Machine Builders Network+ Forums Thread Like Summary - Skid Steer root rake guard plates

Typical import skid steer attachment issues- lack of attention paid during design and manufacture,these people design attachments that never use them- an import RB Auction skid steer 'root rake' attachment--has a hydraulic top clamp to hold brush,roots, wood (logs,branches,etc) for grabbing and transport via skid steer loader..the hydraulic cylinders that operate the top clamp grab have pins that hold them into place on the rake..the designer used 3/4" steel pins with hitch pin clips to mount the cylinders to the top of the clamp which has been OK, and the lower pins go right to the frame(see upper part of 2nd photo) via tang brackets with a 3/4" hole thru them..nice and easy to make but when you use the rake, the lower pins drag in the dirt and the hitch pin clips get snagged on debris,and you lose the clips and then the pins that mount the lower part of the cylinders..this led to the cylinder moving upwards and ripping the hoses loose, destroying two $100 hydraulic hoses in the process..so I needed to fabricate two guards for the lower cylinder mounts to protect the pins and clips..easy to do with (2) sections of 1/4"plate, 6"W x 12"L, press bent and welded to protect the cylinder bottom mounts. I also modified the pins to have a shoulder on one side and only one(1) hitch pin clip on the other. The pin is far back enough under the guard I think it'l survive the next use and live on.




I coulda had more pics of this easy build job but time was tight today,I ran pretty fast thru the shop to whip these up..installed, rattlecan painted, and back online for the next job. So far the RB Auction import attachments have been marginal in quality, expect to have to work on them if you use them much..welder is handy to own if you use them a lot..it's not IF but <when> you'll have to repair your attachment

I couldn't even make it myself for what I paid, including RB auction commission and tax. I always try to buy USA made..But raw material costs are thru the roof,and it would take at least a whole section of 3/8"plate to make one..plus the energy to plasma cut out all the parts,grind,fit and weld it together. If it breaks again, I'll just weld it back up.