Another Bucket leveler

[bigdad]

Looked over some older posts on bucket level indicators. Came up with this one. Works better than guessing.

What a great site this is.......I enjoy the many great ideas and help you folks are willing to share. A wealth of information. Thanks!

 

[HomeBrew2]

Great idea with the eye-bolt! Takes all the alignment variables out of it.
Cheers!

 

[Barnboy]

Those are much better than the factory original. I like your design. Looks good. I enjoy custom mods. It kinda makes you feel good when you come up with something as usefull as that. Great Job!

 

[bigdad]

I was about to remove the Kubota supplied level indicator plate. (The one with the decal) Glad I didn't because it provided a good platform to attach the rod. Do you suppose Kubota meant that for that purpose? (Nah!)

I am concerned about the rod's position when the bucket is curled. Sticks up quite a ways. Perhaps a slight curve could be bent into the rod without hindering movement. I need the entire length when the curl cylanders are fully extended.

 

[PineRidge]

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I am concerned about the rod's position when the bucket is curled. Sticks up quite a ways. Perhaps a slight curve could be bent into the rod without hindering movement. I need the entire length when the curl cylanders are fully extended.

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A very easy fix to your problem might be a bracket like my drawing. With this it can be moved closer to the bucket and your rod shortened. The bracket mounts on your cylinder.

 

[Henro]

Bigdad,

That looks great!

But I have a question, being a fan of the stock Kubota level indicator. Doesn't a rod type indicator, on a loader like you and I have, which is not self leveling as hight is changed, only indicate level at one position of the loader bucket?

I know with my LA402 loader, the bucket angle will change as the loader arms are moved up or down from a given position.

Gee...I think I am on the way to answering my own question as I think this out. Maybe you (or anyone) can confirm what I am now thinking.

Is the geometry such that a mark on the indicator rod will always sit at the same place regardless of loader arm height, when the bucket is level?. I mean, the bucket is level at some position, and the rod is marked at the place where it passes through the eye bolt. Then you raise the bucket and the rod moves the mark away from the eye bolt. If you adjust the bucket tilt to where the mark comes back to the eye bolt, is the bucket level again?

Have you checked it with a level, say at a low and a high position to see how well the indicator works over the range of loader arm movement?

I just may want to copy what you have done there if my understanding of how this level indicator actually works is correct, and if it is pretty accurate over the range of movement of the loader.

I have been pretty satisfied with the simple Kubota indicator, but am starting to see the advantage of your setup if it works like I think.

Appreciate any insight offered... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Henro]

Mike,

That was pretty slick the way you snuck that Fosamax add in there!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[1948berg]

Have anybody tried with a wire and a hose (something like what you use on outboard motors and steering on boats) That way you could have an indicator near you, very visable

 

[bigdad]

Gunnar,

That's a GREAT idea!

 

[bigdad]

Yo Mike.....

Thanks..... I'll give it a try. Looks like a winner. Stay tuned!