Quick-release FEL implements?

[Fermenter]

I've just bought a little Kubota B1700 with an (aftermarket) FEL, it's my first tractor and I'm having a lot of fun with it. The FEL is certainly useful but I can't help feeling that a bucket is only part of the story.

I'd like to be able to drop the bucket off and put on things like forks, a trenching scoop or a post lifter. I'm thinking along the lines of a bearer plate permanently mounted to the FEL frame and detachable implements that fit to the plate, probably by hooking over the top and using some kind of pin or latch at the bottom to secure them.

I'd be making it all myself but I'm curious to know whether this sort of thing has been done before, other useful implements to consider and what some of the challenges (and solutions) might be?

 

[GLyford]

I've just bought a little Kubota B1700 with an (aftermarket) FEL, it's my first tractor and I'm having a lot of fun with it. The FEL is certainly useful but I can't help feeling that a bucket is only part of the story.

I'd like to be able to drop the bucket off and put on things like forks, a trenching scoop or a post lifter. I'm thinking along the lines of a bearer plate permanently mounted to the FEL frame and detachable implements that fit to the plate, probably by hooking over the top and using some kind of pin or latch at the bottom to secure them.

I'd be making it all myself but I'm curious to know whether this sort of thing has been done before, other useful implements to consider and what some of the challenges (and solutions) might be?

It's been done quite a bit, most smaller machines use some variation on what the skid steer loaders use, which has a plate with a lip at the top and couple of squarish holes at the bottom. The plate on the loader arms tucks under the top lip and has a pair of spring loaded pins that drop into the bottom holes to keep the attachment mounted. This will be the most flexible system, since it will allow you to buy or rent attachments that are already set up this way. Do a search on "quick attach adapter".

Another system that's used (though you probably won't find implements already set-up for it at rental places) is a pair of arms with holes spaced the same as on the bucket, that are narrow enough to go between the two bucket plates. The top hole is cut out to the end to become a hook, and can be used like the skid steer plate, the loader drives into the attachment and grabs the top pin with the hook. Some of these have hydraulic bottom pins so you don't have to leave the seat, others are simpler and have you put in the last pin by hand. I want to say this system is used more on larger loaders, I think John Deere has a system like this.

Some common attachments are forklift forks, bale spears, post holes diggers, gin poles, snow plows, and brush grapples. Take a look through the advertisers here on TBN, I'm sure you'll see lots of options.

 

[MarkV]

On a small tractor you also need to keep in mind that every pound you add for a mounting system is one less pound you can lift.

MarkV

 

[Gary Fowler]

My mind not being what it used to be, I am still thinking that somewhere on TBN I remember someone modifying his tractor FEL and bucket to a quick attach. I even think that the kit is available with all the clips and pins to weld onto your FEL arms and bucket. You do have to remove some of the existing mounting brackets though.
Some one here that is good with the search can likely find the thread on this and post it.

 

[jimgerken]

Mine is JD so is quick attach from the factory. JD has their own style. I have built a quite a few replacement attachments for the loader. A man-lift, forks of course, a small aggressive bucket with teeth, and a gin-pole to name the ones I can remember. In hindsight, if starting again, like you are now, I would instead first convert the loader to SS quick tach type, then fashion or buy all the implements in that SS style. I think it would be easier to build the attachments of that type myself, and there are many commercially available, or to borrow. The point is, the SS style is way more common, so is the right starting point. Good luck.

 

[Fermenter]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it certainly looks like the SS system would be the best way to go. The plates are pretty pricey to buy off the shelf though (around $1000 for both parts) and not having a sample I'm not sure how complex they would be to fabricate...

Another problem I'm likely to face will be making a new bucket, as the current one has a curved back and won't lend itself very well to mounting to a plate. Given that I'm not likely to own or rent a whole lot of implements and I'll be making them myself, I'm actually wondering if there's a cheaper, simpler way to achieve a similar result?

 

[k0ua]

My mind not being what it used to be, I am still thinking that somewhere on TBN I remember someone modifying his tractor FEL and bucket to a quick attach. I even think that the kit is available with all the clips and pins to weld onto your FEL arms and bucket. You do have to remove some of the existing mounting brackets though.
Some one here that is good with the search can likely find the thread on this and post it.

Maybe this?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/208653-so-you-think-converting-pin.html


James K0UA

 

[mwb]

Do a search here for "tractor side quick attach". I designed and built my own for two tractors (Montana / LS and a Kubota).

I did the search; try here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/141029-tractor-side-shuttle-shift-quick.html

 

[Oldmopar]

There are many different brands of quick attaches, but most are the same basic style...something to catch a hook at the top and a pin at the bottom. You might try looking at the major manufacturers web sites to get some ideas, like Westendorf, Miller, Allied, etc. John Deere's design is fairly simple and you can buy the pins and hooks that mount on the loader bucket as a kit to put on anything.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it certainly looks like the SS system would be the best way to go. The plates are pretty pricey to buy off the shelf though (around $1000 for both parts) and not having a sample I'm not sure how complex they would be to fabricate...

Another problem I'm likely to face will be making a new bucket, as the current one has a curved back and won't lend itself very well to mounting to a plate. Given that I'm not likely to own or rent a whole lot of implements and I'll be making them myself, I'm actually wondering if there's a cheaper, simpler way to achieve a similar result?

I make my own for the SSQA ... I think this is what your thinking for the implement side?