Skid steers are just about the most versatile pieces of equipment for anything that requires heavy lifting, digging, or clearing. This versatility is largely due to the huge variety of skid steer attachments available-giving a single machine the ability to do almost anything you need it to. A common roadblock a lot of operators face is that there is an even bigger selection of useful tractor implements that you can’t use on a skid steer. Thankfully, there are so many adapters for skid steers that can bridge the gap of compatibility between the attachments you love and most machine models.

Let’s get into the world of 3-point hitches and adapters for skid steers and talk about how to use adapter plates, choosing the right one for you, and what to look for to determine the motor that matches your machine.

Understanding Skid Steer Adapters

The 3-point adapter converts the skid steer's mounting system to accommodate 3-point hitch attachments. This means that you can easily use the tractor attachments you have lying around on your skid steer loader. A 3-point hitch plate will triple the agricultural, landscaping, and soil preparation jobs you can do. If that’s not enough for you, think about how much time and money you’re going to save when you eliminate the need to invest in specialized attachments for your different machines.

Now that we have gone through just a few of the basic benefits an adapter can offer you, we will look at some of the different types of adapters out there and what they can do.

Universal Quick Attach Adapter

The mounting plate and locking mechanism are standardized, meaning that any attachment designed to fit the Universal Quick Attach system should be compatible with any loader with the same system. This standardization opens up more options for you when start shopping for skid steer attachments.

The Universal Quick Attach system consists of a frame mounted on the front of the skid steer with a pair of locking levers. These levers engage or disengage pins on the attachment, securely locking it in place or releasing it for easy swap-out.

Weld-on Plates

For attachments without a quick attach mechanism, weld-on plates can be affixed to allow them to connect to a skid steer’s quick attach system. These plates serve as a universal interface that lets you use attachments on equipment not originally designed for that machine. So, if you’ve got an older rig, a weld-on adapter is a more cost-effective solution for using more modern attachments.

The installation of these adapter plates will require professional welding skills to be sure that the plate is attached securely to the machine. This process typically involves careful alignment to ensure that attachments can be easily and securely connected. It's crucial that the welding job does not compromise the structural integrity of either the equipment or the adapter plate. So, we advise that if you aren’t a welder, you call someone who is before you consider this option.

Auger Adapters

An auger adapter is just what it sounds like. They let you use different auger drives and bits that aren’t directly compatible with each other.

2" Hex to 2.56" Round Adapter

This adapter allows you to use a 2.56" round auger bit with a 2" hex auger drive unit. It's particularly useful if you have auger bits of different connection types and want to use them interchangeably with one auger drive.

2.56" Round to 2" Hex Adapter

The inverse of the first adapter, this one lets you use a 2" hex auger bit with a 2.56" round drive unit. It's ideal for situations where your existing drive unit and auger bits have mismatched connections.

2.56" Round to 3" Hex Adapter

This adapter enables the use of a 3" hex auger bit with a 2.56" round drive unit. This is for bigger auger bits like tree bits or some rocks auger bits.

How do I use my skid steer attachments on my tractor or 3-point machine?

Now that we have the basics covered you probably want to know how to use an adapter for your skid steer or tractor. There are just a couple of things you will want to check out before you get to work.

Identify the Attachment Interface

It is simple to understand which attachment interface you’re working with, but if this is your first machine or your first time using an adapter, be sure to read your machine’s manual and understand exactly what you have.

Skid Steer Attachments: These typically use a universal quick-attach system. It's a standardized interface that makes changing out attachments quick and easy.

Tractor 3-Point Hitch: Tractors commonly use a 3-point hitch system for attaching implements. This system uses three points of attachment and a hydraulic lift.

Purchase a Conversion Adapter

A conversion adapter connects skid steer attachments to a 3-point hitch. These adapters are available from various agricultural and equipment suppliers. Ensure the adapter matches the specs of your tractor's 3-point hitch (Category 1, 2, or 3) and the skid steer attachment's quick-attach system. We will go over that more here in a bit but for now, here are some of the different types of conversion adapters.

Universal Skid Steer Adapter: This adapter allows attachments with a universal skid steer mount to be connected to machines with different mounting systems. It's the most common type, given the popularity of the universal skid steer quick-attach system.

Global/Euro to Skid Steer Adapter: Designed for connecting global or Euro mount attachments to a skid steer loader. This is particularly useful for agricultural attachments that are more commonly found with global mounts.

John Deere to Skid Steer Adapter: Enables attachments designed for John Deere loaders to be used on skid steer loaders with a universal mount system.

Bobcat to Skid Steer Adapter: Bobcat loaders have unique attachment systems, and these adapters allow for Bobcat attachments to be used on other skid steer loaders.

Three-Point Hitch to Skid Steer Adapter: Converts a skid steer into a tractor loader, allowing for the use of three-point hitch attachments.

Install the Adapter on Your Tractor

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the conversion adapter securely to your tractor’s 3-point hitch. This process usually involves connecting the adapter to the three points of the hitch and securing it with pins.

Attach the Skid Steer Implement

With the adapter in place, you can now attach skid steer implements to your tractor. Line up the attachment's quick-attach mechanism with the adapter, lower the 3-point hitch to engage, and lock the attachment in place.

Check Compatibility and Capacity

Before using any skid steer attachment on your tractor, ensure that the attachment is compatible with your tractor’s capabilities. This includes checking the hydraulic flow requirements of the attachment against what your tractor can do and making sure the tractor can handle the weight and balance of the attachment.

Safety and Operation

Always review and follow safety guidelines when using attachments. This includes checking all connections for security and ensuring you’re familiar with the operation of the attachment.

Be aware of the attachment's impact on the tractor's handling and stability, especially with heavy or high-capacity implements.

Hydraulic Connections: If the skid steer attachment requires hydraulic power, check that your tractor has the right hydraulic outputs and that you've properly connected the hydraulic lines.

Do I Need Cat 1 or 2 Arms?

When it comes to choosing the right category of arms for your tractor, it really depends on the size and specs of your tractor, as well as the type of attachments you plan on using. Here's a basic guideline to help you determine whether you need Category 1 or Category 2 arms.

Category 1 (Cat 1)

Tractor Horsepower: Generally suitable for tractors with 20 to 45 horsepower.

Hitch Pin Diameter: The size of the hitch pins for Cat 1 is about 7/8 inch.

Width of Hitch: The lower arms are spaced about 26 inches apart, center-to-center.

Common Uses: Ideal for smaller, compact tractors used in gardening, landscaping, and small-scale farming or maintenance tasks.

Category 2 (Cat 2)

Tractor Horsepower: Typically fits tractors with 40 to 100 horsepower.

Hitch Pin Diameter: The hitch pins for Cat 2 hitches are about 1 1/8 inches in diameter.

Width of Hitch: The spacing between the lower arms is approximately 32 inches, center-to-center.

Common Uses: Suitable for larger tractors used in more extensive farming operations, larger landscaping projects, and heavier-duty tasks.

Deciding Between Cat 1 and Cat 2

Check Your Tractor’s Specifications: The first step is to consult your tractor’s manual or manufacturer’s website for information about its hitch category.

Consider Your Attachments: Look at the requirements of the implements you plan to use. Some implements are designed specifically for Cat 1 or Cat 2 hitches, while others may be adaptable to both with bushings or adapters.

Evaluate Your Needs: Think about the type of work you’ll be doing. If your jobs are lighter and your tractor is on the smaller side, Cat 1 may be enough. For heavier, more demanding work, Cat 2 might be the better move.

Adapters and Bushings: If you have a mismatch between your tractor’s hitch category and the implements you want to use, there are adapters and bushings available that can sometimes bridge the gap, allowing Cat 1 implements to be used on a Cat 2 hitch and vice versa. However, this may not work for every situation, especially for very heavy-duty or high-precision work.

Eterra Adapters

Check out Eterra's selection of Motorized and fixed 3-point Skid Steer Adapters and Skid Steer Adapters.

So now you know, with the right adapters, the potential applications of your skid steer expand quite a bit. Whether you’re working in construction, agriculture, or property maintenance, understanding and utilizing these adapters can double your productivity and efficiency on the jobsite. Have more questions? Give us a call: 866.966.2538