SSQA adapter for L4850 with LA950 fel?

[Brambleberry]

I'm wanting to adapt my '97 fel to SSQA so I can use my forks etc from my Bobcat.

I have a guy that pmed me on a FB group that says he fabs them and would make me one for $500 including shipping. That seems like a heck of a deal and I'm wondering if it's too good of a deal . ..

How important do you all think it is to get an OEM adapter for this? I just keep thinking about all the stress it's going to receive and don't want to f-up the original pin mounts, stress hydraulics, etc.

He's supposed to get me some pictures of ones he's made before, I'll post them here once I get them.

TIA

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't know what the factory adapter would cost or even if there is one available after all these years. The after market adapter may be your only option. Bear in mind that if you want to use your existing bucket later you will probably have to remove the adapter which will likely be some sort of pin on. The other option of course is to invest in a quick attach bucket, too.

 

[LD1]

IF you can weld, $100 buys some latch boxes. You cut the ears off you OEM bucket and weld to the latch boxes. Another $100 buys a SSQA plate to weld on the back of your bucket. Hook the bucket on to square the latch boxes then weld in a torque tube.

$500 is probably fair. I wouldnt call it "too good of a deal to pass up"

I did the above with latch boxes and a SSQA plate for $200 in material and half a day in the shop.

 

[JWR]

I'm wanting to adapt my '97 fel to SSQA so I can use my forks etc from my Bobcat.

I have a guy that pmed me on a FB group that says he fabs them and would make me one for $500 including shipping. That seems like a heck of a deal and I'm wondering if it's too good of a deal . ..

How important do you all think it is to get an OEM adapter for this? I just keep thinking about all the stress it's going to receive and don't want to f-up the original pin mounts, stress hydraulics, etc.

He's supposed to get me some pictures of ones he's made before, I'll post them here once I get them.

TIA

Has he done one for the same model tractor as yours? Is he close enough to take the tractor to him and let him cut and fit ? Like LD1 I don't think the $500 is unreasonable plus you probably cannot buy a factory kit.

 

[Brambleberry]

Thanks you all! I can weld but am not the best. Only stick, I've got a trusty old red buzz box. Haven't done tig. But I have a friend who is a union steamfitter that can weld anything. I'm sure he'd be happy to help me out with this.

I also happen to have the old bucket I had to cut off my Bobcat to work on freeing up the latch mechanisms. I could cut off the female brackets from it to put on my Kubota bucket.