Backhoe 18" bucket on BX24 backhoe?

[IC Smoke]

I picked up a 18" off a Ditch Witch for $50, I've got some fabbing to do and it will fit on the ol BX24.

Anyone do this? I wanted a 16" but the price was right for this 18" and I havent found a 16" for a decent price that is local.

I know it wont be a big powerhouse but when digging holes it takes FOREVER with that 12"

Thanks
Ian

 

[slewisma]

If you're digging in sand or something soft I guess this would work. In anything hard I'd think you'd just keep dragging or tipping the BX as it isn't heavy enough for this kind of thing.

 

[bx24]

Time will tell if the bucket will end up too big, but I am betting you will be happy with the performance (keep us posted) .... And you certainly cannot go wrong with the price

 

[sw03]

If you're digging in sand or something soft I guess this would work. In anything hard I'd think you'd just keep dragging or tipping the BX as it isn't heavy enough for this kind of thing.

I agree 100%. The Bx24 is nice but an 18" I think is a little too big for this unit. Even a 12" was worthless in my tree removal.

 

[autobody]

i sure wish i could have found that deal on the big bucket. i had myself a job that i had to dig 4 times just to get it done once. the main reason was the type of loose gravel that i was digging kept sluffing off and into the hole. that little 12" bucket sure got a workout. the bigger bucket sure would have cut a day or so off of my dig time and my finish tip may have been better. yes keep us posted on your progress and succeses/learning experiences. and #1 beeee careful.

 

[IC Smoke]

I wouldnt attempt to dig a stump with this big of a bucket.... I wanted a 16".... just something to get more dirt per scoop. But for the money Ill take it! It was a craigslist find.... when I picked it up I quickly noticed...... ITS NEW!!!!

I searched the forums for information on larger buckets on the BX but didnt come up with much so Ill report back for sure!!

 

[bx24]

Well, after seeing your "bigger bucket" I now have concerns. Depending on the type of soil, the 16" footprint should work fine, but unless it is a wierd camera angle, that bucket is both heavy (on its own) and could carry quite a bit of what ever you are digging (making it very heavy).

It cannot hurt to try, but I would fill it up with dirt and see what it weighs, or at least try to pick it up with your BH when it is full before you bother to weld new ears on it.

Not a bad idea and it cannot hurt to try, but you pic scares me!

 

[LBrown59]

When I got my bx23 there was a BH Bucket option
10''
12''
16'
I don'k know how much difference 2'' extra makes if any.

Mine is the 10''

 

[IC Smoke]

I tried the bucket out using a couple pieces of solid stock, It worked great!! It picked up a full bucket of wet clay/dirt and didnt have a problem breaking up and scooping packed lime stone.

Rather than cut the bushings off Im going to drill another hole (same distance as stock) then reduce the size of the holes and use new longer bushings.... that way we I get a L35/39 I might be able to use the bucket.

here are a couple more pics... the videos woudlnt upload

Ian

 

[kthompson]

I am not saying it will not work but you will find the longer length bucket gives you less power at the teeth and will reduce the power for digging as you have changed the ratio a good bit. It may not be any issue for your BH and the work you use it for. For the price it is well worth trying unless you are already maxing it out. No idea on your BH but with the bucket's longer length it may hit such as your outriggers where the OMEC bucket would clear it. kt

 

[powerstroke444e]

looks like it will work great for moving more material.

 

[IC Smoke]

it works excellent!!!! only issue is you have to curl the bucket then bring the furthest boom into the main boom.

I tried to upload the vid but its larger than photobucket will allow
pics:

 

[IC Smoke]

 

[john_bud]

That looks nice. Tucks up real tight. Where did you get the bushings, or do you lathe them out yourself?


This isn't BX experience, but on my Ford hoe, I went from a 12" bucket (2.5 cuft) to a 36" bucket that holds 10 cuft level and 12-13-14 heaped. It has lots of digging power, but when swinging and fully extending to dump, the tractor can get tippy. But that's 1500-1800 pounds out 13' from the wheels at 90 degrees. Still, the concept should transfer. The extra weight could be "upsetting".

jb

 

[IC Smoke]

Thanks John!! I turned the bushings myself since the bushing downsizes to the new pins and also acts as a spacer for the boom.

So far it does great, Your right about the weight transfer but the BX doesnt have enough reach to really offset the weight. I could see a issue if you were on a hill but so far flat ground its great.

 

[IC Smoke]

bump for those searching

 

[archeryantny]

Hey IC very nice work!! I'm in similar circumstance right now. The problem is that i don't have the means to machine those bushings. Is there any place that sells them. I need 1 1/4" center pin hole, 2 3/4 outside diameter 3/4 length. Do you know of any place that sells them or is machining them my only option. Thanks.

 

[IC Smoke]

Thanks!!
Any local fabrication shop or someone with a lathe can turn those down for you no problem.

 

[reed52]

I have a BX24 and does not seem like it would have enough power with that size of bucket to dig. Maybe my Hydraulic pump is getting weak?
reed52

 

[IC Smoke]

Reed, you cant hog into hard blue clay but Im around 1400 hours on my BX24 and it still handles the 18" just like it did day one. Majority of running the 18" is just how you operate the backhoe.

Ian