Buying Advice BX FEL BXpanded Bucket Expander

[RomeK2]

I am getting ready to move a lot of dirt. I was considering investing in a BXpanded Bucket Expander. I've searched the threads here and have not seen any threads with user/owner input. My questions are:

1. Does any here own one and if so can you give my feedback on it?

2. Have you heard of any user/owner feedback on the BX bucket expander?

3. I read that it will not work with hooks on the lip. I can't see the pic on the bxpanded web site good enough to determine if my hook would get in the way. My hook is set back a bit (see picture below). Is it far back enough?

5. I was informed a tooth bar would help to get full scoops on moving dirt. What's the best kind for the BX 25?

6. Toothbar vs. bucket expander?

 

[BXpanded]

The hook that far back won't interfere with the Bucket Expander. We can accomodate many hooks if we know where they are attached. The expander enlarges the bucket on top, bottom and both sides. Doubles the heaped capacity over the standard bucket.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Perhaps Harry would agree that the expander works better with light materials than with dirt. You may not be comfortable with much more than a rounded standard bucket load of dirt on ground that is rough at all. I know I wasn't with my BX.

 

[BXpanded]

Chuck,
I find the BX24 handles a full Expanded bucket of dirt very nicely. Obviously, normal precautions such as keep the bucket low and appropriate ballast are even more important since there is considerable extra weight.

 

[RomeK2]

Chuck,
I find the BX24 handles a full Expanded bucket of dirt very nicely. Obviously, normal precautions such as keep the bucket low and appropriate ballast are even more important since there is considerable extra weight.

Thanks guys. Is a backhoe on apprpriate enough as a ballast?

 

[devildog1]

The backhoe is the best possible ballast you could have as long as your not working in a confined space,I believe it's somewhere in the 1000 lb. range.
DevilDog

 

[KeithInSpace]

I believe it's somewhere in the 1000 lb. range.

More like 600#.

An actual ballast box COULD be better if it weighed over 500# because it is lower to the ground and can be "dropped" in an emergency.

But because a ballast box is absolutely useless for anything OTHER than providing weight, I don't see the point in taking up space with one. Backhoe is fine, but it does make a BX more unstable on slopes. However, if you're loading your FEL up to that point, you're not (or shouldn't be) on slopes like that anyway.

Box Blade does a good job, too...good ballast (~300#) and also a very useful implement.

 

[devildog1]

Actually more like 700 plus according to this Woods Dealer.
DevilDog
2007 Woods BH6000 Backhoe
Details iDeal Equipment # 382786
Location: Main
excellent condition, 2007, 3PT,Black In Color,2 Stick,12 Inch Bucket/3 Thooth Bucket,Weight:730 Pounds,For Subcompact Tractors (18-24 HP)
Como Farm Equipment
Main
Winchester
Ontario

$4,950 CAD

$4,7

 

[RomeK2]

I have a box blade but I do like the weight of the backhoe for ballast.

 

[radioman]

More like 600#.

An actual ballast box COULD be better if it weighed over 500# because it is lower to the ground and can be "dropped" in an emergency.

But because a ballast box is absolutely useless for anything OTHER than providing weight, I don't see the point in taking up space with one. Backhoe is fine, but it does make a BX more unstable on slopes. However, if you're loading your FEL up to that point, you're not (or shouldn't be) on slopes like that anyway.

Box Blade does a good job, too...good ballast (~300#) and also a very useful implement.

I agree with everything said here- just want to add, the BH did helped me in a pinch on a sideways slope. Using the boom extended as far I could uphill to shift some weight over there did help. Kinda like being on a crab ship and thier extended booms on both sides to help with rolling waves. Or another thing, When I lifted a 2 and half wide popular stump, I extended the boom backwards to counter balance.

My rambling here sure doesnt help romek2, but "could" help him out if needed. Since his tires may not be loaded and he going to make alotta trip with materail in bucket, the BH will cut down on the bouncing by end of the day, his body will thank his BH.

 

[RomeK2]

I think I will purchase the expander. I can feel it out with the dirt wether or not its feeling overloaded. Perhaps, i can fill more than the standard bucket but less than a full bucket if need be. I can always use it on other materials for sure,.

I still haven't heard from anyone who owns one of these though.

Also, I wonder what the details are on the replaceable wear edge an addition $60 option?

 

[BXpanded]

RomeK2,
The "Replaceable wear edge" is a reversible bolt on edge that prevents wearing of the bucket expander when working extensively on paved surfaces. When worn, just turn it around. A replacement is available for a nominal cost. It also further stiffens the front edge when really heavy duty work is anticipated.
Feel free to contact us if you have questions. Our email address and telephone number are on the "Contact Us" page of our website BXpanded
Harry

 

[check]

I think I will purchase the expander. I can feel it out with the dirt wether or not its feeling overloaded. Perhaps, i can fill more than the standard bucket but less than a full bucket if need be. I can always use it on other materials for sure,.

I still haven't heard from anyone who owns one of these though.

Also, I wonder what the details are on the replaceable wear edge an addition $60 option?

Hey, RomeK2 - just had my new bucket expander for my BX25 delivered. (Thank you, Harry!) Will take it up to the cottage this weekend and keep you posted about it's performance, but I would venture to say at this point that I don't expect a problem using it with a full load of dirt (fairly sandy at the cottage) or even with a bucket full of gravel, because a full load of dirt or gravel before I got the expander never did feel very heavy (especially compared to a bucketfull of big rocks!)


...more to come!:thumbsup:

 

[check]

Hey, RomeK2 - just had my new bucket expander for my BX25 delivered. (Thank you, Harry!) Will take it up to the cottage this weekend and keep you posted about it's performance, but I would venture to say at this point that I don't expect a problem using it with a full load of dirt (fairly sandy at the cottage) or even with a bucket full of gravel, because a full load of dirt or gravel before I got the expander never did feel very heavy (especially compared to a bucketfull of big rocks!)


...more to come!:thumbsup:

Well, I installed the bucket expander on my BX25 this weekend, and it works great! Very easy to install, and much to my surprise, the FEL still lifted the expanded bucket, even when full of rocks. I moved around dirt a lot faster, and it seems to have even strengthened the lower front edge of the bucket. So, I will just keep it on for everything - dirt, rocks, gravel, and of course snow. Haven't tried using my welded-on trailer hitch while the bucket expander is on, but I do anticipate that there will now be less visibility when hooking up to something. (The 2" receiver is welded on just inside the top of the bucket, in the middle, so the weld itself did not interfere with the installation of the bucket expander, but may be harder to see - see the attached photo, taken before the bucket expander was added.)

Will try and remember to take some more (post-expander installation) photos this weekend.:thumbsup:

 

[check]

OK, here are the photos with my new bucket expander attached. BTW I was moving wet "A" gravel this weekend, and I was able to fill the FEL bucket so full that the hydraulics could not lift it. However, when full of 1" clear gravel, no problem.:thumbsup:

Also, I did have to add an extension to the trailer hitch receiver so I could see past the end of the new expanded bucket, because I could not see what I was doing with the shorter male end that you see here.

 

[CHDinCT]

Interesting. First closeup pic's of the expander I've seen (well, in a while I guess) and though Harry's site says it won't work with bucket hooks, mine are welded at the outside top corners of the bucket. Looks like this would fit my bucket even with the hooks welded on. Looks like the side plates fit inside the existing bucket and not outside of it.

 

[fredhargis]

I wonder if that will work with the B series, I wouldn't mine having that for snow on on my 2920/LA364 loader. I'll have to send Harry an e-mail.

 

[CHDinCT]

I wonder if that will work with the B series, I wouldn't mine having that for snow on on my 2920/LA364 loader. I'll have to send Harry an e-mail.

Post an update when you hear back. I'm wondering the same thing. I'm starting to think that any new attachments I get should be transferrable to a B series, should I ever come up with a convincing enough sales job for my better half :laughing:

 

[radioman]

nice pics check! Whats the duct tape on cross tube for ?

 

[fredhargis]

Post an update when you hear back. I'm wondering the same thing. I'm starting to think that any new attachments I get should be transferrable to a B series, should I ever come up with a convincing enough sales job for my better half :laughing:

Well, he got back to me quite quickly about an expander for the B series. Here'e the reply:

"The B2920 is a great tractor! I'm sure you/re enjoying it.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Bucket Xpander for your loader. If there
appears to be sufficient interest we'll certainly look into developing one.

Best regards,
Harry Clearman"


OK, so for all us B series folks who want one we have to let Harry know!