suggestions for decent quality stuff at reasonable prices? So far I'm finding pin on adapters for everything but an LA403. Must be something strange about this loader.

 

[JJZ 109]

I got a quick and honest response from Neil at Messick regarding a strictly Kubota setup. Would not hesitate to do business with them when the need arises.
In the meantime, looking for suggestions for an SSQA pin on adapter for the Kubota LA 403 loader that won't break the bank like ATI and some others would like to do.
Checking into some other "universal" units from Washburn Hayspear, ARG and Everything Attachments but due to the holiday have yet to hear back.

 

[JJZ 109]

So far it's looking like Washburn Hayspear's QA 8295 will work on an LA 403 for about $300 less than ATI. All I should have to do is request that they send me a unit with 7/8" pin holes instead of their standard 1 inch. They've been great at replying to email inquiries, even got back to me on Thanksgiving Day.
In the meantime I'll still check around the 'net and see what else I find.

 

[Big Wave D]

I have an Kubota L35 which I was wanting to do the same thing with.

Believe it or not, my cheapest option was from my Kubota dealer, by about half.

They certainly should be able to fix you up Model-wise.

Best of luck.

 

[JJZ 109]

I have an Kubota L35 which I was wanting to do the same thing with.

Believe it or not, my cheapest option was from my Kubota dealer, by about half.

They certainly should be able to fix you up Model-wise.

Best of luck.

Got a nice reply from Neil Messick. Very helpful dealer who regularly helps posters on this forum. From what I can gather, the Kubota option is more money and not really a universal fit with standard skid steer stuff. To quote:
"ATI is the only company that builds aftermarket QA plates. They are not cheap, the ones for the 403 are almost $800. A blank plate for your bucket is $150. Kubota builds a little QA of their own, but it locks you into their forks that are twice and expensive and normal ones.
let me know how I can help."

At this point I'm thinking Washburn QA 8295 for $499 plus shipping and then another $140 -150 for the plate to weld onto my current bucket. After that it's time to shop for light duty forks. So far we've got Bradco 42" for $685 with free shipping. Berlon shows a BLDPFF 42 for $595 but I can't find a spot on their site to purchase or calculate shipping. Skidsteer Express also shows a 36" light duty set for $485 and free shipping.

 

[Big Wave D]

Got a nice reply from Neil Messick. Very helpful dealer who regularly helps posters on this forum. From what I can gather, the Kubota option is more money and not really a universal fit with standard skid steer stuff.

As far as price went, at the time, the Kubota QA was the cheapest I found. However, I didn't now about their QA not being a true universal fit, so thanks for the info.

I guess, at the time, the 'low' entry price is to get you to bite, then you find out everything else is 2 times as much, and you're stuck with what you bought.

 

[JJZ 109]

I have read other posts on this forum that other Kubota loader models with Kubota's version of the quick hitch do accept universal SS attachments. But Mr. Messick's statement leads me to believe that it isn't necessarily so for my loader.
My main issue has been finding a reasonably priced SSQA for an LA 403. A couple of the vendors list everything but a 403, hence the decision to go with a universal unit after posing several questions to Washburn with my measurements, pin size, etc.
Now my concern is a loss of breakout force. Neil Messick is thinking that the QA unit is a little deep and sets the bucket out front of the lift arms a little much. Fortunately I don't give the loader much heavy duty use. Mainly snow removal, moving gravel around the driveway every couple years and lifting 350 pound rolls of coil stock for a seamless gutter machine.

 

[yooper1]

Everything Attachments had a post the other day showing some new pages they have and one of them shows a QA Converter.

Here is that thread

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/189253-everythingattachments-new-product-pages.html


then here is the converter page they mention

W.R. Long pin on tractor mount to universal quick attach adapter | Free Shipping for 1,000 miles!!

They say it will fit over 750 tractors out there

 

[JJZ 109]

Everything Attachments had a post the other day showing some new pages they have and one of them shows a QA Converter.

Here is that thread

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/189253-everythingattachments-new-product-pages.html


then here is the converter page they mention

W.R. Long pin on tractor mount to universal quick attach adapter | Free Shipping for 1,000 miles!!

They say it will fit over 750 tractors out there

Thanks Yooper. I had my eye on that at one time, but it's looking like about $200 more than Washburn.
I do have Everything Attachments bookmarked though. Never know what the future holds for attachments!:thumbsup:

 

[JJZ 109]

I've gone ahead and ordered a SSQA for the LA 403 from Washburn. I currently have my eye on these forks: Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate
Also have my eye on these but as yet haven't come up with a price. The pic also looks like there's no skid steer attach plate on it.
COMPACT X-TREME DUTY Shaft Mounted Pallet Fork
Suggestions for any lightweight alternatives are appreciated. The capacity for a 403 is only 882 lbs., which will probably be decreased slightly because the forks/bucket will be slightly forward of the loader arms with the new SSQA. Hence the reason to keep the forks as light as possible.

 

[gwdixon]

If you have a Ritchie Bros. Auction anywhere nearby, they auction those kinds of forks quite often. Search "skid steer attachment".

Industrial Heavy Equipment Auctions | Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers