Quick Tach frame for loaders

[rockyridgefarm]

Has anyone found a reasonable quick tach frame for 400/300 series loaders? Ideally, I would like a frame that could accept a bale spike or forklift tines interchangeably... I can buy a nicely made bale spear with frame for about $450 but as usual, I was hoping for more for less!

 

[Dutch445]

The Deere Bale Spear attachment is only around $500...
do you already have forks that fit on your 430 loader?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Wow, I was quoted well over $900...

No I don't have forks; I just always thought that they could have the frame accept either the forks or the spear.

I wonder if I could add a bolt on spear for the forks frame...?

 

[Dutch445]

Your existing setup can accept both,
new forks are anywhere from $500 to $800
depending on how heavy they are..

 

[gizmo]

I just picked up a pair of really nice forks from the salvage yard today for $100. I am designing a QD plate for my 430 loader in Solidworks that will accept the forks. I think I can get the rest of the steel for about $150 more. However, I will need to have the hooks fabricated. If the design works out I will post pics.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I think that the hooks and pins are both available from JDParts.

I am thinking that it is time to get into the fab business; I want all kinds of stuff that is too easily built for what they are charging...

Here is the cost breakdown for Deere's forks:

Price: $1100.
Materials: $183.25
Labor: $17.27
Shipping: $21.83
Fuel Surcharge: $14.68752
Dealer profit: -$3.52
Warranty: $11.82
Salesman commission: $3.00
Total cost: $248.34
Product liability gets the rest.

And the salesman makes three trips out to your place, brings donuts on the third trip...

All in fun!!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

http://http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=772637#post772637

KennyD built some stuff, using the JD componants:

W43359 HOOK, BUCKET ---10.73 USD each
W47211 PIN, BUCKET ---6.33 USD each

 

[gizmo]

Thanks, just ordered them.

 

[kennyd]

Let me know if I can help....

 

[Dutch445]

In case you haven't noticed, all front loader attachments are being
outsourced thru the Frontier brand now. bale spears, pallet forks,
blades, 4 in 1 buckets, etc. Prices seem a little more in line than the
JD stuff..
www.buyfrontier.com

 

[rockyridgefarm]

BTW, my comments about price weren't really at Deere&Co. It seems like there are some items that are crazy high priced due to litigation, no matter what brand.

 

[JamesH]

I just talked to a forklift place here in KC. They have fork lift tines already mounted on a type of backing plate. Length is 36" to 42" inches, he was not sure. Supposedly they go on a Raymond fork lift. He quoted me $200. With luck all I will have to do is add the hooks and pins in order to mount it on my 420 loader.
Will go have a look at them next week and give a report back.
BTW, my local farm and home store has plain bale spears with a receiver that you can weld on yourself for about $85.
James

 

[JamesH]

Picked up these this morning. Pretty heavy duty. Overall the frame is 33"x25"high. Also ordered the hooks and pegs today. They will be in by end of the week.
I think I will just add two pieces of tube sticking out from each side to mount the hooks and pegs. If the price is not too bad on 2x3" tube I may cut off the two vertical pieces to save some weight and run the tube all the way across the back.
I am open to suggestions though.
James

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Great idea, they do look stout! Post some pics as you get them set up!