SSQA and Trailer Hitch on a Tractor

[MOTractor]

I am thinking of getting a SSQA receiver mount (2”) for my 40HP LS 4WD tractor to move trailers around the property. All trailers will be moved empty. The two larger trailers are a 16’ stock trailer and a 14’ 14k dump trailer. My FEL is already SSQA capable - I have several attachments already.

Looking at something like this: Titan Receiver Mount V2

In my mind this would make it easier to back them into final position.

Would this cause too much lateral load on the FEL?

The tractor with FEL and 6” box blade weights about 6,000lbs, the dump trailer weights about 4,000 empty

Is there a reason I should not do this? Or is there something better to use?

Thank you!

 

[Peter 315]

I use this to move my trailers...
Amazon.com

 

[CliffordK]

In another thread there was a discussion about a front end attachment for trailers. Unless you're backing a heavy trailer on a steep side slope, your front end loader should be fine.

However, if you can back a trailer with a pickup, then you should love backing it with a tractor from the rear where you can see the trailer and have a very tight turning radius.

I just use one of the multi-hole drawbars on the rear.

I have the 2 5/16 mounted in the middle. I put the 2" on the side and to the opposite side of the drawbar so it won't impact the turning radius of the 2 5/16.

My issue, of course, in this photo was that I took off my tiller/weights I was using for ballast and put the draw bar on.

While the draw bar can roll, the trailer hitch/balls should be secure to keep them in place. And the subtle rolling can actually help with hitching up.

There are draw bars stabilized with a top link, and even with a receiver.

Oh, I had to ream the center hole for the 2 5/16 ball,

Anyway, I'd suggest you try the rear mount draw bar (dirt cheap), then try other alternatives if that doesn't work for you.

 

[George2615]

You should have no problem moving your trailers around. I move my camper Around 10K), enclosed (7K), and dump trailer(5K) using a 3 pt receiver hitch I built.

 

[Doug Vee]

At one time I thought it would be cool to use the front end loader to move trailers. I abandoned that idea when my brother in law noted that a person sure can see the trailer ball and hitch easily, where it would be much more difficult to see with the FEL.

I use my JD 855 to move my 22' boat trailer and a 16' flat bed. The tractor is so manueverable, and even though my neck is not as flexible as it once was, it is really easy to see everything you need to see. And the 3 point hitch hydraulics make it ridiculously easy to make the connection to the trailer also.

Doug

 

[scootr]

I use the plate you show on the bobcat SS. It works fine.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I use this on the end of my forks (so a leverage could be more of an issue than your plan but tongue weights under 400#'s) on a L3301 to move 2,000 to 3,500# flat deck trailers around my yard site which is on the much softer side than I would think most have like grass and sand roads.

Moving an unloaded trailer under those spec's is very very easy with no noticeable stress at all (like 0% noticeable stress on any components I can sense.)

This attachment is held on not too securely to the end of 1 fork with the one simple bolt through end. So not exactly heavy duty strong and it hasn't failed me either.

I think you would be fine. I don't even notice any twisting on the fork components which for those with forks know the end of the forks not exactly to ridgid on the end of an sqa mount.

 

[WM75Guy]

I bought this one in 2012 from Skid Steer Express. It has worked great for moving my trailers around with the TC40DA FEL.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use this SSQA adapter from Titan:

Amazon.com

In addition to the 2" receiver, it also allows me to use 3pt attachments on the FEL.

 

[Vigo327]

In my opinion we should all just have the ability to do both (put a ball on either loader or 3pt as the mood strikes).

The further the ball is from the rear tires, the more sensitive the steering will be. The trailer will react a LOT quicker on the loader than it will on the 3 pt. That could be good or bad depending on the person’s preference. I enjoy all the skill challenges of operating a tractor and its attachments so id rather have it sensitive and try to match the slight challenge, personally.

I put tow balls right above the front axle of my golf cart and i can pull some tricky maneuvers with that. Only thing it really cant do is pull a 3000+lb trailer up any kind of grade because having a rwd cart with the tow ball on the front, the rear tires are too unloaded to pull and stop safely. So its a flat ground trailer mover with anything that big. But ive pulled the 600lb 5x8 all over my 5 acres with it. Its touchy as hell trying to go forward at any real speed but i enjoy it and only move past walking speed if its empty.

 

[zzvyb6]

The only 'problem' you face is seeing the hookup. The SSQA plate usually blocks your view of the connection. If you use a high offset receiver insert, (so you can see the connection), its a problem to duck the ball low enough to insert it into the trailer tongue. That's why I use the JD QA system. I can see thru my fork frame (which has a hitch insert) just by looking a bit off to the side of the hood.
A few of the skid steer operators I know have installed backup cameras on the loader in order to see the ball connection for moving trailers. But, whatever you go with, your neck will send you Thank-You cards.

 

[bdhsfz6]

The only 'problem' you face is seeing the hookup. The SSQA plate usually blocks your view of the connection. If you use a high offset receiver insert, (so you can see the connection), its a problem to duck the ball low enough to insert it into the trailer tongue. That's why I use the JD QA system. I can see thru my fork frame (which has a hitch insert) just by looking a bit off to the side of the hood.
A few of the skid steer operators I know have installed backup cameras on the loader in order to see the ball connection for moving trailers. But, whatever you go with, your neck will send you Thank-You cards.

Titan makes this SSQA adapter plate with a cutout which allows a good view of the ball & tongue on many tractors:

https://www.palletforks.com/skid-steers/adapter-and-mounting-plates/receiver-mount-plate-attachment-v2/169101.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-bmsBhAGEiwAoaQNmpIdxUiv4awOqsrXoGtwlJ71WHmByvCp8mL2OhmExsnBS_s8h4bFFxoCzMUQAvD_BwE

I can usually line up the ball & tongue by standing and angling back the adapter plate. Can be an issue with a cabbed tractor though.

 

[nyone]

I didnt want another attachment I would have to lift into place to put on my machine. I welded a 2in reciever on the SSQA cross bar. So I just take off what ever is on the loader and plug my ball mount in. Cost was $7 for the 2in reciever.

 

[4570Man]

I didnt want another attachment I would have to lift into place to put on my machine. I welded a 2in reciever on the SSQA cross bar. So I just take off what ever is on the loader and plug my ball mount in. Cost was $7 for the 2in reciever.

That’s a pretty bad idea unless you’re just moving a glorified lawn cart. The cross bar isn’t very heavy and is easily bent out of place.

 

[WM75Guy]

I didnt want another attachment I would have to lift into place to put on my machine. I welded a 2in reciever on the SSQA cross bar. So I just take off what ever is on the loader and plug my ball mount in. Cost was $7 for the 2in reciever.

That would not work on the NH SSQA adapter I bought from the dealer. The center tube only keeps the plates aligned together, it does support any weight.

 

[aesanders]

I have a receiver bolted on top of my bucket. Does about the same thing. My tractor is not strong enough to lift my heavy goose neck up, but the rest of the trailers are no problem. You won’t have an issue, and moving trailers from the front is very easy and you can put the trailers in very tight spaces.

 

[nyone]

That’s a pretty bad idea unless you’re just moving a glorified lawn cart. The cross bar isn’t very heavy and is easily bent out of place.

My cross bar is 2.5in 1/4in square steel. I alreaty moved a 6500lb camper.

 

[BlueKnife]

That’s a pretty bad idea unless you’re just moving a glorified lawn cart. The cross bar isn’t very heavy and is easily bent out of place.

That depends on the machine. They're not all created equal. On mine, the cross bar is a 2"x3"x3/8 wall tube. I use it to change tires on my pickup. Wrap a chain around it and lift the entire front end of the truck off the ground. Lifting somewhere north of 4000 lbs.

 

[4570Man]

That depends on the machine. They're not all created equal. On mine, the cross bar is a 2"x3"x3/8 wall tube. I use it to change tires on my pickup. Wrap a chain around it and lift the entire front end of the truck off the ground. Lifting somewhere north of 4000 lbs.View attachment 842150

I’ve lifted stuff from my skid steer coupler as well but the majority of tractors only have a fairly light duty tube.

 

[BlueKnife]

I’ve lifted stuff from my skid steer coupler as well but the majority of tractors only have a fairly light duty tube.

True. That would certainly be something that would need to be assessed on a case by case basis.