BX24 Quick Attach FEL Bucket / Forks / Trailer Spotter

[bx24]

Almost since I got this tractor, I have wanted to make a QA FEL bucket so I could better leverage the limited lift capacity of this tractor (especially with forks)

These images represent my first attempt at forks and while they worked pretty well, the extra distance from the fulcrum point didn't help with the lifting capacity

 

[J_J]

What images.

 

[bx24]

So after himming and hawing for years trying to figure out how to make this effort work with the center tipping cylinder, I finally said screw it and took out the cutting tools and went for broke

 

[bx24]

The next step was to patch the holes in the bucket, and fabricate the QA

 

[bx24]

I designed the bracket that is permanently attached to the FEL to serve multiple duties:

- provide a QA attach mechanism for the FEL bucket (similar concept to how Deere does it using a spring clip to lock the bucket)

- serve as a frame to directly attach lightweight (hollow) forks

- also provide a mounting spot for a trailer spotter

Because I used 2" square tubing for the frame, I was able to cut some hitch receivers in half (longways) to use as the "hooks" on the bucket and forks

 

[bx24]

The forks go on very quickly and easily (start them in the middle and slide them from there) And they work well ...

 

[bx24]

Last but not least, I move trailers around quite a bit with the tractor so this is what I came up with for this new QA system. So far so good and the big advantage over the old system is how low to the ground I can lower the ball. To save room, I put the boat on top of the tandem axle trailer (using the spotter)

 

[bx24]

All in all I am glad I did it. There have been several days where I have swapped the attachments several times. It was a bit of a pain to do all of the cutting and patching, but now that it is done, I wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again.

Next project, creating a mechanical grapple ... I will keep you posted on that project (hopefully in the next six months or so)

 

[Ductape]

Hey, great work ! :thumbsup:

 

[zmansmac]

Nice job BX24. I just finished a quick attach project for my B7500. I also incorporated some 2 inch tubing with a hitch receiver and hooks attached. I like your design because it puts the lift point even closer to the pins which is important on a subcompact. I just don't have the guts to cut big holes in my bucket though.

JohnZ
B7500