68 and 72" buckets

[radman1]

Looking for help from the NH or Case-IH guys. I have a JD 3720 with 300cx loader and skid steer attachment for the loader bucket. However, the recommended JD bucket for the SS system weighs 485 lbs and I believe just too big and heavy for a loader with 1600 lb lift. My other choices is to use a skid steer bucket but these are also too heavy and high capacity. From the NH web site I got the capacities of these NH buckets which are about right. Could you guys help out a poor, helpless JD owner and give me the weight, height and depth measurements for the 68 and 72" buckets?

 

[jinman]

Those new loaders you saw on the NH site are not on dealer's lots yet. It may be another month before you can find a 68" bucket.

The current buckets are a 60" bucket and a 72" bucket. I'm going to assume you are not interested in a 60" bucket. The 72" bucket with quick attach is 289 lb and holds about 1/2 yard heaped (.44 yd, struck). The distance from the bucket lip to the attach point is about 19" (without toothbar). My loader manual doesn't list the actual dimensions except for width and capacities.

Maybe someone will take the time to actually measure their bucket. I could have done it this weekend, but I won't have time to do it today.

Just curious... Is the skidsteer type quick attach an option on the 300cx loader? That would sure give you endless possibilities if it is.

 

[radman1]

Jinman
Thanks for the info. Yes, the SS attachment is an option for 300cx loader. The 60" NH bucket would be too narrow. I want to go 66-72", with 66" being more ideal.
The 289 lb weight is much more in line with being a real CUT bucket than the recommended JD 72" bucket of 485 lb.
I already have SS type pallet forks, PHD and a few other items which is why I needed that type of carrier attachment.

 

[jinman]

The 289 lb weight is much more in line with being a real CUT bucket than the recommended JD 72" bucket of 485 lb.

I read your post in the JD forum after posting, so now I fully understand your predicament. I do think the NH bucket would be more in line with what you need. I also have a rock bucket with a grapple attached that puts it at around 700 lb. I can tell you that it makes a big difference when the bucket is that heavy. Without loaded rear tires and no boxblade on the 3PH, I found I could easily get the rear wheels in the air just by quickly dropping the rock bucket. I can really understand why you would not want a 485 lb bucket for everyday use. I have to believe JD made that bucket with something other than a CUT in mind. I'm sure it's a great bucket, just too darn heavy.

 

[radman1]

Jinman
I finally ended my loader bucket problem. Went to a Kubota/Woods dealer today and got a Woods 66" round back bucket for $550. Just under 270 lbs and measures 23" high by 24" deep with a 13 cu ft capacity. Just what I was looking for. Much better than the 485 lb JD bucket which was $790. The sales guy said that Woods makes Kubota's heavy duty bucket but wasn't sure about the smaller buckets. I had to cut the mounting holes in the Woods bucket just slightly to fit the JD mounting plate. The JD mounting pins go in at angle and would not initially fit. The Kubota regular bucket fit just fine but was slightly smaller in size. The Woods bucket is also black and don't need to repaint like the Kubota bucket.
I did call a NH dealer but they did not have the newer style 68" bucket but could order one for $590 but shipping would have been another $125. This way I got to see it and try it on the tractor before I purchased.

 

[richtidebruin]

Rad,

I had a similar delimma with my TC34 and backed off to the 60" bucket.

See thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-owning-operating/82817-bucket-choices-68-60-a.html

The NH 68" bucket is a heavy duty bucket and the more I used it, the better I liked it. For material handling, it was really good. It would not have been as good for digging/landscaping as my 60" bucket with Markham toothbar though - and that is my primary use.

If a toothbar is a possiblilty, remember to factor that weight in also - could add another 100lbs to a bucket that size.

By the way, my dealership probably still has the 68" bucket that was originally delivered on my tractor. If it fits your need, he would probably give you a good deal.

Rich