4in1 size advice

DanD78 · Jan 29, 2009

I think I am in the market for a Frontier 4in1 bucket for my JD 3320. I have used them on back hoes and skid steers and know how handy they can be. My dilemma is if I should get a 60" or 72". My local dealer says Frontier hasn't made a 60" for two years. He can get me a 72" for $1570. Another dealer says he can get a 60" for $1850. I think I would be happier with the 60" and the extra $280 is not the main issue. Is the 72" more prone to being damaged over the 60". One forum member says he loves his 60" and has no issues. I would like to hear from others with 60" or 72" buckets to see what they think for a tractor in the 33 horse power range. I don't want to end up with a bent up pile of junk after a couple of uses.

I did a search for other 4in1 threads but they are about a year old and I was told Frontier changed their design a little. Some people talked about a bucket made by the Long company but none of the close dealers listed on their web site have ever sold one.

Thanks
Dan

dirtworksequip · Jan 29, 2009

The 72 inch is probably too big for your tractor model. The 4 in 1 is a heavy bucket by design and heaped with material is even heavier. I think I'd opt for the 60 inch. Bigger isn't always better.

Sincerely, Dirt

mfreund · Jan 29, 2009

I agree with Dirt, I think by the time you filled the bucket it would be too heavy for the loader to work efficiently

dirtworksequip · Jan 30, 2009

A couple of things I don't like on my 4 in 1 are: 1) No bolt on cutting edge on the bucket edge. 2) No bolt on cutting edge on the dozer edge.3) Needs a guard on the the back of the bucket where the hoses attach to the back of the bucket to protect the fittings. 4) Needs beefed up with some extra metal in a few areas.

I do like the jaws because they bypass each other and have nice serrations on them. Overall its a nice bucket. Just needs a few custom tweeks.

Here's the only good pic of the 4 in 1 I have. Not sure what changes they have made on the newer style.

Sincerely, Dirt

AKfish · Jan 30, 2009

Whoa... Dirt. Did you throw that into the car yourself?!? I'd like to see a pic of the guys that were on the front end of that..

AKfish

dirtworksequip · Jan 30, 2009

Folklift and a careful operator.

Sincerely, Dirt

jcmseven · Jan 30, 2009

I like the Frontier buckets fine; I like the WR Long buckets better. Before committing to the Frontier buckets look at the WR Long. They can be made also in customizable sizes and to some degree weight. The Frontier 72" 4n1 is way too heavy for a 3000 series tractor. You would hate to eat that far into your lift capacity and only be able to pick up a potted plant once it was installed. Go with the 60", no doubt--and I speak from experience on this one, a hard experience.

John M