T7 SSQA, 9" hoe bucket and tie rod ends DIY

[solo machine]

I have a 2007 T7 with a Kubota diesel. I bought this from a rental center, so a few issue's with it, not bad. First thing I replaced the old tie rod ends with heim joints I had laying around. These didn't have a zerk fitting, I turned the inside 90 deg then drilled and tapped 1/4-28. You can buy these w/ a zerk in the from McMaster-Carr for 10.00
That said, I found (i think) the T7's have a straight bore for the tie rod bolt, others are tapered. I used a big inner tube for a bike to give a little protection from dirt.

I bought a new bucket, then made a SSQA for it, Love it. The cutouts weren't needed, I welded the pieces back in place. The spacing of the lift arms forced me to pull things closer than I liked. I still need to put a 1" stop block at the levers and shorten them because of over lap.

Next was a 9" wide hoe bucket to dig drainage ditches. I cut the mounts off the old bucket( you see it in the new bucket) and will weld on the mounts for the hoe. I'll be using it, to clean ditches. ( I'll get pics using it when it's finished)
I'm a old school manual machinist (I do run a CNC mill at work) If I didn't have a home shop, it would be a lot tougher making stuff.

 

[solo machine]

I finished the hoe ditch bucket. Next is forks and a grapple. ( first picture it's tacked, fully welded all around)
I'm back and forth to use the grapple on the bucket or with the forks.
I think I may make it bolt on or use 2" receivers to mount it, then I could swap between bucket or forks.
Any thoughts?

 

[Smokeydog]

Nice fabrications. Making your machine more versatile. Envying your skills! Keep showing your progress.

 

[solo machine]

I had a few asking about the SSQA I put on myT7. I drew a better version of what I did on my white board.
A added bonus is dimensions for the hoe attachment plate(1/2"). I made some hoe plates, drilling them, then using the big saw at work, cut them out.
It should be 6 5/8 not 6 3/8.