4 in 1 Bucket

[yooperdave]

Do all the loader manufactures offer a 4 in 1 bucket option?

How much of a premium should I expect to pay?

Do I need to get additional hydraulic remotes for this option?

How much more useful will the loader be with this option?

I will be in the 50 to 60 pto hp tractor range.

Thanks for any input.

Yooper Dave

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I'd hate to say all offer one, but I'd think that certainly most do.

The premium you pay will vary with both manufacturer and bucket size.

You will need additional hydraulics to operate one.

Most everyone here on TBN who has a 4 in 1 bucket raves about it and it's increased utility. Most agree that the only negative is that you give up a little load carrying capacity since the bucket weighs more and, since the loader capacity remains constant, the compensating factor has to be a reduced load capacity. With a 60 HP machine that shouldn't be too much of a concern for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Casimir]

Dave:

I don't know how many tractor manufacturers offer their own brands of 4-in-1 buckets, but most any dealer can order and install them. I have a Long (brand) 60 inch 4-in-1 Bucket on my little Ford/NH 1520 (approx 21 PTO Hp) and I love it. I can pick up logs, brush, 16 ft. railroad ties, stumps (if they are not too big), etc. I keep finding new uses all the time - like pulling small trees and roots out of the ground. The bulldozer blade comes in handy, also. It does require another hydraulic valve (ordered with the bucket or operate off of an extra already on your tractor). The same valve can operate a grapple or other FEL mounted hydraulic attachment. On your tractor, the load you could pick up with it should be awsome /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif!

If you will do a search on "4-in-1 Bucket" or "4n1" I am sure you will find a lot of discussions on how useful they are. They might add $3000-$5000 to the total cost, but when/if I ever replace my tractor, I will definitely order one with it -- preferably with a quick attach or bobtach system, so I could change quickly to a grapple or forks or ????

Did I say I love it? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[yooperdave]

Hi Karl & Gary,

Can you still plow snow, or do you utilize your quick connect for something else on the end of the loader?

I hope to be moving logs, pulling posts, scooping rocks, leveling some ground, plowing snow, etc.

I just sold a rental house, so now I am going shopping /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

The local Kubota, NH, JD, Mahindra, & Zetor dealers will be getting a communication from me before this month runs out.

May the best dealer win.

Yooper Dave

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

If you're just looking to push snow forward, the 'dozer' position on a 4 in 1 might be the way to go. If you're asking about attaching a power angle snowplow, it would replace your bucket on your loader.

 

[Casimir]

Yep - Gary is right. With the jaws of the bucket fully open, the back of the bucket becomes a dozer blade, but it does not angle to sidecast the material. Mine does have skid shoes on the ends, so I can tilt it back slightly to keep the cutting edge just above the gravel or pavement when moving snow. With a bobcat style quick attach system, you could get a hydraulically controlled blade that would act more like a snowplow. Could also use a hydraulic broom, or several other attachments designed for use with skid steers. I believe they even make snowblowers for skid steers, which would be easier for me to use than getting a crick in my neck moving backwards all the time.

Of course, you can close the jaws and have a regular bucket - the only drawback is if you want to haul liquids (like water for plants or livestock or wet cement) - they leak out the bottom /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. If I was buying new, I would get the quick attach system and have a larger standard bucket for light materials, such as sawdust or mulch.

The 4-in-1 bucket would do everything you listed. Depending on the size of the logs, I sometimes find it faster and easier to just grip the log near the center and carry it in the 4-in-1, rather than hooking up a log chain and dragging it. This is especially helpful when stacking the logs or even holding it up out of the dirt while someone else cuts it up into firewood size. A tooth bar would be helpful for digging or scooping rocks or brush. Loaded rear tires and extra ballast may be needed, of course, with any heavy FEL work.

I have occasionally tried to pull a post out of the ground that didn't want to be pulled, and lifted the rear wheel(s) /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif- that can be exciting. Take it slow, even with your larger tractor, until you are sure which end will give first.

Have fun shopping, and spend some time perusing the posts here. "Experience is the best teacher -- especially if it is someone else's experience." /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Oops -- I guess as a Silver member with over 130 posts, you probably already have been perusing /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.

 

[Spencer]

YooperDave, didn't you use to live in the u.p. of Michigan? I see you are listed as living in Green Bay, is this a recent move or am I losing it?

 

[yooperdave]

Hi Spence,

I live in Green Bay during the week, and live in the U.P. on weekends and holidays. I am fixing up a 2 story commercial piece of property on US 41 in Stephenson next to my brothers ISP business, and am also fixing up a farm I bought a couple of years earlier 6 miles east of Stephenson. My parents own and operate the golf course in Stephenson for which I also help out as needed. Selling one of my rental houses in Green Bay has simplified my life a little bit so I can devote more time in the U.P.

Green Bay is as far north as I can go to still get steady work as a structural engineer. I also get to see many of my classmates from Michigan Tech.

My lineage is only 1/2 U.P. People ask which half, and I tell them my front half /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

Yooper Dave

 

[monkeybreath]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Of course, you can close the jaws and have a regular bucket - the only drawback is if you want to haul liquids (like water for plants or livestock or wet cement) - they leak out the bottom /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

But couldn't you line the bucket with thick visquine or a tarp ? this from a presently tractorless person - so may be a dumb idea.

 

[Casimir]

No Idea is dumb if it works. Guess if I really need to haul some liquid in my 4n1 bucket, that's about the best idea I could come up with. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif -- certainly cheaper than having a quick attach installed and buying another bucket.

 

[johnsonauto]

4n1 buckets are not availible from all manufactures, but you can get a 4n1 for about anything you want from a 4n1 manufaturer such as W.R. Long. I have installed quite a few 4n1's, on different tractors, they make them to fit your loader, or skid steer style, as far as hydraulics go, the easiest way is a electric valve that switches between one loader funtion to the 4n1, just plugs into 1 set of quick couplers(usually the curl/dump) and some electrical wiring and your good to go, or you can plumb in a 3rd valve. If you interested in more info or pricing, drop me a e-mail.

 

[JC4HD]

If your buying a new tractor at the same time order the 4in1 up front... mine cost $1,200 when ordered with the tractor (installed, extra hookups etal) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif... more than $3,000 if I decided to order it later.
Either way it is worth every penny, you just keep finding new uses for it.

 

[yooperdave]

My dealer wants $4,500 if purchased new with the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif!!

It did not matter if it was with a Kubota or a New Holland.

I also did not give this dealer a return call. I am hoping I can do better elsewhere.

Yooper Dave

 

[Anonymous Poster]

To the Board and Moderator: My first post on this great site. What a knowledgeable and respectful group.

Yooperdave,

I agree with the others on the 4 in 1 benefits and would add that the fully opened bucket extends the reach of your loader to push or pull. Say you wanted to push a load over an embankment but didn't want the new tractor to go with it. Opening the jaw and uncurling the 4 in 1 until its about flat will reach further than the regular bucket lip. Furthermore, if you uncurl it a little more without sacrificinfg too much reach, you can see the load by looking between the jaws. With a regular bucket you're blind. Its suprising how often this comes up. Like loading a wide trailer from the side, getting it full on your side, then pushing the load to the other side and continue loading your newfound space.

John

 

[scotd1]

I have a 7 foot 4n1 bucket on my 4wd JD 5410 and it is a very handy tool. I have had it for a couple of years now without any problems. I bought it from W.R. Long and installed it myself. It cost about $1400 including freight if I remember right. I have used it with the bucket open as a dozer and it will cut and push dirt & gravel pretty good. I have a tooth bar mounted on the bucket edge and you can really bust up and move alot of dirt. It is also handy to pick up things with such as logs, boulders, stumps and such. The unit I have is very well made and if you use your fel alot I would recommend one.
I also have the TnT setup on the back and these two systems make this tractor a lot of fun to use and very productive. This combination will spoil you rotten!!