Front-End Loader Bush Hog M246 FEL

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I have a Bush Hog M246 FEL installed on my tractor. This is my first tractor so I did not think about the QA connects. I am now doing some land clearing and could use different front buckets and forks. I know I can get from Bush Hog an optional skid steer quick attach (50028959) for about $423. I then would need a new bucket 72" (50028956) for $604.

Here are my questions:
1. Has anyone tried to modify the original bucket to fit the QA? Cost?
2. Do I lose any strength with the QA?
3. Why would anyone buy one without a QA? I did not know any better.

Thanks,

Wally

 

[Grrrr]

I have a Bush Hog M246 FEL installed on my tractor. This is my first tractor so I did not think about the QA connects. I am now doing some land clearing and could use different front buckets and forks. I know I can get from Bush Hog an optional skid steer quick attach (50028959) for about $423. I then would need a new bucket 72" (50028956) for $604.

Here are my questions:
1. Has anyone tried to modify the original bucket to fit the QA? Cost?
2. Do I lose any strength with the QA?
3. Why would anyone buy one without a QA? I did not know any better.

Thanks,

Wally

I will try to answer some of your questions:

1. Has anyone tried to modify the original bucket to fit the QA? Cost?

I think there have been people who have done this. I think you can buy a plate from Bush Hog that you can weld on the back of your current bucket. This should save buying a new bucket. I have no idea about cost.

2. Do I lose any strength with the QA?
Technically, you shouldn't. It would depend on your welds a bit. The only thing you might loose is some lift capacity as the QA system would put the bucket further away from the pivot point. But not much.

3. Why would anyone buy one without a QA? I did not know any better.

Many people do without QA

If you only want some forks you can get ones that clip on to the top lip of your bucket. This might be easier and cheaper than buying a complete unit.

For brush clearing, most people use a grapple. You can get arms that go on to the top of your existing bucket or you can buy a complete grapple unit.

I would think carefully about what you want to do before you go and but anything.

 

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Jake:

Thanks for the reply!

Wally