The downside to a skid steer quick coupler - TMT

[@arkyump]

I’m a Kubota believer, but I live 1500 miles from you guys. I learn much more about what I have from Messick’s than my local dealer. Thanks for what you do.

[@frankdrinkwine6542]

Same here. Wish they were in Florida.

[@freelanserns187]

@@frankdrinkwine6542 I wish they were in canada 🇨🇦 😢

[@bryantjones8039]

Amen and Amen..

[@DLTJR1959]

One of the most useful devices ever deigned for a tractor. Just make sure to get a big enough tractor to lift what you need. I use a bucket, grapple, and forks with my tractor. Very useful and handy.

[@Puckgrinder85]

If you're constantly at the lift capacity of your loader, you don't need to negate buying the SSQA, you need a bigger tractor.

[@fhuber7507]

Exactly

[@Arfonfree]

That's what I keep telling my wife... then she says, "I'll think about it. Why don't you give it a try with what you've got." And before she ever gets back to me, I've got the job done.

[@timtwing5886]

@@Arfonfree you go through your wife!? Wow and people wonder what's wrong with society

[@bropocalypse2065]

My tractor lust was unsatiated while you’ve been gone. Want a tractor bad and these videos are all that I have. I missed you. In a platonic way. Mostly.

[@lewiscleale5236]

Ha.

[@seansysig]

Your the only dealer that ever mentioned the loss of bucket loader breakout force and loss of lifting capacity.

[@stevewarner8880]

All valid points Neil but for me the benefits outweighed the negatives. The only negative for me is they allow you to purchase a universe of expensive attachments!

[@kevinhall2910]

I bought my tractor 4 months ago and, thankfully, it has the quick attach. I asked for the forks at the same time but I was concerned that I was buying them and wouldn't use them. The forks are used 80% plus - best purchase ever. I am adding the 3rd hydraulic for the front to angle a snowplow I just ordered. Couldn't do that with a pin on bucket. I am in the middle of building a house and today I dug a trench for propane access (backhoe and loader), moved material around the site (forks), helped contractors get heavy tools out of the basement (forks), lifted my new snowblower out of the trailer (forks), brought new flooring material to the basement (forks), and graded the site (loader). I changed the loader bucket for forks at least 4 times. Sick attach on the front is awesome and quick attach on the back is almost as good. Removing the backhoe is 2 pins and 3 hoses. Before adding the quick attach snowblower you have to add the 3 point hitch arms. Not a big deal, but not as quick as the switch on the front!!

[@DingDangKid]

Worst part of the QA coupler is that the options are limitless but my wallet is not!

[@MetaView7]

So true !

[@justadbeer]

haha - good point

[@eosjoe565]

Agree. Most folks who opt for a pin-on bucket usually regret the decision eventually.

[@williamhaynes7089]

I have a pinned bucket, and I have been able to do everything i have ever wanted to do... (I knew that when i bought it what the options were)

[@jonathancampbell6121]

I almost went with a pin on bucket for cost savings, but I am so glad I went with the skid steer coupler. Makes changing between the bucket and pallet forks quick and easy.

[@lucasvanblaricom3316]

I wanted a John Deere but for what I want they were more expensive...bought a kubota and would never look back easy to service yourself and that quick plate is worth every penny

[@joshuapreusser2265]

I'm actually a little surprised/curious that the sub-compacts didn't default to using the mini-skid steer couplers instead of the standard skid steer coupler. Granted that the interface for the mini's aren't quite as standardized (or common) as the full sized/standardized SSQA interface, but the attachments built to the mini-skid steer interface would generally seem to be better aligned to the capabilities of a sub-compact tractor (and even some of the smaller compact tractors).

[@williamhaynes7089]

I have a non orange brand, but the bucket is fixed... (I knew that when i bought it). I am still 100% happy...

[@chuckcurtin]

Everything is a trade-off. I got the QD and am happy with itl

[@nicholascote8469]

You guys should do some videos on the proper trailer to use for the tractor size and how to properly secure the equipment to the trailer

[@MessicksEquip]

I have, check our prior videos

[@suburbantractor9125]

Not an expert by any means, but I believe that the "proprietary" solution makes sense on the sub-compact tractors for the exact reasons pointed out in this video. Less loss of lift capacity and anything that should be on the front of that "proprietary" loader arm is available. If it's not, it probably wouldn't work for the sub compact anyway. On larger tractors, SSQA all the way!!!

[@Dan-nj8du]

Not to mention maintenance. Look at all the lube points. A skid steer coupler with a rusted/seized lock pin is pretty useless.

[@paulkleinschmit9871]

Depends upon how large of a tractor you are talking about. Obviously the upside of the SSQA is the flexibility of attachment for the tractor but the biggest downfall of the SSQA is that it was designed for skidsteer loaders where you normally have excellent visibility of the coupler. On a large tractor with four wheel drive, it can be difficult to see any quick coupler and having a SSQA can be an exercise in frustration with changing attachments. Often the Euro coupler becomes more popular.

[@jameslmorehead]

I had a rental L47 with the front loader and backhoe which I was using to do some dirt work and to move some concrete pads around that I had cut out of a parking lot. The pads weighed too much to lift with the bucket, so I removed the bucket using the quick coupler. A sling around the cross pole on the end of the loader arm and a couple of chains and the L47 was lifting 5" thick slabs 3' wide and 10' long. It got a little light in the rear, but it handled it like a champ. Putting the bucket back on was a pain since the pins had never been lubricated.

[@pstroker97]

I have the QA on my bx2380 if you use the skid steer heavy duty forks it won't pick up a qholw lot before the rear end starts to come up. but if you use a lighter duty set of forks you can just about pick up what you would with the bucket. i love mine for moving my pallet box around and lifting stuff into my storage building and moving brush and wood around on my property its does and excellent job

[@roberthiday3342]

Another helpful video. I am about to buy my first (BX) and am trying to soak up all the knowledge that I can. thanks.

[@wildbill23c]

Although a bit late, ok a year late...I have a BX2680 and love it...I only have an acre so its the best size for my needs. I didn't feel I would use a backhoe enough to justify getting the BX23S, so I went with the BX2680. With it, I have plenty of PTO horsepower for anything I'd ever need, I will run out of traction long before I run out of HP. I did order a 60" mid mount mower but never received it, so having to come up with another $2500 to buy from a different dealer kind of soured me on Kubota. Tractor is great, but their dealers need a kick in the ass for piss poor communication, inventory management, and backlog.

[@redneckmini14]

I think the pros outweigh the cons. I definitely want a quick attach on my next tractor so I can put forks on it.

[@williambrewer6346]

Global/Euro is the only way to go. Pull the release latch, disattach and reattach bucket, then roll the bucket all the way back and the latch engages automatically. You only have to get off the tractor one time. Perfect!

[@noc8076]

Always buy the next size up tractor that you figure you need. Unless you have very specific needs with regards to fitting a tractor through narrow openings, you will never regret buying a bigger machine.

[@brettblack7049]

Just as long as the tractor doesn't leave your property and impact to a customer's/your yard doesn't matter. And if they will be leaving the property you may need a larger trailer/truck to haul it as well. Fuel consumption also comes into play, but the good thing there is a larger machine will get the job done quicker so fuel consumption will even out unless you are using smaller implements, then you need to upgrade those to larger ones to benefit from having the larger tractor.

[@wildbill23c]

I have a lawn tractor, next size up is a BX LOL.

[@noc8076]

@@wildbill23c You need more land! :D

[@karnesmotorsports]

Only thing better than a skid steer quick attach is the hydraulic powered skid steer quick attach that the grand L series has! Worth every penny I paid for it!

[@Ampersandrascott]

When i was growing up, farm tractors didn’t have loaders. We used trip buckets attached to the 3-point. Talk about slow! I would have killed for a loader!

[@tsafa]

Another benefit of the quick attach is that it increases your reach. That can make a little bit of difference when you're trying to dump into the back of an F-550 dump truck uneven ground. For me the extra rich is worth the loss in lift capacity.

[@prow6586]

I'm for standard quick coupler. I'm also for standard 3rd function.

[@richfurman5463]

thanks for the info and welcome back. I've missed your videos.

[@bmastermb]

I was one of those people on the fence about getting pin on for more lift. I got the QC and it works great. If I can't take an extra few pounds I just make one more trip. Not really a big deal and definitely not worth more than the unlimited options of a qc

[@wildbill23c]

My thoughts exactly. I can easily make an extra trip or a few extra trips if needed...beats using a wheelbarrow or carrying whatever it is with your hands/arms. I mean if you have a tractor, you are going to want to play with it all the time anyways, so what's an extra few trips to the dirt pile for example, its more time spent on the tractor, what matters, you aren't doing any work really LOL.

[@JeremyTVOK]

I’ve only ever used the quick coupler to take my bucket off in order to work in tighter spots, but I like knowing I have the ability to quickly change attachments if I ever purchase additional attachments.

[@MrRerod]

Up to how many hp tractor is it good for?

[@MessicksEquip]

approx 150

[@bryantjones8039]

I truly enjoyed watching your videos. I have a kubota L3301 4x4 2015. In inches what is the largest disc harrow that you would recommend?

[@mattcanfield6384]

I use a 7ft with my l2501 works fine

[@bryantjones8039]

@@mattcanfield6384 Thank you very much for your reply. I know of someone that has a 6'ft disc harrow for sale and someone told me that it was a bit too big for my tractor. Again it's a 2015 kubota L3301 4x4 with a bucket.

[@mattcanfield6384]

@@bryantjones8039 no problem in my experience people under estimate the kubota L tractor I run fluid filled R1 ag tires pull a 2 bottom plow, 7 ft disc, a few different mowers, move 1000 pound round bales all the time and have a 7ft snow plow that I plow with 6 months out of the year I live in lake superior lake effect snow area and it gets a major work out good luck and happy tractoring

[@bryantjones8039]

@@mattcanfield6384 Thanks I feel more at ease about buying it now. Merry Christ-mas.

[@RichardGilbert2727]

@@bryantjones8039 I used a 6' disc harrow on my JD970, which was 33 hp. Did fine. I tend to take turns with the disc down very gradually or lift the implement though. Afraid of hurting the disc more than anything.

[@zacharyhenderson2902]

So long as the happy homeowner realizes his BX series tractor isn't a cat 955, well, your dealer's repair shop would probably close haha

[@wildbill23c]

That's the problem, people get a "Tractor" and think it can lift or operate any attachment, accessory, or implement, and usually find out the hard expensive way that its not the case. I'm hoping to get a BX tractor at some point but with the 1 acre property I have, its definitely going to be well within its working/operating limits. When you've done everything by hand for 30+ years, you would quickly appreciate even the smallest Tractor out there with a loader. Yep I'll get the quick coupler, and honestly I can work around what little lift capacity a BX has and not have to haul whatever is in the bucket around in my hands/arms.

[@mattcanfield6384]

The only downsides are old tractors don't have it and Deere won't use its the best thing since sliced bread

[@kdegraa]

I guess if the quick attach front end is not fitted to your small tractor you will not worry about how much your pallet forks can lift because your tractor will not have pallet forks fitted.

[@jeffstrains4014]

Do these have a HP rating or limit? I have an older unit what's now a M135 I would like to use it for a set of forks and hay spike, but I sometimes push my limits with the forks. Thanks

[@MessicksEquip]

Your on the upper range of where you usually see SSL couplers, but we do still put them on that series.

[@tonybrown3778]

I saw that video. Not much snow involved. Curious how it will do with six inches or more. I know that it all depends on the type of snow also. Fluffy or wet i just like to see how things work to help me make a decision. How far will it push six inches of fluffy snow for example

[@charliesawyer8327]

No Bill story......bummer.....

[@kurtmuzio3077]

Do you guys know if the newer 4 pin QA couplers will work on an older Kubota loader? Have a BF300A loader on my older B8200 and a QA would be great to have.

[@MessicksEquip]

No, but there is one from ATI

[@fhuber7507]

Pushes the bucket forward a bit and reduces effective lift capacity.

[@blakerugg]

resale value should be the number one reason in favor of getting a skid steer coupler

[@eromlla]

Hi can or have you done a 4in1 bucket usages on mx5200 or other kubota tractors regards ken

[@MessicksEquip]

Its on my list. Not many are sold around here

[@HireFarms]

Neil - Numbers aside - for those MX owners, what have you seen / heard of people lifting for weight? Assuming enough counter weight of course.

[@mesanders1113]

Kubota loaders are a bit underated. In my L series I have lifted a few hundred pounds over its rated capacity but sense kubotas tend to be lighter I would recommend caution. Things can go real bad real quick even at 1mph. I'd stay at its rated capacity only if using ballast and for longevity. At my previous job we got a m7060 cab tractor the local dealer filled the tires and with no counterweight on the back it was a shifty tractor when near the capacity.

[@MessicksEquip]

Usually 20-30% over the rated number to a carrying height

[@HireFarms]

@@MessicksEquip I purchase a pallet of wood pellets at 2,000lbs. It would be nice to just lift it high enough so my truck can drive out from under it and then lower the load to the ground. On concrete with my 1,300lb bush hog and 3 sets of Kubota wheel weights. However I'm guessing she won't lift that much weight at that height? I figured I'd unload a few bags (40lb bags) and get down to where she is happy and can lift the load. Less trips on and off the truck...very nice for a short guy like me.

[@MessicksEquip]

Skids are tough, because a lot of the weight is far away from the tractor.

[@geoffgeoff3333]

If lift load (and reach) are an issue, why not just forget about TLBs and buy a skidsteer instead? An SSV75, for example, will outperform any comparable sized TLB (lift capacity, dump height, turning radius, operator visibility&comfort, too).

[@MessicksEquip]

Yes... There's also a pretty significant price difference to. and the fact that most of these are sold in residential applications, where a skid steer would be a disaster.

[@stevek4449]

Is there a pro and con of euro global quick attach vs skid steer quick attach? I like the euro simplicity of use vs skid steer but I am thinking it might be a bit harder to find euro compatibility in attachments. What have you guys noticed between systems in sales, function and accessories available...might need a video for this topic :) the tractor I am focusing my research on is the m5-111-1 also how is it different than m5-111? Ok another video topic, but hey spring is coming so it's better than standing in the snow right?

[@MessicksEquip]

Euro is generally considered a better system, but there is very little support for it under 200hp.

[@stevek4449]

@@MessicksEquip no hope of it growing any time soon?

[@MessicksEquip]

No, the market has preferred skidsteer for decades.

[@scottmoss6759]

Another great video Neil, I have an L3901HST (just bought in August) with a third function valve for my front grapple. How about doing a video on ways to disconnect and reconnect hydraulic quick connects. They require some serious strength and efforts to connect. My grapple has the skid steer hydraulic couplers on it. I think they call them flat faced couplers.

[@keithbryan6073]

I am currently a Kubota Salesman from Florida. Previously I was a service manager. I read your comment and I'm curious to find out if you are releasing the hydraulic pressure in your grapple lines before disconnecting them? The process is pretty simple and should help when you get ready to reconnect the grapple to your tractor. It is also the same process that you would go through if you ever attach a rear implement that requires hydraulic lines to be attached to your tractor. (You would also do this process if you ever want to remove your loader.) After lowering the implement into the position it will be stored in what you will want to do before disconnecting your hoses is turn the tractor off. Then turn the key to the ON position without cranking the engine. (Remember if the Engine is spinning then so is the hydraulic pump which is charging the system with hydraulic pressure. So do not start the engine just put the key in the ON position.) With the key in the ON position work your 3rd Function valve switch for both the Open and Close Function. You should hear a distinct clicking sound from the 3rd Function Valve Solenoids. When they activate from you pressing the Open and Closed button and you hear that clicking sound the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic lines at the front of the tractor has been relieved. You are now ready to disconnect you Grapple and hoses. This should enable you to reconnect them very easily. I recommend before attempting to reattach the hoses simply perform the same process in case he switch was re-activated during use. This will relieve the hydraulic pressure in the tractor side of the hoses. If you ever forget to perform this process, wrap a rag around your quick coupling and hold the hose end in one hand. (The rag will prevent Hydraulic Fluid from spraying all over you and the tractor.) Give the Coupling a quick smack on something that will pop the center back into the coupling. Flat Faced couplings will require you aiming for a bolt head or something in order to depress the center and relieve the pressure that you forgot to relieve with the above process. Poppet style couplings (sometimes also called nipple style), or ball style couplings only require a rag wrapped around them and holding on tight while smacking them onto a flat surface such as your loader arm. You're not trying to break the coupling you're just trying to make it open up and let the pressure out of the hose. 1 quick hit on something to depress the center of the coupling will do the trick. Again the rag will stop the hydraulic fluid from spraying you and the tractor. (You might get some hydraulic fluid on you, but not like I did when my mechanic thinking he would be funny asked me to do this to relieve the hose pressure from a 15 foot batwing mower and the crotch area of my jeans suddenly looked like I had peed myself....) First relieving the hydraulic pressure that is in the lines of whatever hydraulically powered attachment that you want to remove from your tractor before disconnecting the hydraulic hoses is the key to an easy re-connection process. I hope this is helpful and if you are already utilizing this information then you may want to take the unit in for inspection to see if something is legitimately wrong with your tractor or else the quick couplings themselves.

[@RichardGilbert2727]

@@keithbryan6073 I have had 2 Kubotas and just got a new one-with my first loader, grapple, and front blade. Your answer is so helpful. Thank you for taking the time. Incidentally, my first Kubota was a B6100E my father bought in Cocoa, Florida-in 1978!-for his nursery in Melbourne. Was just telling my brother in Palm Bay he needs a Kubota . . .

[@xdude2x]

The only downside I see is that don’t currently have one, but that all changes this weekend!

[@HarryHound1]

Hi Neil I really enjoy your videos, here in the Uk the dealers have a very poor level of Kubota product knowledge so when they sell to a novice it is like the blind leading the blind. Something I have never had a answer to is on my b3150 hydrostatic what revs should I have when working it? The max is about 2700rpm but it seems wrong to run it at max Thanks Michael

[@rocksandoil2241]

That 100# is way too heavy and yes, temptation is latch on something too big for a small tractor.

[@ryanhazekamp333]

I had a problem when back dragging the bucket would come uncoupled

[@keithbryan6073]

That sounds like something is wrong and should be inspected at the dealership on your next service. (I'm a former Kubota Service Manager I like to gleam further info from these videos by reading the comments and came across your situation. I have tons of customers who back drag with their bucket without issue. I would get the dealership to look into that if it were mine.)

[@atvboy11]

Is that an open station M5/6 I see further down the line?

[@jc-botaman1077]

Good video Neil. I went through that exact thought process when I bought my B2650. I didn't want the extra weight and expense of the SSQA on it because my larger tractor already has it. Question Neil, have you heard of any possibility that Kubota will offer a cab in their TLB series. I really like my L47, just wish I could get one with a factory cab.

[@MessicksEquip]

There are cabs available, from Curtis. It doesn't seem like there's enough people out there asking for it.

[@kalvindizzle4058]

if you are carrying that close to your max weight capacity you need to go up a size in the tractor period. why push it to the limit when for really not that much more you can get the next size up.

[@wildbill23c]

Its like buying an old compact pickup to do the work of a full size truck LOL.

[@CesarNunes18]

The question is can i use an skidsteer bucket on it ??

[@timtwing5886]

Well you could laugh a JD in house QA by it limiting your availability to put more attachments on your tractor but you said it in the video yourself. The SSQA allows you to attach any implement from a skid steer on your compact tractor. If you use a big grapple that was made for a skid steer on your compact tractor you're taking a lot of weight away from your lift capacity not just in the weight of the grapple but also in the fact that the grapple hangs out from the tractor instead of being compact up against it. So it's the weight of the grapple plus extending too far away from the tractor you could be losing 500+pounds from your lift capacity and if you're trying to pick up logs and maneuver them to a certain height that could be an issue. If you have an attachment that has a hydraulic motor a compact tractor doesn't have the hydraulic capacity to operate that up to efficiency. So with people being able to use more attachments on their tractor with a SSQA they could run into more issues or possibly damage something on their tractor because they're not sizing the implement properly. But JDQA is locking you into their proprietary system but you have less of a chance of putting something on your front loader that doesn't belong there.

[@kennethharwood2083]

Great information

[@justloggit22]

Why not shorten the loader arms, re-engineer the arms so all come with the quick attach. With kubotas lack luster lift capacities it could give you guys a bump in your stats.

[@MessicksEquip]

I did an entire video on balanced loader stats.

[@justloggit22]

Messick's yep I watched it and remember what you said, I’m saying shorten the loader arms a bit so that the quick disconnect pivot point would be the same as the pinned on bucket instead of it being an extension. You do a great job on these videos. Thanks for replying.

[@rescueraver]

For the sub compact I believe you lose too much of the lift capacity with the Bobcat Q.A. Tractors that have a 1300lbs lift capacity would greatly benefit from the Q.A.

[@tonybrown3778]

Hi neil. Been watching your videos for a while now. Just recently subscribed. Would like to see more videos on a b 2650 hstc. Want to buy one for snow removal. I see vary little videos of them with the snow pusher on the loader. Maybe its a bad idea and people dont do it because of the tractor size. Give me your thoughts please. Love your vids. Thanks

[@michaelbristow6970]

Neil. I'm in agreement with Tony Brown. I own a B2650, with loader and subframe. I typically use the rotary broom, rear blade setup, but am interested in purchasing the box blade from you

[@MessicksEquip]

Are you talking about the snow box? I did a video on one of those last winter? I'm not in the office right now, Nate Glessner is who normally handles remote sales like this.

[@michaelbristow6970]

@@MessicksEquip my email is [e-mail] Yes, like the ones you did a review on last winter. Email me this week, we will get it worked out. Thanks Neil

[@JoeMalovich]

Cost aside, why not make it out of aluminum? This would increase lifting capacity and if properly engineered just as strong.

[@eosjoe565]

Artillian makes a lightweight fork frame and tines for the JDQA loaders. It only weighs around 200 lb. but has a load capacity of 2300 lb, far more than most SCUT/CUT can lift. It is a great solution when trying to maximize the lifting capability on a small tractor.

[@M5tworude]

Weight multiplied by arm is moment. Not sure what a moment arm is.

[@paulkleinschmit9871]

There's an additional drawback to the skidsteer coupler. That is that it was developed by a skidsteer manufacturer (Bobcat) for use on skidsteers. In other words, this coupler does demand better visual contact with the coupler. So on subcompacts, compacts, and small utility tractors, this coupler works fine, but for larger tractors, I recommend the euro-style couplers if the option is available. Sure there maybe less implements available, but it still is probably the second most popular coupler out there and in my opinion, easier to to attach implements on loader tractors with poorer view of the coupler. Also, the euro adapter does have a higher weight capacity for the higher powered ag tractors.

[@billfischer6464]

Any idea if Neil still works the lot selling equipment to us average Joe's? Love the info and help your videos put out there. More curiosity than anything.

[@eosjoe565]

I'm sure if you walked in and said you want to buy a tractor but needed to talk to Neil he would be glad to take care of you.

[@MessicksEquip]

I do periodically, but I'm not an easy guy to get ahold of. the only time I actively sell is every other Saturday, when our staffing schedule is a little thin. People from KZbin come in and ask to meet me all the time, I'm always up for that when it suits.

[@eosjoe565]

@@MessicksEquip It sounds like it is time to dig out the life-size Neil cardboard cutout. :-)

[@petebusch9069]

SSQA, the option everyone wants but nobody uses LOL.

[@MessicksEquip]

I don't know, I use mine far more than my 3pt.

[@dirkdempsey4693]

No downside