Universal Skid-steer adaptor/mounts

[WIshane]

I recently bought a New Holland TC45 from the father-in-law I believe it is like a 2002. It has a 17LA loader with a direct pin-on set-up and I also have a fork set that I built for my old Ford 4000. Rather than try to re-ear the forkset to a direct pin-on I am thinking of buying a universal skidsteer mount and then removing the ears from my current bucket and installing the skidsteer blanks on the bucket and forks. I was a welder/fabricator in a construction attachment shop for like 6 yrs and I just have a hard time spending $400 on the coupler and $125 on the blanks per set any ideas? Is there any other places a guy can get this coupler or blanks or maybe I am just being to cheap.

 

[hazmat]

You're being cheap

If you put a $$ value on your time, I'd bet you'd be hard pressed to do it for less money...

I'd buy the coupler & 2 plates. Save your $$ by installing them yourself vs. paying a shop to do it...

There are a couple threads in the NH forum with pix on similar installs (try the search feature).

 

[civesnedfield]

This is about as cheap as I have been able to find a set of blanks $99.00 + shipping. These guys are pretty good I just ordered 2 more bale spears for the frame I am making.

Joanne's Pot & Pan Racks Bobcat skidsteer hay bale carrier mover

 

[gemini5362]

there is another place on ebay that makes adapter plates for 99.00 also
I notice the other one is a one piece unit. I dont know enough to know whether one piece or two piece is better other than you dont have to worry about your spacing on the one piece unit

 

[civesnedfield]

there is another place on ebay that makes adapter plates for 99.00 also
I notice the other one is a one piece unit. I dont know enough to know whether one piece or two piece is better other than you dont have to worry about your spacing on the one piece unit

I think for the price 2 pieces are better. I've seen the single plate for abot $150. I think it all depends on the application, and personal prefference.

 

[dsb5610]

I prefer the single plate so I don't have to worry about the alignment. I buy them from a Bobcat dealer for $100+tax.

I know it's a good chunk of change up front but once you are converted you will appreciate how easy it is to change tools. We used to swap between the bucket and bale mover on a Deere loader by removing the pins and it was a pain. Now that I have a unit with the skidsteer mount I switch tools all the time. Another benefit is I can shuffle the tools around without getting out of the cab. When I get the tool I need then I jump out and lock it down and connect hoses (if applicable).

dsb

 

[mikim]

maybe I am just being to cheap yep .... spend it .. you won't regret it .. git 'er done.

 

[MrJimi]

I built my own, it's very easy, I bought a 4 X 8 X 3/8 plate and had it sheared and it's fun, I have pictures in my gallery here
happy building
Jim

 

[gemini5362]

MrJimi I was thinking about doing that but was not sure if it would be cost effective. I can get one shippe for about 138.00 including shipping. Would the cost of buying the 4x8 sheet and then having it sheared be close to that or would it be a significant savings doing it yourself ?

 

[MrJimi]

Mine was the 3/8 plate and I think the cost was around $300 sheared and they gave me the drops and I have 5 backing plates and only 2 left for now but more attachments in the cooker
I think its worth it and I like making stuff, some pictures in my gallery may give you some ideas

 

[skipmarcy]

I wish mine had been that cheap - I paid $600 for my QA adapter and paid $170 for a weld-on plate (full plate at least). Glad I spent it without a doubt, though.