Choosing Between ISO and JRB Quick Attach Systems: Compatibility, Conversion, and Cost

[MikePhua]

Understanding Quick Attach Systems
Quick attach systems are a foundational aspect of modern heavy equipment, enabling operators to switch attachments quickly without leaving the cab or relying on tools. The two primary types discussed here are:

• ISO (also known as "Universal Skid Steer") quick attach
  
• JRB (a proprietary wedge-style coupler)
  

Each system has distinct mechanical locking mechanisms, attachment geometry, and industry use cases. Selecting the right one affects not only convenience but long-term compatibility with a fleet of tools or other machines.
ISO Quick Attach: Universal by Design
The ISO quick attach system—also referred to as the "Bobcat-style" or "skid steer universal mount"—is a global standard. Most compact track loaders, skid steers, and newer equipment from major brands support ISO mounts by default.
Key features:

• Dual-handle mechanical latching or hydraulic pins
  
• Two horizontal mounting plates with a locking lever
  
• Consistent geometry across brands (CAT, Case, Bobcat, Kubota, John Deere, etc.)
  
• Abundant availability of attachments worldwide
  

This system benefits from its universality. You can hook up a grapple built in Ohio to a loader in Alberta with no need for modification. Many fleet operators standardize on ISO for interchangeability across brands and job types.
JRB Quick Attach: Stability and Strength
The JRB coupler, by contrast, is a proprietary wedge-lock system most commonly seen on larger loaders and backhoes. It's known for robust attachment retention and is often used in high-load environments like quarrying, municipal snow removal, or demolition.
Key characteristics:

• Wedge-style locking design with vertical pins
  
• Mechanical or hydraulic actuation
  
• Superior locking force and alignment precision
  
• Fewer third-party attachment options
  

While the JRB system offers great strength and rigidity, its limitation lies in compatibility. Attachments built for ISO won't directly fit, and vice versa. JRB equipment tends to have more OEM-specific implements, particularly from manufacturers like Volvo, Deere, and CASE.
Evaluating Conversion: Is It Worth Switching?
Switching from JRB to ISO (or the reverse) involves hardware modification, either through changing the coupler on the machine or adapting each attachment individually. Decisions around conversion typically revolve around the following considerations:

• Attachment inventory: If you already own several ISO attachments, it may be more cost-effective to convert the coupler to ISO.
  
• Machine flexibility: ISO allows more machines to share a pool of attachments, including skid steers, mini loaders, and CTLs.
  
• Application type: For heavy, repetitive tasks with a single purpose (e.g., dedicated snow bucket), JRB may remain ideal.
  
• Resale and interoperability: Machines with ISO couplers tend to have greater resale appeal due to broader compatibility.
  

A user once shared a case where converting their older Volvo loader from JRB to ISO allowed them to use rented attachments in a pinch during a busy landscaping season, saving both downtime and rental costs.
Options for Converting Between Systems
There are several paths to bridge the compatibility gap between ISO and JRB:

• Replace the coupler: Some manufacturers or third parties offer ISO couplers that can replace the factory JRB. This is the cleanest option but also the most expensive.
  
• Use an adapter plate: An ISO-to-JRB (or reverse) adapter is a middle-ground solution. It adds weight and offsets the attachment slightly but retains flexibility.
  
• Fabricate custom mounts: For older machines or unique use cases, custom welding may be a viable DIY solution.
  

Adapter plates are common among rental fleets that need to run mixed-attachment inventories. However, some caution is warranted: added offset can affect tipping loads and lifting geometry. One owner noted reduced breakout force on his CASE loader after installing an adapter, due to the change in center-of-gravity.
Hydraulic Considerations
Switching mounting systems often goes hand-in-hand with re-plumbing hydraulic lines to match attachment types. ISO attachments may have flat-face couplers, while JRB attachments on older machines may use push-to-connect types.
Recommendations:

• Standardize to flat-face couplers: They are cleaner, safer, and less prone to contamination.
  
• Install quick-disconnect blocks: Allows for fast hydraulic changeover between tools.
  
• Check flow ratings: High-flow attachments may require upgraded hoses or fittings to match system capacity.
  

Operator Stories and Field Wisdom
One operator recalled switching from JRB to ISO on his compact wheel loader to share attachments with his skid steer fleet. Though the conversion cost $2,500 in parts and labor, it paid for itself within months due to increased tool availability and reduced transport downtime.
Another contractor in northern Minnesota chose to stay with JRB for his municipal fleet. The extra security of the wedge lock system, especially for plows and buckets used in icy conditions, outweighed the flexibility ISO offered.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Based on Strategy
Choosing between ISO and JRB ultimately depends on your equipment ecosystem, application needs, and long-term plans. ISO wins in flexibility and market penetration. JRB shines in strength and secure locking, particularly for larger equipment.
Before committing to a change, consider:

• What attachments do you already own?
  
• Do you rent or borrow attachments frequently?
  
• What are the long-term maintenance and resale implications?
  
• Are you willing to trade weight and geometry for compatibility?
  

The most efficient fleets today often run hybrid setups, with larger machines maintaining their original coupler and a few adapters available when cross-attachment is needed. As with many decisions in heavy equipment management, the smartest choice is rarely the cheapest—it’s the one that lets the machine do more work with fewer complications.