New L2501 advice needed

[dodge man]

Now your getting picky!

 

[jyoutz]

Standard SSQA forks that can be used at either end? I've not seen any.

Buy standard SSQA forks, then weld or have fabricated a mount for top link and lift pins.

 

[Fallon]

I built a SSQA to 3pt adapter. But the reverse of what you are talking about. It let's me mount 3pt impliments to the loader. It was originally a mounting bracket for a snow plow. I just welded a Quick Hitch to a SSQA plate. It worked well for moving impliments at times. So after I sold the plow with my old L3200, I built another with some garage sale SSQA plate & QH. I don't use it much, but more than my ballast box.

I thought about making a 3pt to SSQA adapter so I could use the bucket or forks as a tool box platform or ballast on the back. While SSQA plates are cheap ($150ish for tinner ones a few years ago) the bit with levers are expensive ($500-1000 if I recall). I just put a few $5 auction toolboxes on a pallet & used that for my fencing junk on the forks on the loader.

A 3pt carry-all is only $200-300, or less on Craigslist. Basically lightvweight 3pt pallet forks. Likely to be cheaper than building or buying the SSQA adapter.

You also loose lift capacity with every adapter. Going from pin on to SSQA is a few hundred lbs less lift capacity (but worth it). A 3pt Quick Hitch cuts my lift capacity around 300lbs I think (but again worth it). Another adapter even further out probably drops things 400+ lbs & adds even more slop to the system. Likely not worth it.

 

[Fallon]

Found photos of the plow & moving a flail around. Also found pictures of a 3pt forklift I forgot about. Got it cheap off Craigslist. It was heavy & ate up most if my 3pt capacity without anything on the forks. I sold it as I didn't want to break my 3pt. It would lift far more than my 3pt would handle.

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[needmoredirt]

Now your getting picky!

Creative, not picky! LOL

I want pallet forks for the SSQA loader. Need ballast.

Seems I could put same forks on back, load it for ballast?

I'm new at this, just thinking

 

[jyoutz]

Creative, not picky! LOL

I want pallet forks for the SSQA loader. Need ballast.

Seems I could put same forks on back, load it for ballast?

I'm new at this, just thinking

If that’s what you want, it would be simpler to get SSQA pallet forks for loader and a carryall for 3ph.

 

[needmoredirt]

So, now I have 2 implements to store? One adjustable, one, not so much?

I suppose that's an option.

Like the idea of FEL PF, do some welding.

I fail at seeing the advantages/disadvantage, being the simpleton I am.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have ssqa forks, and they get a lot of use. The mention of 3 point forks got me thinking that they would solve my current problem of needing to lift a shipping container a foot or so one end at a time. My fel forks won't quite cut it.

 

[Carl_NH]

Here's some 3PT forks which have pins inside you could connect a ballast box to secure it - stated lift 2000 lbs.. looks like what you need without having to rig up a SSQA setup. https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-2000lb...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A28BP3VDRMYQVO

This "might" be 3 PT quick hitch compatible, but the top link pin mount may need to be raised.

 

[airbiscuit]

You are overthinking it. Buy the box bade, skip the quick hitch - done!

 

[goeduck]

I have a 3 point to SSQA adapter for the back of the tractor so that I can use any SSQA attachment on the 3-point. Along with with a hydraulic top link.

 

[needmoredirt]

I have a 3 point to SSQA adapter for the back of the tractor so that I can use any SSQA attachment on the 3-point. Along with with a hydraulic top link.

Titan looks nice. Might try one when I get FEL forks.

Got a cheap ballast box coming, I'll load it w/cement bricks, easier to throw out if I don't want it.

EA never did get back to me.

 

[Fallon]

Creative, not picky! LOL

I want pallet forks for the SSQA loader. Need ballast.

Seems I could put same forks on back, load it for ballast?

I'm new at this, just thinking

I had similar thoughts when I got my first machine a decade ago. Modular & infinitely swappable sounds cool & useful. But optimized tooling is the standard because it just works better.

These days I just use the mower, box blade or LPGS as ballast & dont wory about it.

My old L3200 was a light machine, same weight & ballance as yours. I nearly rolled it a couple times due to inadequate ballast before i knew better. Make sure you load the tires & have good weight on the back. My new L4060 is a heavier machine & doesn't need ballast nearly as much. I expect lots of advise in the thread is more general for slightly bigger machines with heavier rear ends.

 

[needmoredirt]

Installed a ballast box today, 5cu ft deal - all look alike to me.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong. If I tighten up the turnbuckles where the box won't shift right to left, the arms are forced open against the pin clips. That's not gonna last long, the retaining clips are gonna break shear, bend over time, not to mention, the stock knuckle/bearings thingies may get buggered up in the process.

I wrapped a chain around the arms, then tightened up the turnbuckles. Kinda funky or ???

 

[jyoutz]

Installed a ballast box today, 5cu ft deal - all look alike to me.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong. If I tighten up the turnbuckles where the box won't shift right to left, the arms are forced open against the pin clips. That's not gonna last long, the retaining clips are gonna break shear, bend over time, not to mention, the stock knuckle/bearings thingies may get buggered up in the process.

I wrapped a chain around the arms, then tightened up the turnbuckles. Kinda funky or ???

You shouldn’t need a chain as an addition to your 3ph to use an implement. Yes, the lift arms will put tension on the lynch pins when adjusted to minimize sway. And no, your lynch pins are not likely to break.

 

[dodge man]

It will hold up better than you think. As I recall Kubota pushes the 3 point arms out when you tighten them up and John Deere pushes them in. I own a JD now but like the Kubota setup better.

 

[needmoredirt]

Seems collapsible stabs would help if it bugs one too much.

 

[airbiscuit]

Turnbuckles are old technology. For the life of me,I don't understand why telescoping stabilizers and extendable ends aren't standard equipment.

 

[4570Man]

Installed a ballast box today, 5cu ft deal - all look alike to me.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong. If I tighten up the turnbuckles where the box won't shift right to left, the arms are forced open against the pin clips. That's not gonna last long, the retaining clips are gonna break shear, bend over time, not to mention, the stock knuckle/bearings thingies may get buggered up in the process.

I wrapped a chain around the arms, then tightened up the turnbuckles. Kinda funky or ???

I agree, it’s not a very good design. My Kubota bends the linch pins but I’ve never had one break. I’d probably just keep using it until it proves it doesn’t work. The linch pins are probably just mild steel. You could trade them for harder bolts for a cheap fix.

 

[Fallon]

Turnbuckles are old technology. For the life of me,I don't understand why telescoping stabilizers and extendable ends aren't standard equipment.

Because they have more components to manufacture & are more expensive. They are standard on the Grand Ls. They have to cut some corners to make a cheaper machine & that's a smart one to save a few bucks but still function as needed.