quick attach buckets & such for small loaders

[Anonymous Poster]

I recently purchased and am awaiting delivery of a TC18 with 12LA loader. Of course, this combination does not have a quick attach feature for the bucket or other attachments. I determined that the capacities of this unit would be sufficient for my uses, but I really would like to have an easier ability to change attachments.

I did a fairly comprehensive search of the forums about this, and came up with two possibilities - the Kasco Uni-Hitch and the ATI Tach-All. Both allow common skidsteer attachments to be used. My concern is the weight of the unit and the reduction of capacity.

I've called both Kasco and ATI and talked to their engineeering types and had conversations with others, and have figured out this much: there aren't many skidsteer attachments that are light enough to be used with the 12LA, and the attachment systems themselves are pretty heavy. Kasco has a unit that might be adapted to the 12LA, but it is even heavier, and sticks out pretty far. The ATI engineer told me this is because the spacing of the 12LA arms interferes with the operation of the skidsteer attachment mechanism.

Interestingly, ATI has very recently developed a pin-type quick attach system for the 12LA - they have one unit being field tested. The engineer told me it was similar to a Kubota-type attachment system, but I'm so wet behind the ears I'm not familiar with that. The standard pins are left in place on the top of the bucket (or whatever), and the ATI system uses hooks to engage those pins. The loader is then curled to line up the bottom holes, and a pin with retainer is inserted through the bottom holes.

It isn't as easy to line up as some other systems, and one still has to dismount to insert the pins, and a light hammer may be needed to tap the pins in place, but it seems to me to be a heck of a lot better than having to disassemble and reassemble the connection every time I want to change attachments. The system adds about 30 pounds to the loader, costs roughly $200 (my dealer is getting the exact price now), and ATI has a pre-made plate with mounting tabs and pins available if you want to make your own attachments (which I do). Of course, it's pretty easy to make your own attachment mounts - just duplicate what's on your bucket.

Before I buy it, however, I'd like those with more experience to advise me of any potential drawbacks or problems they see with this type of system, or if you know of any other solutions that might work as well for less $$, or better for the same $$. Remember that I'm not looking for universal mounting, just easier attachment.

Don

 

[beenthere]

From your description of what you would like, I suggest you look at the John Deere quick connection. The bucket has flat hooks on both sides (top), with bottom torpedo pins to line up with receiver holes in the loader arms. The top of the loader arms have a fixed cross pin that slips easily under the top bucket flat hooks, then when the loader is lifted and the "bucket" curled back, the torpedo pins drop through the holes. After secure, you drop lynch pins in to the ends of the torpedo pins and secure the bucket (or whatever attachment such as forks). Very easy to do, and very easy to line up from the tractor seat. It shouldn't add any weight at all to the FEL (IMO). Good luck. It is a great system.

 

[RickB]

Sounds as if the ATI system is a fair balance of convenience, function and cost. They are a reputable outfit. It seems that added weight and capacity reduction due to geometry changes are minimal. These would be issues of great concern given the size and capacity of the 12LA. Our experience with other Kasco equipment is VERY poor. They can't be trusted to properly design production models, let alone modify what they already have or custom build.