Deere Loader Quick-attach

[lostcause]

Probably many of you who care already know this, but I just came across it, so I figured I'd share:

If you are planning on making your own loader mounted attachment and don't want to make / bend / form the top hooks for the quick attach, they aren't that expensive straight from John Deere. I had been looking for some, and the best deal i found was on Ebay for $39 a pair, but I don't see them anymore, and the new ones i see are $55-$60 a pair, but usually you can at least get them with the bottom pins for that price. The other day, when looking for a part that was completely unrelated, i found a link to Deere part number W43359, which is an unpainted top hook from the factory bucket. There is a dealer (literally) within throwing distance of where I work, so I stopped in on the way home and they had two in stock for $17.50 each. The factory ones are thin - looks like 1/4" thick, but it's all they use on the factory buckets, and unless you are making a prying attachment it would likely work fine - especially if you have a smaller tractor. Your dealer may be even cheaper too. I've seen them advertised online cheaper, but with shipping it is not as good. This was local and shipping free.

 

[KennyG]

You should check the diameter to be sure but I think the pins are Cat 3 top link pins. I bought the unpainted JD hooks and the Cat 3 pins to build my attachments.

 

[lostcause]

Could be. i never looked at those since they are round stock, and i've got a bunch of varied diameter round stock - and lathe(s). I figured I'd just turn those out quick when I get to that point.it was getting the top hooks formed that I didn't want to mess with unless i was planning on making about 10 sets so it would be worth my time to make a jig to do them. Right now I just need to rig up a plow before snow falls, so I only needed the one set. If I get the chance (and remember to) I'll see if the bottom pins are cat 3 top pin size (1-1/4"?) for the benefit of anyone else that might want to know.