Perks for the L45

[Onederdog]

Well I finally got my L45 into the shop and completed my "Bucket Buddy" (quote from a past post)

But having a breakdown on my tiller the other day made me realize I really need a toolbox. So being cheap and looking for an alternative I found that Kubota has given us a built in toolbox, we just need to provide the lid, which I did in the form of an Oatey plumbers cap.

About 6 bucks at the local hardware big box. I reversed the outside portion and painted with Kubota orange. Here's some other shots of all the stuff I was able to put them (one on each side). They are 4" dia. and 14 1/2" long.

I had to cut the claws portion of my cheap hammer to fit, but now I at least have something to pound a pin with!!!

 

[streamin]

great idea for the tool box.I had the same set up for my bucket but I just welded the square part to the bucket, never had any support issues

 

[avc8130]

Please let me know if that receiver works for moving trailers. I think I have the same bucket on my L39, and the angle of the heavy duty bucket makes it look like it will be tough to get under the tongues.

ac

 

[Jim Miller]

Yes! I have a L39 with a similar bucket. So, please let us know about your receiver on the top of the bucket. I've already purchased the receiver, but I'm concerned that the angle is too high to move my trailers around. Yesterday I saw a ball mount bar with what looked like a 10" drop - that might help. But I'd really appreciate hearing how it works for you and what type of ball mount bar you use.

Thanks!!!

 

[Onederdog]

I added the receiver mostly for lifting things around the yard without having to weld a hook directly on the bucket. I think moving a trailer would require an 8 or 10 inch drop hitch. If I get a chance after work today I'll try hooking up my transport trailer and let you know how it goes.

 

[Jim Miller]

Thanks Onederdog! I will really appreciate you checking that out. I already have a welded hook on the top of the bucket and it works great. But, I would cut the hook off and weld on the receiver if I thought I could handle my trailers with the additional benefit of having a varity of different hooks and rings I could also use.

TBNer's are GREAT!

 

[Onederdog]

Well, all I had was a 6" drop hitch, and it just barely worked, so a 10" would be better depending upon the tongue height of your trailer. Here's a couple of picts.

 

[avc8130]

My fear realized.

I am considering welding up a bracket that would make the hitch level when the bucket is level. That might reduce the drop needed.

ac

 

[Gary Fowler]

Forget about welding an attachment to the FEL and get yourself a Kubota RTV with front and rear receiver hitches. I have them on mine and it works great for moving trailers, etc. It does cost several thousand $$$ more that the welded on hitch though, but good for so much more.

 

[lhansman]

I would love to have an excuse to buy an RTV 1100 Gary but couldn't justify it to myself let alone my wife. Instead I went to my local Kubota dealer and purchased a quick attach plate for the loader and then welded a piece of receiver tubing to it and now I move my trailers with no problem. I actually made it when I still had the B26 but since the L39 and L45 both have QA front buckets it works on my L45 too. I seem to recall paying aroung $100 for the QA plate, a few dollars for a piece of reciever hitch and then a couple of beers to have my buddy weld them together.

Regards,

Lauren

 

[rScotty]

Another way is to use the QA feature of the FEL and drop the bucket in favor of a specialized adapter plate. My old dealer usually had a pile of simple QA plates with the receiver already welded on for around $100.
The most expensive/versatile adapter that I've personally used is the Land Pride SH35. It will do any hitch at any angle and also Cat I and II 3pt attachments. Very clever.

And here's another version of a tool holder using the same "tool box" mentioned. The chain saw bar serves as the lid. The tube holds a bottle of bar oil, a container of pre-mix, and some tools.
rScotty

 

[Onederdog]

Hey, rScotty that looks like a sweet setup, thanks for the post. Hopefully others will be inspired and post more tips and clever usage ideas.

 

[srs]

Please let me know if that receiver works for moving trailers. I think I have the same bucket on my L39, and the angle of the heavy duty bucket makes it look like it will be tough to get under the tongues.

ac

I added the receiver mostly for lifting things around the yard without having to weld a hook directly on the bucket. I think moving a trailer would require an 8 or 10 inch drop hitch. If I get a chance after work today I'll try hooking up my transport trailer and let you know how it goes.

I made this one to fit my utility trailer.

 

[woody]

put one on my B26 to move trailers and it works great. when not in use I turn it around for storage

 

[Rock Lobster]

Brilliant idea Onederdog! . . . suppose I could hide other things there too!

 

[Onederdog]

You bet Rock Lobster, like a little ice and your favorite "adult beverage..." maybe even some bubble wrap around a nice Chardonnay!