Just wanted to share my project. I have an l785 with the old style, new holland design attachment plate adapter. Since the universal bobcat design is the industry standard, and I could not find a bucket that would work, I decided to buy an adapter /conversion plate. What I wanted was $750 plus another $150 for shipping. NO WAY! I decided to make one. I purchased a skeletonized bucket and tractor to bobcat latch box adapter and cut the tabs of. I purchased 6 pieces 1/2 x3 x12 at my local metal shop. A buddy boarded some holes and made some bushings for me. I measured the old plate, welded everything up square and true, some paint and ready to install. I drilled some 5/16 holes for pin retention bolts. In case anyone else was trying to do something similar, the tractor adapter was something similar to this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KC6MXMA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1UMJD02VNELD Not exactly the same one but very close. I added bracing where I saw necessary. Besides the bucket and conversion plate (it was a package deal, I love craigslist) I'm into this project for 60 bucks, that covers the metal plate and bracing material. This does not include the machining work or bushings. I traded some skid steer work for that labor. Add to that about 8 hours of cutting, grinding, welding etc. I had to take into account welded duty cycle, cooling of metal, taking my time and enjoying the project, so you might be able to do the job faster. I hope this helps someone.
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Looks great. Do you have a zerk anywhere to grease the pins? Just asking, not trying to be a downer?
Nice work! How do you like the skeleton bucket? Where abouts in SC are you?
The zerk question is valid. The cylinder part has threaded holes on top for easy access, currently missing zerk as I just purchased this a few weeks ago. The bottom pins have zerks on he sides. I'm in Columbia, north east side. My property is in fairfield county.
The bucket does great for me right now. I have a lot of wood debris all over the property after logging operations a few years back. This allows me to pick up the wood and leave most of the dirt in place. This bucket is stout! I will need to buy a regular bucket soon. Maybe I'll get a 4 in 1 if the auxiliary hydraulics on my L785 work.