Thoughts On Lining Up Bucket to Front End Loader

[MUDONTHETIRES]

I’ve been running a tractor for a long time but with my newest addition, I’m having the hardest time lining up my bucket and forks. I can’t see the brackets because of the loader arms. Any ideas on an easy way to line them up? I’ve read putting a painted line on the quick attach plate and bucket and forks, but I haven’t done that yet. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[i7win7]

Store the implements on stacked up pallets of build an elevated shelf

 

[JJT]

My bucket comes off, but I've never removed it in 25 years. I have a neighbor with a quick attach, getting things lined up for him is a 2 person job. The first time I helped him it was a 5 minute job, after he made many repeated solo attempts. Now his wife simply waves him in. She does the same when he hooks up his bumper pull travel trailer.

 

[ericm979]

I lean to one side as I pull forward so I can see the outside edge of the quick attach bracket and line it up with the implement.

 

[nyone]

I lean to one side as I pull forward so I can see the outside edge of the quick attach bracket and line it up with the implement.

This is also how I do it with my SSQA style. If i have to take more than 2 trys at it the bucket is very un level.

 

[workinonit]

I have a camera on mine. Only for lining up the Global attach to the bucket, forks, chain saw and PHD. Lining up the loader to the tractor is easy. On or off in 2 minutes by myself.

 

[scootr]

My neighbor put a camera on the front of his big Yanmar to see the QA alignment and he says it helps with forking pallets etc.

 

[workinonit]

It does. It's a huge help lining the forks up to what you are picking up. Also invaluable when grappling oak limbs with the grapple bucket on mine.

 

[MUDONTHETIRES]

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[Rustyiron]

This is also how I do it with my SSQA style. If i have to take more than 2 trys at it the bucket is very un level.

And the better you park or remove it* the easier it is to re hook back on.

*(both sides disengage from the top "hook" equally at the same time, basically a flat area big enough so that the rear tires to the bucket is on the same plane but not necessarily level)
Yeah I lean out to the left looking for the vertical bar on the attachment in relation to the top of the (left) QA.
It's like backing up to a trailer, some times it's a breeze, sometimes a pita.

 

[MUDONTHETIRES]

So I painted a line and it works really well. Unhooked and hooked four times and got it on the first time! Thanks again!

 

[dstig1]

Putting it up a bit higher helps. I have a 2-3' wall outside my shop where I often park the bucket when i need to use the forks. Easy to line it up. The other trick is my forks live on a dolly so I get the tractor close, then push the forks on the dolly so the forks can get hooked by the SSQA and lift it up. Yeah I have to get off one extra time to do that but it is easy on smooth concrete floor.

 

[setxjeff]

I can lean out to the right and line up my implements easily.

 

[rScotty]

Standing, leaning, a piece of tape on the bucket - plus I'm learning I really ought to line it up on the level and in low gear.
rScotty

 

[WranglerX]

Maybe something like this...

Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit

Amazing deals on this Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

OH WOW!... Delete button came back, wonder how long it will stay?

 

[5030]

Both m y buckets as well as my pallet forks have 'wings' on each side the will align the loader SSQA if off a bit. If it's close I'm all good and I certainly cannot see where they are with my square hood M9's

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use a wireless camera powered by a cordless tool battery. It has a dual magnetic base which will stick to any metal surface:

I store it in the cab and place it wherever it's needed. It can also be placed on the ground which sometimes gives a better view of the work operation.

 

[scootr]

It's just easier to see the contact points on some tractors than others. I read the LS or NH tractors had a very sloping hood and loader arms making SSQA easier to see.
The MX Kubota is not too bad to see. But nothing come close to the ease of connecting implements on the Bobcat

 

[amarsh64]

The ssqa on my LS tractor is fairly easy to line up once you get used to it. I can see the top but not the sides so I just line up evenly side to side on my levers and come in square. The only thing that I have found is that some things require your loader to be levelled out before the plate fits in easily. My grapple is like this. My bucket is easier when tilted forward.

 

[Smokeydog]

R