FEL Hitch

[RichT]

Some time ago I fabricated a QA forklift for my B26. I've used it a LOT. To help me move around about 12K lbs in boat/trailer I added a hitch receiver to the QA forklift rig (shown w/o the forks/bar). I opted for a front mounted rather than a 3pt hitch receiver as this gives me a much more comfortable driving position-direct view of the rig, plus the backhoe provides a good counterweight.

Had the first "load" test today. Was able to easily move the boat/trailer around on flat concrete and successfully up/down an inclined driveway.

 

[GATC35]

I did the same thing about 2 years ago. I made this one out of a QA plate I bought at an auction. It works really well for bumper pull trailers. I can use it on a gooseneck trailer only when the trailer is empty due to the center of gravity being shifted up high. I have a ball mount that you can rotate to have all three ball sizes. Best thing I ever made for my tractor. I regret I never got it painted. I really need to have it sandblasted and painted it looks horrible.

BTW....nice job! Wish that nice shiny coat of paint was on mine.

 

[Leejohn]

How do you see the ball to get hooked up. I tried moving a trailer like that with the L3130 I had and couldn't get it off the ground. It was a long trailer for moving cows.

 

[GATC35]

On mine I have to roll the ball up, same motion as tilting your bucket back. Once I get the ball in the trailer I will lift the boom up while rolling the ball down until everything is level. I need to take the plasma cutter and cut a 1 foot wide by 6 to 8 inch chunk of of the center top piece of the QA plate. This would fix the visibility problem. Another project I have not gotten around too, maybe this winter, YEA RIGHT! It's really not a problem since I have been using it that way for 2 years.

I have the same problem moving big trailers. I will only move my goosenecks when they are empty. My enclosed cargo trailer and 6 x 12 utility trailer are not a problem even if they are loaded. It will also depend on the counterbalance I have on back of the tractor. My disc harrow, or backhoe, add enough weight to keep things balanced. if I have nothing on the 3 pt. then things get a little squirmy.

It will also work on my Bobcat T190. Allot more lift capacity, and allot more stable. The disadvantage to using the Bobcat is the tracks tear up my gravel road, or lawn depending on where I'm moving the trailers. Also I get an uneasy feeling while pushing a trailer with the Bobcat. If the QA plate came off, or the trailer came off the ball the tongue of that trailer, especially a gooseneck, is coming in the cab of that Bobcat with me!

 

[GE222]

Looking at those loader ball mount adapters, I was thinking about using a class-III or greater receiver hitch from a pickup, and then adapting the mount to fit the loader.

It would sure address the visibility issue!