Mount Plates on SSQA: How Close to Adaptor?

[Suburban Plowboy]

I'm just about done converting my Kubota LA681 bucket to SSQA. I cut the mount plate I bought, and I'm installing in in two pieces; one on each end of the bucket.

How much clearance do I need between the outsides of the SSQA adaptor and the insides of the mount plates? I assume they don't have to be in contact, since that would make changing attachments very difficult. I am thinking of leaving 1/4" of space between the adaptor and the insides of the plates when installed.

 

[npalen]

Not an expert on SSQA by any stretch, but this is what I've done to make it more user friendly. There was about 1/4" total clearance on the width between the male and female mating parts. That was just enough to make it difficult to engage the vertical pins if the slack was off to one side or the other. So made a pair of 1/8" shims as the one shown and bolted to each angled end piece on the bucket.

The shims cause the male member to tighten as it goes up into the female taking out all the side to side slack which allows for easy insertion of the vertical pin locks. Works perfect.

Edit: Do all SSQA buckets and other attachments have the sloped sides like shown in the photo? This does make it a lot easier for initial alignment when approaching with the tractor for installation.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I happened to walk by the tractor and remembered this thread.... I have 3/8" TOTAL (maybe even 5/16") for both sides. I actually pushed the bucket to one side and measured the remaining space. I never had any issue attaching the bucket.

I DO use the side plates as a guide when approaching to connect. I also believe they are there to keep the attachment from shifting sideways and putting additional stress on the SSQA pins. ..... that is only my perception

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Thanks for the replies. I found threads containing photos showing that the standard inside width of a mount plate is 45", so I set my plates up to match the standard. Now I just have to lay about 9 feet of weld.