FEL Bucket Conversion for ATI Tach-All

[leoniru]

Has anyone been down the road of modifying their stock Kubota FEL bucket so that it works with the ATI Tach-All system?
I really need the speed, ease, and versatility that this system provides for swapping between FEL bucket and pallet forks. The catch seems to be that I'm gonna have to pay a premium to go this route unless I can find the info (and courage) needed to convert my existing bucket (72" standard with removable toothbar). I can make a functional weld, but the word 'pretty' ain't likely to come to mind when looking at 'em; however, there are several skilled welders in my area.

My dealer wants $650.00 for the Tach-All mount, and $1095.00 for a set of forks. He's willing to trade me a Tach-All compatible FEL bucket for my existing bucket plus $160.00.( I just got my tractor and have less than 5 hours on it, so my bucket is essentially like new.) Of course I pay all shipping costs (I'm about 600 miles from 'my dealer').

ATI was NO help when I contacted them. All I was told was that they ".......have an exclusive arrangement with Kubota...." for the marketing of any Kubota-related mounts or adapter plate for my loader(TL 1150). They also tried their best to discourage me from trying to modify my existing bucket to work with their system. Told me to buy another bucket. Made it sound like I had a better chance of meeting Elvis than successfully adapting my bucket.

Any suggestions, referrals, or PHOTOS would be appreciated.

Also, on an unrelated matter----I'll be installing a block heater in the near future. Any dos or don'ts I should be on the lookout for? It SEEMS like a fairly straightforward process, but I know that that's exactly the kind of situation where MR. Murphy always seems to show up and lend a hand.

JIm S.

 

[mjhoover]

we went the same route when we bought our nh.
we got the ati setup and the dealer cut off the orginal
bucket mounts and welded a blank ati qt plate to it.
(we had opted for the hd bucket for this reason)
cost was 350.00 for the blank plate and mounting bracket.
labor was free (so they say) since we had it all done when we bought the tractor . hope this helps

 

[leoniru]

mjhoover;

Any chance you have the ability to post a photo of that ATI bucket conversion? What does that blank plate look like? My dealer didn't mention anything about a blank plate being available for the conversion of my existing bucket.

Jim S.

 

[Darren]

Have you asked the dealer if Kubota makes a quick change adapter for your FEL? I have one of those which I use with a stock Kubota bucket and ATI forks. The ATI forks have the same arrangement on the back that the Kubota bucket does.

Possibly that doesn't exist for your TLB, but it might be worth asking.

 

[cwave]

Check out this link for ATI Products - New Holland PA</font color=blue> /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.abcgroff.com/ic/indust.htm>http://www.abcgroff.com/ic/indust.htm/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Are you feelin <font color=blue>BLUE</font color=blue> because your Lions will be losin/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif a few this year?? - Joe must go/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif - Joe must go/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[leoniru]

Thanks cwave for the links. I knew about Groffs being in New Holland but figured they'd be no help as they're not a Kubota dealer. Might be worth a shot.
That other link for the Tach-All mounting plates----now why couldn't I find that?

As far as 'JoePa' goes, he's BEEN gone for a long time! Just doesn't know when to retire gracefully. Too much money involved with him remaining coach. Follow the money!

Thanx,

Jim S.

 

[reslaire]

I assume you have done this, but I have to ask. Have you talked to Kubota about their pallet fork attachment? I have a 2710 with the 401 FL and bought the appropriate pallet fork attachment, which is a quick change arrangement with the stock bucket.

Bob.

 

[mjhoover]

i will try to post a picture today

 

[radman]

I have a Kasco uni-hitch quick attach system. This uses a standard skid-steer type system. Is the ATI specific for their products or can any skid steer attachment work? The Kasco unit for the loader was about $450. I also got a plate to attach specifically for the Kubota bucket - about $250. I can now use my Bobcat forks, post hole digger etc. when needed. I purchased used Bobcat forks for $400 and they were nearly near. New Bobcat forks cost about $600. (Kubota forks are over $800) I strongly dislike quick attach systems which are proprietary for just that company. The compact tractor companies need to get on board and make all loaders available with universal attachment systems as standard equipment.
The mounting brackets on you existing bucket could be easily cut off and a Bobcat mounting plate welded on. The bobcat plates cost about $80. $1095 seems too high for pallet forks.

 

[Tags]

Leoniru,
I had an ATI system on an L35,when I bought it I had the machine for a year and a half or so,I ended up just buyin the ATI bucket mainly for the reason that by the time you buy the adapter plate, pay a welder to cut the original ears off your bucket,build brackets to mount the adapter plate at the correct angle(so you don't lose any of your curl or dump angle),and weld it on,the cost doesn't jive.If they just want $160 more for a new bucket that sounds pretty fair,and it will be a bucket made to fit that system.As far as the ATI "system" it is compatible with all skid steer attachments,which means that you aren't just limited to Kubota attachments,$1095 seems a bit steep for forks,if you go with ATI,shop around for forks from some other manufacturer,you may save a couple hundred bucks and that would offset the $160 for the new bucket.Hope this helps.