Quick attachment

[Papasmirf]

Have any of you built your own quick connect for your FEL and any other front operating equipment ? How thick should the metal be? Any opinions or suggestions either way.

 

[RoyJackson]

You mean the Quick Attach plate that replaces the bucket?

Most I've seen have been 3/16ths to 1/4 (depending on the loader's lift capacity). The thicker metal you use reduces the usable capacity (pay load) of the loader.
Here's some commercially available QA plates:
Attachment Converters | Quick Attach

 

[Papasmirf]

I've considered the factory made one but I'm retired and would like to build one. Make it light yet strong is my intention.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've considered the factory made one but I'm retired and would like to build one. Make it light yet strong is my intention.

Shouldn't be too bad a project. Since you have a TC 30, you'll probably want 3/16ths for the back plate to keep the assembly lighter.
I do suggest you look at a number of QA plate designs for inspiration...
Good luck!

 

[Papasmirf]

I best friend is a big farmer. Farms approx. 5000 acres. His tractors all have quick comnects. He has a JD 5200 that I've used for 15 years. I'll take pictures and build one similiar. Do you think the cylinder's contact points, one upper and one lower on each side, plates welded to the front plate should be 1/2" steel? I've also wondered of a back plate that have an inverted "^" and the implements have the female "^"?

 

[RoyJackson]

I best friend is a big farmer. Farms approx. 5000 acres. His tractors all have quick comnects. He has a JD 5200 that I've used for 15 years. I'll take pictures and build one similiar. Do you think the cylinder's contact points, one upper and one lower on each side, plates welded to the front plate should be 1/2" steel? I've also wondered of a back plate that have an inverted "^" and the implements have the female "^"?

I think 1/2" would be too heavy for a TC-30...you'd lose too much lifting capacity.
As far as how it should mount to the loader frame...first, is your current bucket a quick attach? If so, I'd suggest you design your plate to use the same points and make the QA plate quick attach too.
What are you planning to use the QA plate for? A front snow plow? Forks? Bale Spear (I'm not sure your TC-30 is stout enough to pick up a bale)?

I'm not sure what you mean by "^".

You really don't need to re-invent anything...just do some research on QA plates online and work from those designs.
Here's a couple, but there's more to look at online:
Tractor Front End Loader to Quick Attach Converters Attach All

Adaptor Plate

 

[2458n]

Do you want a quick hitch that matches JD or one that is SSQA. No need to reinvent the wheel. After you determine what style you are going to use do a google search for the measurements needed. Look at the size steel the original equipment used. I worked for a company that reverse engineered alot of things. Most would call it copying. The next couple of days will be cold at my house so I will be ordering some quick attach boxes. Nobody makes a cheap change over for my L245DT loader. My dealer thinks it time for a new tractor and loader with the SSQA. For 189.00 dollars I can build the loader part myself and use the Bobcat equipment attachments that I already own. I have grown fond of my old tractor.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

There's also the pin-on style of QA. Kubota uses it mostly but would work on any make machine. The biggest advantage of it is no bucket modifications are required.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/263694-homemade-quick-attach.html

 

[Papasmirf]

Guys, y'all have been really helpful, but now I want one of each type. lol I'm want the QA for my bucket, forks, tree sheer, and I have a basket that we use for cutting limbs and trees damaged by our ice storms. I've considered using and inverted V. "^". Seems simple and should hook up really quick and be secure.

 

[cili]

I use the 1/4 plate for my vertical mower. I also built a pto hydraulic power pack to give me 20 gpm's at 2250 psi. which will allow me to use more attachments. This is plenty of power for the cutter when there is app. 30 pto hp or more.

 

[sampen]

I made my own
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/terramite/278700-quick-connect.html
thxs Sam

 

[ovrszd]

The "V" "^" type you keep referring to is Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA). If I was starting from scratch that's what I would build. You'll find a MUCH LARGER variety of attachments that are SSQA compatable.

Try to shop for pictures that give you details. Worry more about strength than weight. Doesn't matter how much it weighs when it breaks. The tabs that hold the FEL pins should be at least 3/8".

Also if you'd take some pictures of your existing system and post them you'll get more ideas of how to modify it to SSQA, or John Deere's method if that's what you prefer. I think they call it "European Style".

 

[chopped]

I did one of these changes a couple years ago and went with a factory one. It was pricey but.. And now ive seen on ebay quite a few inexpensive ones that are a starter to home made ones. (basically they are the locking mech).

 

[Bison]

I build this 10' snow blade a number of years ago for use on my Waldon compact articulated loader.
I build my own style quick attach on the loader for it as well but since i got myself also a track steer with universal quick attach i made this in between adapter so i can use the blade on both machines.
The Adapter is made from 3/8" plate.

The blade is hydr angle and can be turned top down to scrape snow and stuff away from doors and walls

 

[bandaidmd]

I did one of these changes a couple years ago and went with a factory one. It was pricey but.. And now ive seen on ebay quite a few inexpensive ones that are a starter to home made ones. (basically they are the locking mech).

I built my loader side for my Kubota using the $189 ebay latch plates.
To the OP you can buy 1/4 inch full size ssqa plates to add to your implements for $125 or less delivered to your door, locally i would have to pay that much for materials.
If you look thru the hyd forum theres a discussion of some sort of quick attach that is shaped like a V that can be used front or rear.

edit; heres the link http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/300870-plans-drawing-425-quick-attach.html#post3615174

This is most likely the V style mentioned. Its a neat idea but really the red headed stepchild compared to a standard SSQA.

 

[ovrszd]

Bison,,,, very cool adapter. I'm gonna add those pictures to my files for future reference. Thank you very much for posting them!!!