I originally put this thread in the Mahindra section but figured I'd get some additional guidance here...thanks!
Hi everyone.
I've had my 2015 hst for about three years and I'd like to have pallet forks. I have access to really inexpensive forks and carriages through work and would like to use these.
What do I need to do to convert my bucket to a QA set up? I have the ML104 loader and can remove the loader arms and everything but not the bucket right now.
Also, since I will be needing to weld my forks up with a QA set up should I not worry about skidsteer conversion and just do a regular QA?
Any idea on ballpark cost?
I've just starting looking at this so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks guys!
I don't recall the lift capacity of a loader on a 2015 but I am guessing about a thousand pounds. That is a pretty small loader for a full QA forks set up. I know, I bought one for a Kioti CK20 and after I got it installed realized that my net lift capacity was just not useful. The Kioti has similar loader capability to the 2015, maybe more. The combination of a QA pin mount adapter (100lbs+) and the forks frame (250-300lbs) plus the forks (70lbs each) combined with the fact that the weight you are trying to lift is further from the pivot pins, means that you have only a small net lift capacity remaining. I ended up selling my set (only to repurchase once I got a more powerful tractor).
If you have welding/fabrication skills then consider getting a light weight set of forks and adapting them to your pin mounts (you cannot lift 4000lbs anyway so why have forks rated more than 2000lbs?). I think I have seen these "bolt together" forks sets from Northern Tool or places like that. If you can customize a set of light duty forks to your pin mounts you save the weight of the QA adapter, the QA plate, and you have the forks a few inches closer to the pivot pins all of which increases your lift capacity.
It really isn't much of a deal to change out pin mounted implements especially if you get a couple of tapered pins to help line things up. I'd guess it took me 10-15 minutes to do such switches with my CK20. Not something you'd want to do multiple times a day but for occasional use it is a simple and cheap solution with added benefits in lift capacity and cost savings.
I just reread your post and realize you have access to cheap forks...if you really want to get a QA adapter for the pin mount ATI and perhaps Horst Welding sell them but they are not cheap. Figure 700-900 shipped.
