A skid steer and any attachment you intend to use will feature one of several types of adapters, mounting plates or attachment styles. Read the specifications sheet or operation and maintenance manual (OMM) to determine the style that your skid steer or attachment uses.
Most modern equipment features the UQA system, which facilitates universal compatibility for skid steers and attachments from any manufacturer. UQA steers feature a frame and locking levers on the front. UQA attachments feature pins that the steer’s locking levers can grasp.
Attachment Adapters
You can use a three-point adapter to connect your steer’s mounting system and any attachment with a three-point hitch. A tractor’s three-point hitch will be one of Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3. The adapter and attachment must match the skid steer’s hitch category. The following are the most common types of adapters:
- Universal skid steer adapters allow multiple types of machines to use UQA attachments.
- Global Euro skid steer adapters allow domestic skid steers to use attachments from international manufacturers.
- John Deere skid steer adapters allow attachments designed for John Deere machines to be used on any brand’s skid steers with a universal mounting system.
- Bobcat skid steer adapters allow Bobcat attachments to connect to skid steers from alternate brands.
- Weld-on plates retrofit an attachment to make it compatible with a skid steer featuring a UQA system. Applying a weld-on plate requires professional services.