3 ph bucket

mmbeamish · Mar 31, 2002

I have a chance to get a 3 ph bucket quite cheap. I have a Kubota L3410 with no fel (that is still a couple years away). Does anyone have any experience using one of these and/or how useful would it be around a hobby farm?

Mike

DaninGreenBay · Mar 31, 2002

Mike, actually you can do quite a bit with a 3 pt scoop. I used one for years with my Ford NAA. The scoop I have can be run forward like an earth mover or facing backwards so that you can back into a pile of dirt. Each scoop full is the equivalent of a large contractors wheelbarrow full of dirt. Sure beat shoveling. I just sold my old tractor and bought a Kubota BX2200 with a FEL. THe FEL is more handy than the scoop but then again it costs a heck of a lot more too. When things dry up here I am going to put he scoop on the back of the little BX. I have a project where I need to haul some sand about 100 yards. With the scoop and the FEL both full I should be able to haul a lot of dirt in one trip. Good luck...........Dan

Bud · Mar 31, 2002

Mike, I have a B2400 and also a 3 PH bucket, it is 50" wide by 18" deep and 18" high. I use it with the hydraulic top link, works great. Can take a good load and the center of gravity is low. While I was waiting for my front loader I made the 3 PH bucket. Now when I use the loader, I use the 3 PH bucket for a counterweight. They both carry about the same amount.
Bud

Zone_V · Mar 31, 2002

Mike,
I think if you have the chance to get the thing cheaply especially, you should go for it. I used one for years on an old MF 35 I had prior to getting my current tractor with FEL, and you can actually do quite a bit with them. It surely beats a shovel and a wheelbarrow!
John

sandalwood · Apr 1, 2002

I have to say that I was impressed by my rear scoop when it came to cost ($300 CDN) but less when it came to ease of use. It certainly makes moving soil & gravel much easier (than wheelbarrow), especially over long distances. I suspect that I get more spillage (ie rocks on lawn) than I would with a FEL because of the difficulty tilting scoop. Dumping scoop is not always easy, depending on where in the scoop the load is situated. Unlike FEL, don't have ability to smooth surface unless I switch to rear blade. Using the scoop for hours on end results in sore neck unlike FEL where you are looking forward most of the time.

Faced with the cost difference, $300 scoop vs $4500 FEL (priced last week at dealer), I suspect that I will continue with the scoop for another year or so. Despite some of the drawbacks listed above, i would recommend a rear scoop as a cheap interim measure until you (and I) can get a FEL.

Lyle

MikeFLA · Apr 1, 2002

I have a Tractor Supply 30" Dirt Scoop ($239) that I am very impressed with. I did make some modifications to make it easier to use. I fabricated a mechanical dump arm that is within easy reach when I turn around. This unit dumps 100% of the time. I just used it to dig a launching ramp on my lake for my boat and to widen my dirt driveway. After I dump the contents, I back over the dumped material, lower the dirt scoop, drive forward and flatten the pile just as I would with a box blade. I don’t find myself changing to the boxblade very often.

I use it for taking out the garbage cans (holds two), carrying "stuff" around the property. Holds my 35 gallon water drum for watering new plants far away from plumbing. I also stand on the top of the structure for trimming palm tress. Cutting a layer of sod for transplant in another area. Pick up my kids from the school bus stop. The list goes on…

Since this implement is my "default" 3 pt. attachment and I have a continual need to move a utility trailer, boat, etc. I fabricated a "easily removable" (in seconds) trailer hitch that mounts to the rear facing set of pins. It can handle tongue weight of 300 plus pounds.

Best $239 I have ever spent!

Mosey · Apr 1, 2002

I have one that I use a lot. It's not as fast as a FEL, but sure beats a wheelbarrow. It will dig, even in sod, and is great for moving piles of dirt, rocks, mulch, etc.

Twanger · Apr 1, 2002

I have used the King Kutter dirt scoop for 3 years now it is rock solid. Make sure to get the 30" if you have a heavy tractor or 4wd. I have literally abused mine. I dug an oil tank 4ft dia x 12 ft long burried 6 to 8 feet underground with one. I've used it so harshly I keep bending the connectors for the 3ph., but the scoop shows no distortion.

Boomerboy · Apr 1, 2002

Can't help but jump in here. I love my rear scoop. It was a left-over from a previous tractor retrofitted to my new Boomer. I have carried plenty of Barn Stone, Dirt, Landscaping materials and tools. I just can't see myself without this cool toy! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif I can mount a sprayer on back, still access my tool box, and carry a load to boot!

A boy & his toys!