4n1 buckets recomendations

[P.L.]

I want to buy a 4n1 bucket for my ck 25 tractor with a kl130 loader. I am going with a wr long bucket because I already have one of their grapples and like it very much. The question I have is should I go with the HJ2 or the UJ2. I like the HJ2 because it weighs less. The UJ2 opens 12 inches wider though and seems more durable. I know some of you have a bucket already so I'm looking for your opinions.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have the UJ2 for my DK40se. If I were you (and committed to getting a 4n1), I'd get the HJ2. The UJ2 is considerably heavier as I recall and is really designed for bigger loaders. Your loader is rated by Kioti at the pivot pins but WRLong rates their 4n1s by mid bucket lift and I think the KL130 would come in at less than 1000lbs mid bucket lift. I believe (haven't checked) that puts you right into the HJ2 range.

The CK30 is a heavy tractor and I would be concerned about the HJ2 in dozer mode as it is possible to bend that lower edge by hitting a submerged rock or stump. That is a disaster for a 4n1 as it won't close properly after such an injury.

You may have seen some of my posts about my experience with the 4n1. I am lukewarm about these implements especially for people who already own a standard bucket and a grapple. There is almost nothing the 4n1 does that is not done better by the other two implements. If you spend half or less of what a 4n1 would cost and get a box blade then there is nothing at all the 4n1 really adds except the Swiss Army knife factor.

I do like using the 4n1 when I am using a BH to dig out stumps because the 4n1 can lift out a single stump with no trouble and can then be used to clean up the hole very nicely. However, you could do the same with a regular bucket and a chain or with the grapple and a shovel. Hard for me to justify the near $2K price for a new shipped 4n1 frankly. I got mine used off ebay for dirt cheap so I'm happy with it but I'd be disappointed if I'd spent that much (considering I already have standard bucket, grapple and box blade).

 

[P.L.]

Thanks for the info. The main reason for wanting one of these buckets is the ability to pick up loose material. I do a lot of lawn installs and move a lot of material. I feel that would help pick up small piles of rocks and debri that would otherwise need to be shoveled into the bucket. I'm not looking for the a world of difference just a little less hand work.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for the info. The main reason for wanting one of these buckets is the ability to pick up loose material. I do a lot of lawn installs and move a lot of material. I feel that would help pick up small piles of rocks and debri that would otherwise need to be shoveled into the bucket. I'm not looking for the a world of difference just a little less hand work.

Try one out to see if it works for you. I've not gotten very proficient at doing the rock/debris pickup task but partly because whenever I try it I end up needing to get off the tractor to get that last bits anyway. I find it hard to get a lot of material into the bucket using the clamshell technique compared to the traditional float bucket straight ahead loading. The clamshell works very well for picking up a post or cinderblock etc but for lots of loose debris I have not been very successful saving time.

 

[P.L.]

Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to order a standard bucket instead. For every good thing I hear about the I also hear a negative. I don't like the idea of adding More weight and I also don't like the idea of more hoses and moving parts, just more to break or go wrong. Thanks for the help.