Front-End Loader Confused: I'm considering quick change on Kubota Loader BF400G

[Colonel Monk]

Howdy

I've learned alot from this site and the crew here, and it seems like the more I learn, the less I know - you know?

So I don't have a new fancy tractor like some of you, I have a 1985 or thereabouts Kubota L2250DT with BF400G loader.

Yes, we want it all. We want to be able to change out the bucket for snowplow, pallet forks, log/brush forks...

I've seen so-called "universal quick attach" mounts for sale, I've seen "kubota proprietary mount" and I've seen "SSQA" referred to.

I don't know anything about any of these, and whether they are adaptable to our loader. I also don't know anything about what attachments are available for whatever mount, so that I could smartly choose the right mount.

What I can say, is that we will have a bucket that will need to be converted to quick attach, I will be fabricating the mount for a plow, and then depending, we'd either be buying a set of pallet forks, or fabricating them. Maybe the pallet forks mount could also be fitted with brush forks of my own creation.

So can somebody clue me in here what it is I'm looking for? And where would I start my planning for our particular tractor?

Thanks!!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here is a video about the WR Long Quick Attach Adapter that should answer most of your questions and give you ideas about what's involved. WR Long has the BF400 loader on file.
Travis

 

[Colonel Monk]

Thanks for your reply.

Sorry about my denseness, but is that the same as the Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach? What is Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach

I would really like to stay away from proprietary - whatever gets me the the best access to additional attachments....

I should temper what I just said, because I'm still trying to figure this out - but fabricating my own mount/implements isn't out of the realm of possibility. So if there's an "open source" kind of attachment that anyone is using which is easy to build and adapt, I'm interested learning more.

Just need to learn my way around the terms and then the rest is easy, right?

Thanks

 

[2458n]

I have a smaller old loader on a L245DT. Know all the terms, but still do not have a quick hitch on this tractor. I was going to tell you about EveryThing Attachments yesterday. They have a real nice light grapple developed for a Bobcat tractor. Titan makes boxes that you can buy as a starting point. Used to be 189.00 and you fab everything from there. The SSQA is the industry standard and this is what you want as far as being sure yours matches rental equipment and others. The names may change but the measurements should be the same. E-bay carries a large amount of this build it yourself stuff as well as already welded and ready to use.

 

[Colonel Monk]

Thanks for the info. That's a nice little tractor!! The first Kubota I ever used was one like that, used to use it to run a PTO mower when I was a teenager. We used to borrow it from my "business partners" grandparents to mow two of our biggest jobs.

I think I'm getting the hang of it. the SSQA seems like the way to go, I had no idea just how many attachments were available for that. It's like a swiss army knife! Now, obviously not all of those attachments are useful for a traditional tractor...

I like the everything attachments deal, but I'm definitely a DIY (do it yourself) kind of guy. My new job we do alot of fabrication, so I can use those contacts to get parts lasered out, and a new welder is on my christmas list. I'm not saying that those attachments aren't worth all they are asking, but I've seen some others out there that are less expensive, but require more DIY. Heck, I been looking for some good projects!! Gonna be a long winter.

Here's one that I found on Ebay:

Kubota Skid Steer Bobtach Quick Attach Adapter Assembly Bobcat | eBay

Next step, will be to see if I can find some "open source" designs out there to built my own quick attach. I think the attachment side of things, at around $75 each, is a no brainer just to buy.

Before I forget, is there anything that we compact tractor owners are missing out on by deciding to go with the skidsteer standard? Is there any CONs to this?

Thanks!

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Before I forget, is there anything that we compact tractor owners are missing out on by deciding to go with the skidsteer standard? Is there any CONs to this?

Thanks!

The primary CON is if you have limited lift capacity. For small tractors, like my B7610, I'd lose a significant amount of lift capacity.

Also the ebay one is weld on and the Everything Attachments is pin on.

 

[Colonel Monk]

The primary CON is if you have limited lift capacity. For small tractors, like my B7610, I'd lose a significant amount of lift capacity.

Also the ebay one is weld on and the Everything Attachments is pin on.

OK, so, I think what you're saying, is that if the plates and all weight 200 lbs, that comes off your lift capacity, yes?

I'm kind of leaning towards fabbing my own, though I also found these "latch boxes" that would make the job pretty easy https://app-hayspear-com.app-hosted.com/product/QA_LATCH_BOX_PAIR/

I think my Kubota is 1650 max and 900 to full height. Seems reasonable. One thing I don't know, is whether or not those numbers are based on loaded tires/counterweight or just the tractor? Hmmm...

 

[newbury]

OK, so, I think what you're saying, is that if the plates and all weight 200 lbs, that comes off your lift capacity, yes?<snip>

Yes, so on my B7610 w/ 700 lbs lift at the pins it would take off 200 lbs plus push the weight out a few more inches, further dropping my lift capacity below 500 lbs.

 

[powerscol]

Have you talked with you Kubota dealer lately. They should now carry a universal light weight quick attach assembly for your tractor (pin on). It used to be that their QA only fit Kobata QA implements, but due to customer complaints they now use the universal QA one that all typical QA implements will work with. I learned this while shopping a few years back - which is why I bought the Bobcat as they offered a true QA assembly. So far it has worked on everything I have gotten for it.

 

[Colonel Monk]

Have you talked with you Kubota dealer lately. They should now carry a universal light weight quick attach assembly for your tractor (pin on). It used to be that their QA only fit Kobata QA implements, but due to customer complaints they now use the universal QA one that all typical QA implements will work with. I learned this while shopping a few years back - which is why I bought the Bobcat as they offered a true QA assembly. So far it has worked on everything I have gotten for it.

No I haven't, but now that you mentioned this I will.

I was kind of under the impression that with our tractor being 30 years old and seemingly well before QA that there wouldn't be anything available.

Having said all that, cost is def an issue, especially since I'm about to blow a wad on a new welder!! But with that welder I'll be able to create alot of implements and things I can do with the tractor.