bx FEL bucket quick attach

[SkunkWerX]

Hey, what about making the attachment plate adaptable to the 3PH as well? The "front" implements could then be used in either direction.

I just did a quick initial check and the loader arms are are at about the same spacing as the 3PH arms. If the FEL plate was built taller than needed for the FEL (needs to be tall enough anyway for typical fork attachment) a top link tab could be added.

Just a thought at this point but maybe worth considering before committing to the FEL attachment plate design.

I would say make the 3PH adapter more like an additonal attachment.

So, once the pallet forks are built, the forks can be removed, then you are left with the backing plate to attach things. Attach a Grapple, attach a rake, attach a 3PH adapter, and so on.

At least that is what I was thinking.

 

[Just2quickz28]

Matt,

What does the ATI QA weigh?

I would like to make one strong enough to work, but still light enough not to add too much weight to the loader. I have my Micro Max pallet forks on order.

Could the lower pins be replaced by some kind of hooks? When the bucket or attachment is connected to the ATI QA does it add some strength to the setup. I could see if there is nothing attached to the ATI QA the stress would be high in full dump (pins on the same plane).

Cary

This weighs in at about 40lbs. the lower pins on this unit are slip fit style that you can put in by hand. I do not think the bucket helps eliminate the stress. ATI did not tell me where the unit was failing exactly so it is hard to tell.

I am also with you guys about making one strong plate for all the rest of the home made attachments. I am debating on using the QA through the course of the summer with the bucket to see how it holds up. because as of right now all I have is the snow plow which is the main reason for buying this QA.

The tractor is at the dealer for the fender repair, and its 50 hour service (I was a bit over 62 hrs couldnt let it go get repaired when the weatherman kept saying SNOW) but when it does get back I will finish my install and take some more pictures .

I did find some hitch pin style pins at the dealer that are a diameter match to the kubota side pins, they are lacking the groove in the center and will probably need to be redrilled for a keeper at the right lenght. this might help with making the swap faster with out a QA

 

[RedDirt]

I would say make the 3PH adapter more like an additonal attachment.

It shouldn't be much of a leap to add a top link connector to the plate and then add two 5/8" - 3/4" 3PH side link pin tabs just inboard of the FEL attachment tabs.

The attachment plate would now serve double duty to be attached front or back. Why don't you think this would be a good approach? The only obvious one (to me) is if you need custom attachments at front and rear at the same time.

Instead of a plate I'm thinking more along the lines of a tube steel frame. Horizontal members top and bottom and three vertical. Two verticals in line with the loader arms, between the horizontals and the third in the center that extends above the upper horizontal that would carry the bucket cylinder pin tabs (low) and the 3PH top link tab(high).

 

[SkunkWerX]

It shouldn't be much of a leap to add a top link connector to the plate and then add two 5/8" - 3/4" 3PH side link pin tabs just inboard of the FEL attachment tabs.

Why don't you think this would be a good approach?

I didn't mean to insinuate it wasn't a good approach, it is a fine approach.

I was thinking about being able to remove it, when not needed, or so that it's not in the way of other attachements. If there is a way to make it part of the structure, so that it doesn't interfere, and doesn't add a lot of additional weight, then it should be fine.

I was actually thinking of the 3PH attachment being more like the HF QuickHitch, an item that would be readily hooked or unhooked as needed.
i guess sorta like we have seen folks do by attaching it to the front of their bucket.

Currently, I can't think of any of my 3PH attachments I would need to use up front, I was thinking more of a way to carry the securely to another location.


I think the sky is the limit, as far as customizing thefront plate/hitch/assembly to suit ones needs.

Look at some of the existing QA Fork attachements, I had pictured something like that, not a plate, but liek you said maybe some steel tube from side to side, then a center support for curl cylinder.

 

[RedDirt]

I was thinking about being able to remove it, when not needed, or so that it's not in the way of other attachements. If there is a way to make it part of the structure, so that it doesn't interfere, and doesn't add a lot of additional weight, then it should be fine.

Currently, I can't think of any of my 3PH attachments I would need to use up front, I was thinking more of a way to carry the securely to another location.

I think the sky is the limit, as far as customizing thefront plate/hitch/assembly to suit ones needs.

Right, mine too would remove when not needed. FEL arms would either have standard bucket with OEM connection or attachment "plate" with an accessory implement (eg forks).

I was more thinking of being able to run the "front" accessory implements on the rear, like the forks. So the idea was to have the plate attach to the 3PH not 3PH implements attach to the plate. I thought the 3PH had more lift capacity than the FEL but now looking at my owner manual maybe that's not the case.

Yes, the sky's the limit. Tell five carpenters to build a saw horse and you'll get five different designs. I think we have the important design parameters about licked on this one. Been nice working it out with you.

Now time to build and see some pictures! Unfortunately I have several other projects ahead of this one so my photos may be a while in the making. I'm almost done with my back blade upgrade x3 and then it is off to a BH root ripper tooth and narrow trenching BH bucket. I need both in the Spring. Maybe front end work after that if Spring tractor work doesn't catch me first. I'm back to work now full time through the summer so shop projects are going to have to play second fiddle. Shucks!

 

[SkunkWerX]

Understood, in order to use the front implments on the rear 3PH. good idea!
I do think the rear 3PH has a greater lift capacity. But any of the front attachments, built sturdy enough, should hold up just fine.

I am in the same situation, with a couple of projects underway, this will be a spring project, at the soonest, but it's very good to work it out in advance and remove some of the guesswork.

If anyone builds or comes up with a working drawing be sure to post it!!

 

[Cap-n-Cray]

Mat,

I am planning to design a QA like your ATI. I have ordered pins and sleeves from a machine shop. I am thinking of using hooks for the loader arms and a movable hook for the center cylinder to connect the bucket and set of micro maxi forks. The hooks will clamp on the attachments using the same pin configuration currently on the bucket.

Can you supply me with approximate size and dimensions of the metal on your ATI? Is it 3/16's or 1/4's. Maybe some reverse engineering. It might give me a starting point. I usually over design stuff.

Cary

 

[Cap-n-Cray]

Here is the set of forks I want to use with the QA. I want to switch between the bucket and the forks easily. They weight about 130 LBS.

Cary

 

[SkunkWerX]

CapnCray,

That isa a nice set of forks for the BX. They certainly won
t subtract from the lifting capacity since they are lightweight.

Does anyone know, approximately, how much the BX Bucket weighs when removed? That may be the next homework assignment.

It would be a good benchmark, as you wouild want to try to make any ohtre attchements plus a QA similar, or less weight, to preserve lift capacity.

 

[RedDirt]

Does anyone know, approximately, how much the BX Bucket weighs when removed? That may be the next homework assignment.

My owner manual says the bx23 bucket weighs 132 pounds. Cap-n-Cray's forks are right in the ball park if his 130# includes the rack and too much weight is not added with the QA.

Cap-n-Cray,
I'm with SkunkWerX, those are nice forks. Can you share where you got them?