QA or bucket attached - that is the question?

canoetrpr · Dec 29, 2009

I'll bet I know the answer ... but I have to ask anyway.

My L3400 did not come with a QA adapter. Dealer I purchased from did not know one was available. Of course one is and will run me ~500$ now, + ~$125 for a QA plate for my bucket + some time in the workshop doing a welding project which I don't mind at all.

I'm pondering some forks as I've run into a few cases where I think they would be handy. I'm not lifting vast quantities of pallets of anything to full height. Forks would just be convenient the 1/2 dozen or so times a year I might need them.

All the stuff is pricing out pretty expensive though for something I only need a few times a year and manage to work around with chains and such.

Some day I would like to upgrade my tractor and so I would like to limit the money I put into it as I doubt I will ever get it back. Realistically the day of the upgrade is not looking like it is anytime soon. My tractor has done everything I can ask of it. A cab would be nice, but I've gotten by just fine without it so far. I'd say a new tractor is at LEAST 5 years out.

I priced out some QA forks and they were $900! So Forks + QA adapter + bracket = ~1500+. I might add a front hay spear to that (~500-600 bucks).

I can pick up a set of bucket attached forks and spear for quite a bit less I think and I figure I could resell them some day if I went to a new tractor. Forks and a spear for the bucket would likely fit nicely into a $800-900 budget.

Thoughts?

dex3361 · Dec 29, 2009

Quick attach is the way to go. Make sure it is skid steer QA that way all of your equipment will fit your new tractor when you trade. I have had my SSQA equipped tractor for about a year and a half and I have added Forks, 3 point hitch adapter(so I can use all of my implements for the front like a sub soiler, carry all, and a grapple). When you make the change it will get you thinking about what all you can do with it.

wedge40 · Dec 30, 2009

Yea you're right most people are going to say make the switch. I'm someone who converted my fel to ssqa and know I'll never regret it. But then again I dont plan on getting a new tractor anytime soon and even if I did I wouldn't be getting rid of the old tractor. The another advantage to having the ssqa now is when you get a new tractor you will guarantee the old attachments will fit the new tractor. Now sure what all your requirements are, but a pallet fork attachement, grapple and what ever else you can think of.

Wedge

kennyd · Dec 30, 2009

If you had the QA setup, you would use the forks a whole lot more than you think-I guarantee it! You can also get forks cheaper than $900. Got for it, you only live once

!

If a new machine is 5 years out, then the QA will certainly pay for itself in that amount of time.

Ductape · Dec 30, 2009

Get the QA, you won't regret it. Its the best single modification i've made to my tractor. You will be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner. When you upgrade down the road, get a tractor equipped with a SSQA and you can keep your forks, and whatever else you have for attachments. I bought a set of forks this past fall for $525........... made by Bradco. They are a lighter duty (2200lbs), designed for compacts. Theres no need to buy forks rated for two ton if your tractor will only lift a third of that. I had an extra QA plate, and made a rig to lift stuff, and move my trailer around....... i use it more than my bucket. Do it now !

canoetrpr · Dec 30, 2009

Wow! Bradco 2200 lb forks for $525! Do we ever get gouged here in Canada. The ones I got priced out were Horst and about the same beefyness. I'm going to get a few more prices.

Ductape · Dec 30, 2009

Yep.... i do believe the list price is likely closer to seven hundred, but the tractor dealers at the county fairs usually have special prices on stuff they bring to put on display. I wouldn't think they lost any money on them when they sold them to me since i could have bought the same forks from two different dealers at the fair.

Or watch CraigsList or FleaBay...... i've seen some used forks sell for short money.

canoetrpr · Dec 30, 2009

Ductape,

Can you tell me if these are the forks you have from Bradco? Unfortuantely their web site does not list capacity any more. I recall that they had 1200lb capacity which I would consider too light for future needs.

jenrow33 · Dec 30, 2009

I got a new L3400HST in Feb2008 and upgraded to a SSQA shortly after...best upgrade yet. I added a front snowplow to my arsenal and am working on building a set up pallet forks. My dad has SSQA and a plow, forks, grapple, etc... and loves it also. You will find the switchover so easy you'll use your other front end implements way more than you think!

MJ

Ductape · Dec 30, 2009

canoetrpr said:
Ductape,

Can you tell me if these are the forks you have from Bradco? Unfortuantely their web site does not list capacity any more. I recall that they had 1200lb capacity which I would consider too light for future needs.

They sure look similar, but i don't think they are the same? My spill guard goes straight across the top, and is square at the corners, where the corners are angled on those forks. Mine have 42" tines, and it looks like the model number for my forks is 108308. I know i said earlier they were rated @ 2200, but my manual says 2300#......so i now stand corrected. I recall the salesman mentioning list price on them was a tad over 7 beans.