Converting FEL to Quick Attach

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 13, 2017

I ordered a quick attach adapter for my FEL this morning from a local Kubota dealer. I want pallet forks so I need to convert to be able to change between bucket and forks with ease.

I now need to convert my bucket to QA. I will have to cut the bucket pin on brackets off and weld on a QA adapter. I recently saw (either on TBN or Youtube, can't remember where) someone cut the brackets off his bucket with a 4.5" grinder and cut off discs. I had always previously assumed that would be a plasma cutter job. However, I don't have a plasma, and maybe it would be a cleaner job with a grinder. Anyone ever cut the brackets off with a grinder? It could turn out to be a tedious and time consuming job with the grinder but just wondering if anyone had tried it.

M5farms · Mar 13, 2017

ive cut a lot of stuff with a 4 1/2 grinder so yes it would be tedious but should be easy to do. FWIW I buy the 10pack 40grit cut off wheels from HF and they work just as good and namebrand.

not2old · Mar 14, 2017

I use a 4 1/2" grinder all the time rather than my torch. Most important is to use the very thin blades intended for cutting. I recently fabricated a 6' wide bucket for my GC2610 to be used for snow clearing. I made my own quick attach similar to one shown on a thread here that has to save lots of weight which is important for a small machine. I know that when I get around to modifying the original bucket to quick attach that I will cut off the old brackets with my grinder unless I can figure out how to do it so that they are reuseable and re-instal them farther apart.

bspeedy · Mar 14, 2017

I cut mine with a 4.5" grinder and a cutoff wheel. Not that difficult or time consuming.

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like this will be a job that will fit a grinder. I'll try to remember to take some before and after pics and post them.

JRobyn · Mar 14, 2017

Just please use a good full-face shield. HF has two, a cheap one and a good one. The good one is terrific - comfortable for long wear, easily adjustable, flip-up, tough to scratch.. I think it's made by AOSafety.

Edit - ok, "SAS Safety Corp." Adjustable Face Shield

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

JRobyn said:
Just please use a good full-face shield. HF has two, a cheap one and a good one. The good one is terrific - comfortable for long wear, easily adjustable, flip-up, tough to scratch.. I think it's made by AOSafety.

Edit - ok, "SAS Safety Corp." Adjustable Face Shield

Thanks for the good advice. I always wear safety glasses when using a grinder. I have a chain saw safety shield. I will probably wear it for this grinding task.

Rustyiron · Mar 14, 2017

Wait until you have your q/a adapter. You might be able to utilize part of the factory "ears", ya just never know.
There are also some dimensions (like dump cyl. extension at ground level) that you might want to copy*.

*so that you have the same range of motion as factory

k0ua · Mar 14, 2017

You can read about my journey here.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...hink-converting-pin.html?highlight=converting

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 14, 2017

k0ua said:
You can read about my journey here.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...hink-converting-pin.html?highlight=converting

UH OH! Thanks James for linking that thread. After reading through it, I just made an executive decision. I will purchase a new or possibly used QA bucket. Which brings me to another question; where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?

k0ua · Mar 15, 2017

TNhobbyfarmer said:
UH OH! Thanks James for linking that thread. After reading through it, I just made an executive decision. I will purchase a new or possibly used QA bucket. Which brings me to another question; where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?

Well, I am not trying to talk you out of converting your old bucket. I would do another one if I needed to or someone wanted me to help them with it. I have learned a few things along the way, and I am sure I could do much better, much faster. I purchased a new bucket on the Kubota, and it was $600. It went along with the tractor when I traded it off. I kept my converted bucket and have it for a spare bucket for my Kioti. I don't use it all the time, but it still is a good old bucket and I use it a few times a year. I can't tell you where to get one cheap, but your dealer will likely have a bunch of Pin on buckets just like yours traded in from all the people getting SSQA buckets.

The dealer I bought the adaptor and new bucket offered me $100 for my old pin on bucket, but he said he did it to just be nice and he had several used pin on buckets in stock "in the weeds". I say grab a pack of slitting wheels for your angle grinder and have at it. If a man had a plasma cutter or a decent torch, you could make fairly quick work of getting that crapp off of the old bucket, and welding on the plate is not all that tough.

RNeumann · Mar 15, 2017

TNhobbyfarmer said:
UH OH! Thanks James for linking that thread. After reading through it, I just made an executive decision. I will purchase a new or possibly used QA bucket. Which brings me to another question; where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?

Construction Attachments is a good bang for the buck. WR Long is nice too.

Xfaxman · Mar 15, 2017

And here is a site sponsor that sells them: Tractor Front End Loader Buckets

bspeedy · Mar 15, 2017

I cut the ears and welded up my bucket for my SSQA conversion. Wasn't too bad. Along the way, I reinforced the top of the bucket and added some hooks. I now have a nice heavy duty bucket and pride of doing it myself.
]
Good luck.

k0ua · Mar 15, 2017

bspeedy said:
I cut the ears and welded up my bucket for my SSQA conversion. Wasn't too bad. Along the way, I reinforced the top of the bucket and added some hooks. I now have a nice heavy duty bucket and pride of doing it myself.
]
Good luck.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

shaeff · Mar 15, 2017

JRobyn said:
Just please use a good full-face shield. HF has two, a cheap one and a good one. The good one is terrific - comfortable for long wear, easily adjustable, flip-up, tough to scratch.. I think it's made by AOSafety.

Edit - ok, "SAS Safety Corp." Adjustable Face Shield

TNhobbyfarmer said:
Thanks for the good advice. I always wear safety glasses when using a grinder. I have a chain saw safety shield. I will probably wear it for this grinding task.

Can't stress this enough. If you've got a strong stomach, google "exploded cutoff wheels" to see the damage they can potentially do when they decide to shred. I've burned through many of those wheels, but a few years ago I finally saved enough for a plasma cutter. I still use the wheels from time to time, as they still have their purpose. Just be safe!

Leejohn · Mar 15, 2017

You bet be safe. My brother found out the hard way. If he is facing north and wants to point to the west his arm is point north and his finger it pointing west. Thats bad when you are the kind of person that uses there arm and hands as they talk.

Rustyiron · Mar 15, 2017

TNhobbyfarmer said:
where would you guys suggest getting the best bang for my buck for a bucket?

Well now your able to look at used/auctions for a SS bucket. They are built much heavier, usually have available b.o.c.e. - bolt on cutting edge, or with teeth with replaceable covers. Depending on your chores, the extra weight might be worth it. Your tractor will never hurt a ss bucket.

Oldoak · Mar 15, 2017

I use an air arc outfit (arc gouger) for removing welded attachments. Much cleaner and less heat than using a cutting torch. Less chance of cutting into the base metal too. And much quicker than a grinder with cutting wheels.

The operation requires a DC welding machine and an air compressor, neither of which have to be commercial grade. The one draw back for some people may be the flying sparks of molting metal. Proper precautions are necessary.

TNhobbyfarmer · Mar 15, 2017

Oldoak said:
I use an air arc outfit (arc gouger) for removing welded attachments. Much cleaner and less heat than using a cutting torch. Less chance of cutting into the base metal too. And much quicker than a grinder with cutting wheels.

The operation requires a DC welding machine and an air compressor, neither of which have to be commercial grade. The one draw back for some people may be the flying sparks of molting metal. Proper precautions are necessary.

Oldoak, I wish you lived a little closer to me. I'd load up my bucket and pay you a visit