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Introduction Plus help on a JD 544K attachment aptions.

Junkcars

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
7
Location
WV, USA
Whats up people... Just joined this forum i think is awesome the amount of info you can find here! i tried to look for a introduction section for new members but i either didnt find it or this forum doesnt have one. I know in some other forums its good etiquette to introduce yourself before asking questions.

I'd like to get some info on how to go about installing forks on a JD 544k we just bought this thing and it doesnt have a quick coupler its just pretty much the 3 main arms held by pins straight to the bucket. I apologize for my lack of knowledge on its terminology but i will explain the best i can. I need forks and from what i can see there are 2 options qc and pin on style but i cannot find something that takes the 3 arms my 544k has am i missing something in between the carriage and the 3 arms to the machine? I can upload pictures tomorrow I'm sure that will help a lot better. anyways any insight is always appreciated.
 

mg2361

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2016
Messages
5,159
Location
Pennsylvania
Occupation
Equipment Mechanic
Welcome to HEF Junkcars;)!

i tried to look for a introduction section for new members but i either didnt find it
At the very bottom of the Forum list.

Screenshot 2024-03-12 at 5.11.47 AM.png

I'd like to get some info on how to go about installing forks

If I recall correctly, I think your only option is to purchase a front coupler kit so you can buy the coupler mounted forks (Paladin attachments). Unless someone knows of a manufacturer who makes pin on. There are hook type, where hooks are welded to the bucket and the forks hang from them, but I don't think the weld-on hook type will work on a "K" bucket.


Screenshot 2024-03-12 at 5.09.27 AM.png
 

Junkcars

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
7
Location
WV, USA
Welcome to HEF Junkcars;)!


At the very bottom of the Forum list.

View attachment 307647



If I recall correctly, I think your only option is to purchase a front coupler kit so you can buy the coupler mounted forks (Paladin attachments). Unless someone knows of a manufacturer who makes pin on. There are hook type, where hooks are welded to the bucket and the forks hang from them, but I don't think the weld-on hook type will work on a "K" bucket.


View attachment 307648


Got you! i totally missed that section and it was right there!!!


thank you for the info and yes i was doing so much research last night i realized i will need at least a coupler (i think thats what is called) and also forks because, you are right, im having a hard time finding pin on style forks, the ones i've seen arent compatible. I did find someone that can make forks for the industry I'm in (salvage cars) and the salesman told me they can make the direct pin on style but I dont wanna commit myself to having to remove pins every time i need to swap attachment. I am in a tough position tho because -correct me if im wrong- if i find the coupler then i cant use the bucket without removing the pins or welding some type of adapter to be compatible with the new coupler.
 

Junkcars

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
7
Location
WV, USA
if i send you my SN youll be able to tell me the correct kit i need? or at least point me in the right direction of what i need to look for to make sure the part im buying will fit my loader. thats my main problem im having i see the couplers on ebay and ironplanet and some other websites but i dont know which one will fit it. thanks
 

heymccall

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2007
Messages
5,385
Location
Western Pennsylvania
We have a bunch of JRB (paladin) attachments in our going out of business auction. 5' frame with 5' tines, and 8' frames with 6' tines. And 9' angle brooms, and a jib boom, and side dump buckets, and 4in1 buckets.
And 3 and 3.5 cuyd buckets. Westmoreland County, PA.
Hunyady on April 3.
Hell, buy a loader, too.

As for fit up, our Deeres had 3 linkage options.
Parallel, Z-bar, or Powerllel. The parallel has two tilt cylinders.
 

heymccall

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2007
Messages
5,385
Location
Western Pennsylvania
And, if someone has a way to determine, we have a 544GTC, Zbar, w/18k hours and a hole in the engine block. It has a JRB (Paladin) coupler. It goes, too (whole machine). The 544G are 12 volt, and H,J, and K are 24V.
 
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mg2361

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2016
Messages
5,159
Location
Pennsylvania
Occupation
Equipment Mechanic
if i find the coupler then i cant use the bucket
You can buy plates to replace the pin-on plates. The pin-on plates get cut off and the JRB coupler plates get welded on in their place. See below.

if i send you my SN youll be able to tell me the correct kit i need?
Just post it here. Or just look up your parts here.


Screenshot 2024-03-13 at 4.58.45 AM.png
 
Last edited:

Junkcars

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
7
Location
WV, USA
We have a bunch of JRB (paladin) attachments in our going out of business auction. 5' frame with 5' tines, and 8' frames with 6' tines. And 9' angle brooms, and a jib boom, and side dump buckets, and 4in1 buckets.
And 3 and 3.5 cuyd buckets. Westmoreland County, PA.
Hunyady on April 3.
Hell, buy a loader, too.

As for fit up, our Deeres had 3 linkage options.
Parallel, Z-bar, or Powerllel. The parallel has two tilt cylinders.
sorry about the late reply i havent had time to log in how do i contact you or get some more info ? i sent you a PM
 

Junkcars

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
7
Location
WV, USA
just wanted to say thank you all for helping me in this quest and expanding my understanding of what my options are. I still havent bought anything yet but at least now i know what i need to look for.
 
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