Anyone Build or Convert an Existing Bucket Into A 4-in-1 Bucket?

[Fxfymn413]

I have the chance to pick up a QA bucket from a skid steer for little or no cost and I thought that a DYI conversion to a 4-in-1 bucket might be an interesting project. I searched the forums for others who have posted about this and could not come up with anything, so I'm throwing it out there to see if anyone has attempted this and can offer any advice on what to look out for.

I have access to very low cost drops from a friend's steel fab shop and a quick look at the Surplus Center site tells me I'm looking at around $500.00 all in to get it done. Knowing myself I'm probably going to take the better part of two weeks to fab it as well. Is it worth it?

 

[amhicks21]

I guess theres a bunch of variables that im curious about. What machine are you planning on building it for? If its for your 4060 you should consider that the extra weight and length of a 4 in 1 made out of a skid steer bucket is going to not be fun to use at all. Second, did you include the cost of a pilot operated lock/check valve? If you rely on spool valves to hold pressure, you'll have a bunch of leakage and the jaw will just flop around unless you're repeatedly bumping the close button. Typically these valves are about 300 bucks. I modified a tractor bucket to work similar to a 4 in 1 quite a while ago and ultimately, I didnt like it. It had some usefulness but not enough to offset how much worse it functioned as a normal bucket. Ultimately, I cut it apart and repurposed the parts in to this grapple and cutting edge extension. The grapple mounts in to a 2" receiver tube and is removable because even the 50ish lb's of the grapple is noticeable in a negative way. I'm not specifically trying to talk you out of it, but i'd hate to see you put in all that work just to hate the outcome.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'm with amhicks21 above.
I had a 4 in 1 bucket and it was heavy in places that a regular bucket is not. There are about 3 completely different forces that a 4 in 1 can have beyond digging/scooping.
1 Clamping, 2 back dragging with the open now 2nd cutting edge.
3 Dozing with the now 3rd cutting edge
Each edge needs further support. For example the "floor" of a purpose built 4/1 bucket is 2 layers thick with a bend in it creating a baffle type effect that allows you to drag backwards with great cutting effect because of the angle. Same goes for the dozer edge area that is heavily reinforced.
Not saying that you can't do it, but just reinforcements to the left and right hinge area (on each half of the "clam") would be massive. Then there's the side panels of the bucket....
Sorry to be Debbie downer, and if you're use and expectations are light duty it will be a fun project.

 

[Vigo327]

I am planning to build one but have not started yet. I have some 'different' design ideas about how a 4n1 should work (for me).

As for a cheap pilot operated check valve / holding valve, i do know of one.. I had to dig around to figure out that thats what this was, but since then they've updated the listing to make it at least somewhat obvious that that's what it was. Before you would have to be like me and use all your internet skills to deduce it.

I ordered one but won't get it for a month.
Unclearly labeled load holding valve.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Thanks guys! Getting informed opinions is exactly why I posted. I enjoy doing the fab work, but if the end result doesn't serve a purpose than it is not worth the effort or cost.

To be honest I don't really have a great need or use for the bucket, but being of thrifty Yankee heritage the thought of getting the bucket at a bargain price is what got me thinking about this.

I am aware of the needed additional support and as I said I have a very cheap source of drops, so that could be accomplished using a grid type pattern and a piece of plate. I thought about just buying a cutting edge to weld on to the bottom of the vertical piece as well.

But, I think you are both correct and it's just not worth the effort. I may still get the bucket to add to the fleet since it has a much larger "floor" area than the standard bucket and would be handy to use for picking up the piles of weeds, etc. the DW generates with her gardening.

Amhicks21 I like your grapple. I built mine on my pallet forks and use it almost daily. It is great for lifting logs, brush, etc. as well as "holding" objects on the forks while moving them. I use the remotes to operate it since the third function is just too quick and forceful.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'd get the great deal bucket anyway
This way you can change your mind later about the project

 

[ovrszd]

I'm with amhicks21 above.
I had a 4 in 1 bucket and it was heavy in places that a regular bucket is not. There are about 3 completely different forces that a 4 in 1 can have beyond digging/scooping.
1 Clamping, 2 back dragging with the open now 2nd cutting edge.
3 Dozing with the now 3rd cutting edge
Each edge needs further support. For example the "floor" of a purpose built 4/1 bucket is 2 layers thick with a bend in it creating a baffle type effect that allows you to drag backwards with great cutting effect because of the angle. Same goes for the dozer edge area that is heavily reinforced.
Not saying that you can't do it, but just reinforcements to the left and right hinge area (on each half of the "clam") would be massive. Then there's the side panels of the bucket....
Sorry to be Debbie downer, and if you're use and expectations are light duty it will be a fun project.

Truth.

I'm anxious to see what is built though!!!

 

[ovrszd]

I bought a used Bobcat Lo-Pro bucket and homemade a dual claw Grapple on it.

My Ford TLB has a 4n1 bucket.

The Lo-Pro with Grapple is ten times more useful.

The most used functions of the 4n1 is backdragging using the apron open, and dozing with the apron open.

 

[4570Man]

A 4-1 isn’t high on my use list anyway but if I wanted one I’d sell the project bucket and just buy one. Trying covert one would be worse than starting from scratch imo.

 

[ovrszd]

A 4-1 isn’t high on my use list anyway but if I wanted one I’d sell the project bucket and just buy one. Trying covert one would be worse than starting from scratch imo.

The back wall of my 4n1 is brutally strong. If you removed the apron it would just look like a dozer blade including a cutting edge on the bottom.