4-in-1 4-in-1 Bucket practicality, opinions vs. separate implements

[Stussy1035]

I recently purchased a John Deere 1025R with a loader bucket and backhoe. I am new with tractors so have very little experience. Recently John Deere released a 4 in 1 bucket (Frontier AY11F bucket for my tractor (1 series). I have a 1 acre lot with landscape work, (pulling trees and bushes, leveling ground, creating garden). I have some trees on lot that is mostly grass, and not heavy wooded.

John Deere released a 4 in 1 bucket Frontier AY11F- $1,850), Deere unveils latest Frontier Attachments, Land Planes

Artillian Grapple, grapple, rack grapple setup - $3,100,https://www.artillian.com/product/sectional-grapple/

Precision Manufacture Mini Add a Grapple for ($575,WordPress › Error


I am considering purchasing the 4 in 1 bucket and selling the standard bucket. I figured I can get more money for the standard bucket since it is new. I like the idea and uses for the 4 in 1 bucket with multiple functions which will allow me to save space because I would need less implements. I also looked at a grapple and can see how it would be better if you have a wooden lot with a lot of trees and branches to move. I looked at a Artillian grapple which is a lot of money for my needs.

I am wondering is the 4 in 1 bucket is worth the cost. I like the idea of the many functions that it can perform. I know I will need to add a diverter or 3rd function valve but know I could use it for other front implements.

I know you can use the 4 in 1 bucket for the following:
1. Scraping
2. Bulldozing
3. Bottom Dumping
4. Grabbing items such as branches and logs
5. Clam up last bit of dirt
6. Backfilling
7. Standard bucket usage (digging, dumping rolling bucket forward)

I know a standard bucket will perform some of the tasks above such as digging, dumping, back filling, scrapping. I do now know if it is worth the $1,850 and how good the 4 in 1 performs the other tasks such as scraping, bulldozing (light material), grabbing, clam last bit of dirt. I know the tractor is not built for bulldozing so not sure how effective the tractor will be. I can see using the 4 in 1 bucket to scrap the ground to level it out, and using it to grab items.

Would I be better on buying a rear blade for scrapping and leveling, and purchasing Precision Manufacture Mini Add a Grapple in replace of the 4 in 1 bucket or Artillian grapple, and I understand the artillian is a more capable grapple.

I have read many forum posts about the 4 in 1 bucket and some seem to like them, other do not and sold them off, and know about the pros and cons such as the 4 in 1 is a swiss army knife and can to many task, but will not be the best at a specific application. I know the 4 in 1 is heavier. I am looking for people that have tractor experience and if you have used the 4 in 1, a grapple, add a grapple, rear blade, etc and can offer there experiences, advice and opinions and if you could do it all over again would you make a different decision with 4 in 1 bucket or implements.

I am curious if someone with tractor experience with a standard bucket, can you perform most of the tasks: such as bulldozing, scrapping as you can with the standard 4 in 1 bucket.

I am looking for what is cost effective and what I will get the best use for my money based on my needs.

I have heard you can do many things with the 4 in 1 bucket, is the other tasks that can be performed beyond the one that I listed, if so can you please explain.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never had a 4-1 bucket but I imagine it being pretty poor at moving brush and probably not much different than a regular bucket for most work.

 

[longjohn79]

I had one for years (10+) on our full size JCB TLB, along with an extend-a-hoe. I have missed them both every day since I sold it for my Kubota. I would get a 4in1 in a heart beat if I could afford it and if my tractor would run it (hydraulics). I grabbed trees, rocks, anything you could think of. Loved grabbing dirt and gravel or piles without pushing them all over the place. When good you can pick up all but a literal handful of dirt from a paved road or backfill perfectly on grades. Loved it for brush and yanking stuff. The bulldozing was nice also, better control and more out of the machine when pushing and trying to stay level on the ground. Can’t say enough good, I loved it and miss it.

 

[Wagtail]

Like longjohn79, I've got a 4in1 on the 4105... I insisted on having it when I bought. Grapples aren't a 'big thing' down here.

I truly like an implement that has more than one use/function = more 'bang for your buck'.

 

[rbtjr]

I have had a 4in1 bucket on our last three tractors, including our current MX5800. We owned two prior tractors without the 4in1. Like the last two posters, I like the 4in1 so much that I would hope never to own another tractor without one. The 4in1 is good for all of the things you listed, but to me the most convenient feature is being able to grab and pick up almost anything. I also have a grapple and a scrape blade. They are both better than the 4in1 for some applications, especially the scrape blade. I can pick up more volume of brush, etc., with the grapple than with the 4in1, but I can pick up more different things more easily with the 4in1. I do not have a standard bucket for our tractor. I would like to have one because, again, a standard bucket is better for some applications than the 4in1. However, the 4in1 does well enough that so far I haven't justified spending the money for a standard bucket.

 

[Shaneard]

I had a skidsteer and had a 4-n-1 bucket and a grapple bucket. They both have their places, if you can afford it you won't regret buying it. It's one of those things you don't realize how much you use it until you have it.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I got one about a year ago, should have done long before. Adds a lot of utility to the utility tractor. I kept the plain bucket, it is better for some things. But I would guess your dealer would take it on trade if you buy a 4in1 and valve setup. I also have a grapple, between the grapple and 4in1 can do many miscellaneous chores around the property.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's a compromise like most things that perform various functions. A dozer blade that doesn't angle is of limited use if you ask me. You can put your bucket down and use it like a blade, although the stresses could be too much for some poorly designed tractors.

I have trouble grabbing some stuff with a single lid grapple. To me, using a 4in1 as a grapple would be as much fun as trying to eat corn on the cob without teeth! lol

 

[Oldoak]

Funny how people who actually own or have owned a 4-in1 bucket have a very different opinion of them than people who have never owned or operated a machine equipped with one.

I wish I had one many times. Unfortunately, I don't have too many years left to make good use of one now.

 

[ovrszd]

I have a bucket grapple on my Kubota. I have a 4n1 on my Ford TLB.

They each have their place. The bucket grapple is many times more useable. The 4n1 adds usefulness to the TLB.

I think your tractor is a bit small for either to use effectively.