Front 3 pt Adapter

Erik Graham · Aug 6, 2007

I finally got around to making a front end adapter for my rear 3 point hitch implements. The unit hasn't been welded together in these shots and so, was simply bolted together with 1/2" nuts and bolts until I could get everything lined up and then get the unit back to the city to call in a welding favour. I already had the set of 3 pt. pallet forks that I use on my Jubilee but the 3 pt hitch doesn't lift anything high enough to clear the tailgate of my truck. I still have a few small things to do on this but overall I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. The lift arm ends are welded onto sections of square tube that allow them to be slid left or right to hook up with the lift pins on the implements. I'm working on a mini top link to tie in the 3rd point, but the "test" I used a couple of spare chain links. The next obvious project is a rear weight. Hopefully my decision about a welder will be made by then and I won't have to pester my neighbour for any more welding favours.

Cheers, Erik

Ductape · Aug 6, 2007

Nice ! I've always wanted to get around to building something similar, but since most of my implements are converted to fit my i-match...... i would mount an i-match to my FEL. Great idea.

srjones · Aug 6, 2007

Nice adaptation.

I like the idea of being able to adjust the width of the bottom links. Is there any reason you didn't go with a variation of a quickhitch?

(HF, Speeco, iMatch, etc.)

3RRL · Aug 6, 2007

Nice work Erik.
That will surely come in handy not just for moving implements, but using them in a different manner than from the rear, such as your pallet forks. For example, I've though a lot about mounting my boxblade on the front like that to use it as a bulldozer blade like when I back up with it when it's on the rear.

Like Ductape, instead of the I-match, I bought a Harbor Freight hitch to modify and put up front. It was only $69 bucks a while back. I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet.

AJones · Aug 6, 2007

Nice job Erik. While reading the comment by 3RRL about using a box blade as a bulldozer blade I wondered how mounting a back blade to your setup would work. I'm thinking that way you could raise and lower the blade but also have the option of angling the blade. Seems it would make things easier than driving in reverse.

Erik Graham · Aug 6, 2007

Greetings;

I don't know what the average age of the board members is here, but I am of the age that twisting in the seat, looking behind me and still using "Armstrong" steering all add up to trying to do as much as possible looking ahead. After I crack my cooling problem, the next item on the list is indeed to mount my rear blade on the front. I'm hoping that with a bit of down pressure and the front of the blade facing me I might be able to level out my road into my lot. If that doesn't work, there's always fun with snow to look forward to.

Cheers, Erik

chadincolo · Aug 7, 2007

These are just about ready to start production, so will be available in about 2-3 months. PM me if you have any input or questions, anybody with a skid steer style quick attach bucket will be able to go out and buy instead of building. Sorry, can't help the guys without the skid steer style buckets. (Yet).

Erik Graham · Aug 7, 2007

Chadincolo;

Looks like great minds think alike! I won't know how much reach I have for a while, but I had thought that this application might also allow me to muck out my culvert ditch in much the same way the Gradall machines work. Like the look of the stiffener/stabilizer bar on the side. Good luck with your endeavour.

Cheers, Erik

AJones · Aug 7, 2007

The more I see of that attachment the more I like the idea. I'm thinking what a set up... A 7' blade in the front that could be angled and the 5' snow blower in the rear. Seems like you could take on any amount of snow!!