Identifying Skid Steer & Tractor Quick Attach Systems
At GLC Equipment, we sell attachments for skid steers as well as small and large tractors. Almost all modern skid steers use the SSQA system to connect attachments to the skid steer. Some tractor manufacturers such as Kubota are also using the SSQA system. John Deere has the JD 440/540 system for smaller JD tractors and many larger tractor manufacturers use the Euro quick attach system (also known as Global or ALO)
If your attachment system is not one of the above, we can still help you. HLA makes attachments to fit many different models of tractors, backhoes and front end loaders.
Skid Steer Quick Attach
If your quick attach has two spring loaded lever arms at the top which, when lowered, insert a pin on each side into a slot on the bottom of the attachment, you very likely have a skid steer quick attach system. If you measure the distance between the bottom pins, they should be 33 ½” apart (center to center), plus or minus 1 ½”, so between 32” and 35”. This attachment system is the most common and is found on all new brands of skid steer, as well as some brands of tractors and front end loaders.
JD Quick Attach
Small to mid-size John Deere tractors have a unique attachment system called the JD 440/540 system or simply the hook and pin system. This system allows you to curl your loader arms under the hooks at the back of the attachment. Then the bottom pin/ pins on your attachment insert into the holes on the bottom of the loader arms and are secured with linch pins. This particular attachment is standard on almost all of the smaller John Deere loaders. John Deere series 200, 300, 400 and 500 loaders will most likely have this style system.
Euro/Global/ALO
Euro, Global, ALO are all different terms for the same connection method. This system is used on larger tractors and on some loaders. Connecting your attachment is the same as it would be for skid steer or JD quick attach. You tilt the loader arms forward and hook onto the attachment, then tilt the loader arms back, holding the attachment. This allows the bottom slots to line up with the pins. Finally, you pull the spring handle out and give it a turn. This will insert the loader pins into the two holes on either side of the bottom of the attachment.
Dimensions of various skid steer mounting plates
