Do-It-Yourself Quick Attach Install

How to Install Your Own Quick Attach

Here’s a do-it-yourself quick attach tutorial on how to install your own quick attach instead of taking it to a welding shop. It does take some time, of course, but if you know how to weld, it can save you money. Let’s take a look at each step of the process.

Step 1: Remove Bucket Pins and Install Face Plate

Loader Quick Attach Conversion step 1

When you’re changing from a pin-on bucket to quick attach, the first step is easy if the bucket pins have been greased on a regular basis. Put the tractor on a level surface and remove the pins that hold the bucket on. Back the tractor up while not changing the height or angle of the loader arms. Position the quick attach faceplate where the bucket was and reinstall the pins.  It helps to have two people working on this project.

Step 2: Maintain the Back Sheet Angle

loader quick attach conversion step 2a

At this point, any attachment that will fit a skid loader will fit your tractor, but the bucket will no longer go on.  It’s time to make it quick attach compatible with the weld-on plate that comes in all conversion kits.  Before you start, note the angle of the faceplate. That same angle is what the weld-on plate on the bucket should maintain. All modern skid loaders have a back sheet angle that is 20-degrees off of vertical, and most implements that go on them have that same forward tilt.  On some attachments, that angle is not critical, but it is on pallet forks.

loader-quick-attach-conversion-step-2B

Above is a photo of the bucket with the weld-on plate lying next to it. Some buckets (like this one) have a brace across the back. You may need to remove some of the brace to accommodate the length of the weld-on plate, but leave as much as you can to maintain the structural rigidity of the bucket.

Step 3: Measure Faceplate Location

step 3-measure the loader

Now it’s time to get the tape measure to see exactly where the new faceplate will go. The old pin-on brackets will have to be torched off and the quick attach weld-on bracket welded on. Remember, measure twice, cut once!

Step 4: Removing the Old Pin-On Brackets

welding and grinding old pins

As you can see in our pictures, one old pin-on bracket has been removed and the remaining material is being removed with a grinder. The other pin-on bracket is being removed with a cutting torch.

Step 5: Placing and Welding the Weld-On Plate

setting up faceplate for welding

The weld-on plate has been stabilized with clamps and tack welded. Note how the angle iron support brace has been maintained inside the weld-on plate.  It won’t be in the way of the quick attach.

welding the plate

Now that everything has been fitted up and tacked on, it’s time to complete all the welds for the new bracket.  As soon as this job is done the installation is almost complete.

Step 6: Applying a Finish

painting the weld on plate

With the welding done, it’s time to shoot some paint on the new bracket and the back of the bucket to prevent rust and oxidation.

 

Step 7: Finished and Ready For Work

The welding job is done and ready for use

The job is done, and the new quick attach feature is ready to go!

A quick attach is the best option you can add to a tractor.  It opens the door to many attachments that make you more productive, and it allows you to remove the bucket when in tight quarters or when brush hogging.  The only thing you may not like about it is if you could have done it sooner!

Pallet Forks: One Final Note

Beware of cheaper fork frames that don’t have that same angle. They may not work on this quick attach and THAT’S NOT THE FAULT OF THE FACEPLATE!  True skid loader design pallet forks have that same 22-degree angle, and that’s what you want to purchase.

pallet fork problem

 

Obviously, this is what we don’t want.  It is cheaper to manufacture pallet forks that don’t have the 20-degree angle the rest of the industry adheres to. These forks will have to be modified to work, and the customer would have been better off buying a set with the right angle in the first place.

On some tractors the angle is not as critical, but on many utility tractors made from 1970 through 1985, the correct angle is essential. The biggest offenders tend to be the Deere 100-series and 48 loaders, and some International and Massey loaders. We maintain the 20-degree angle that all skid loaders and reputable attachment makers adhere to, so if you have forks like these that do not work, that’s the fault of the pallet fork manufacturer.

 Unfortunately, we cannot compensate customers for a fix or provide a modified faceplate.

Click here to download a copy of the steps.

 

Tractor Mike

9 Comments

  1. Rob Hartshorn on at 20:15

    Do you have a skidsteer attachment to fit a Farmhand F11 loader?

    • Tractor Mike on at 16:09

      I’m sorry, but we struck out on an out-of-the-box conversion for your front-end loader. It’s going to take some fabrication, but there is an option I have for quick attach for your Farmhand F11 at the link here. https://asktractormike.com/product/universal-pin-on-bucket-to-skid-loader-compatible-quick-attach/ To make it work, you’ll need to carefully cut off the pin-brackets that are on the bucket now and weld them on to the face plate frame, then weld the skid loader compatible bracket to the bucket. Trying to cut those brackets off while keeping them intact can be a little bit of a challenge, and everything may have to be reinforced. A person who is gifted with a torch can easily do this; it would be out of my abilities. After that, everything will have to be painted and you have quick attach and if the welder person is good, it’ll look factory.

      Unfortunately, that kit is not currently in stock and will take about 60 days to build and ship.

      Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

  2. Joe Coffey on at 08:51

    When would you have one of these kit for a Kabota L852 loader?

    • Tractor Mike on at 10:53

      Joe,

      I’m checking with the factory and will let you know just as soon as they respond. Thanks!

      -Mike Wiles

    • Tractor Mike on at 19:24

      Joe,

      The factory is saying that if they had the order this week, it could be produced and ready to ship mid-to late-March. Lead times are currently fairly long.

      Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

      -Mike Wiles

  3. Travis Craig on at 17:29

    Can you get an adapter for a Kabota LA181 loader?

    • Tractor Mike on at 16:01

      Travis,

      No, unfortunately, the weight of the quick attach would take up a huge percentage of the total front end loader lift capacity and not leave enough to pick up a meaningful load. I’m sorry I can’t help you!

      -Mike Wiles

  4. Mark on at 22:11

    How about an LA 300 loader?

    • Tractor Mike on at 09:31

      Matt, Unfortunately we do not offer anything for the LA300 at this time. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks! -Brian Hesterlee Ask Tractor Mike

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