Increase Kubota FEL tilt

[Viny]

Hello,

I have a mid-90s Kubota M4700 e/w a LA1001 front end loader. A few years ago, I modified it to a skid steer quick disconnect setup. This has been a game changer. Not only can I use my bucket, I also use: a set of forks with a grapple, a crane, a blade, a work platform and a Trailblazer TB-1 front end mower powered by the remotes. This is where the problem lies.

When re-configuring the mower to different positions, one needs to raise the FEL and tilt it forward until the face is parallel with the ground. my setup won't reach parallel and leaves the mower in too much of a bind to reconfigure by hand. I can reconfig it with an overhead gantry crane, but that is kind of a pain. I guess I could replace the cylinders with longer ones, but that seems like overkill. Does anyone have any experience with crafting some fittings, links, etc that could be added between the cylinder and the quick disconnect plate for additional reach? I have some ideas, but before I head to the shop, I figured I'd see if anyone has dealt with this type of problem before?

 

[BrokenTrack]

You can have the hydraulic cylinder connect to a gear, then have a rack that meshes with the gear. In that configuration, you get twice the stroke out of the hydraulic cylinder with the same amount of force as the hydraulic cylinder.

 

[mikester]

Post some photos. I wouldnt modify the tractor, just make an adapter that gives you the geometry you need.

 

[Viny]

Post some photos. I wouldnt modify the tractor, just make an adapter that gives you the geometry you need.

Now, this is why I like forums. I hadn't even thought about an adapter. As you can see from the picture, I need about another 30 degrees of tilt. I wonder if anyone sells something like this commercially? I'm going to check with the bunch I bought the original quick disconnect from and see if they have anything for sell.

 

[Viny]

I've been doing a bit of surfing to see if I could find anything. The only kind of adapter that is even close to what I might need is this:

Bradco Skid Steer Down Shifter Adapter Plate | Skid Steer Solutions

While this is an adapter to drop the height of a bucket, I could imagine a similar setup that would attach to the mower, semi-permanent, and then just use the regular quick attach to the tractor. Hmmm...

 

[davedj1]

Could you tell us why it needs to go that far forward? I am not grasping it at the moment.

 

[Viny]

Could you tell us why it needs to go that far forward? I am not grasping it at the moment.

Sure. The implement you see in the picture is a Trailblazer TB-1 mower. Here's a link: TB-ONE Cutter

This mower can cut in many different positions. To change the configuration, you need to roll your dump forward until the mower is hanging straight down to take any binding off the unit so it will swing easily. There are videos on the site linked above that show the reconfiguration. Anyway, since my FEL won't dump to horizontal, I can't take the bind out, so I have to use a gantry crane to lift the unit to put it in different configs. This does take some effort and time. I'm trying to eliminate this.

Does this make sense?

 

[4570Man]

You can have the hydraulic cylinder connect to a gear, then have a rack that meshes with the gear. In that configuration, you get twice the stroke out of the hydraulic cylinder with the same amount of force as the hydraulic cylinder.

You can’t do that. Twice the range is half the force.

 

[mikester]

Now, this is why I like forums. I hadn't even thought about an adapter. As you can see from the picture, I need about another 30 degrees of tilt. I wonder if anyone sells something like this commercially? I'm going to check with the bunch I bought the original quick disconnect from and see if they have anything for sell.

View attachment 654227

Its hard to tell with only one view, but it looks like you could easily modify the cutter attachment. Measure the angle difference, cut, re-weld the bracket, done. If you spend a little time you can make a bolted joint that can be set at two different angles...might be helpful if you plan to use the attachment on other tractors or if you need the attachment to angle up or curl more. If not, weld it up.

 

[Viny]

Its hard to tell with only one view, but it looks like you could easily modify the cutter attachment. Measure the angle difference, cut, re-weld the bracket, done. If you spend a little time you can make a bolted joint that can be set at two different angles...might be helpful if you plan to use the attachment on other tractors or if you need the attachment to angle up or curl more. If not, weld it up.

This is kind of what I have in mind at this moment. I like the idea of a 2 angle, bolted joint. I'm imagining starting with a blank skid steer attachment plate and building the necessary up on that. I could then use it on other implements as well if needed. I'm still stewing.