Front-End Loader Anyone try Titan's new XL Chain-On Quick Spade?

[jeff9366]

For the price Titan XL Chain-On Quick Spade 36.6" x 17.75" I just need to dig some drainage trenches.

Consider a Three Point Hitch Middlebuster, AKA Potato Plow, AKA Layoff Plow. You will probably have to do a little spade work removing spoil but the spoil issue is likely the same using a Bucket Spade. Tractors are engineered for heavy work to be done at the rear.

VIDEO: MIDDLEBUSTER LAYOFF PLOW TRENCHING - YouTube


Selecting correct size Middlebuster for a subcompact tractor can be tricky. A full size Middlebuster cannot be raised sufficiently to clear the dirt on a subcompact tractor.

King Kutter and Dirt Dog make Middlebusters sized for subcompact tractors.

 

[Diggin It]

I'd like to find a round/spoon/trowel point add on for a BH bucket. Should be a great tool for dragging ditches clean. I have cutter teeth on my BH bucket, so I can't drag even a squared off trench/ditch without digging.

 

[CADplans]

Drainage ditch?? How about a rotary plow,,, ?

The Gravely will easily make a ditch deep enough to install a 4" plastic pipe,,
deep enough so that you can drive over it,,
it takes 2-3 passes,,,

We did all of my SIL's gutter runoff pipes with the Gravely,,,

 

[the old grind]

I use a 'tree bucket' to do much of what the 'spade' will do. The tip/lip is about the same distance from the bucket's pins/pivot. Considering the breakout power lost to lack of leverage, I learned that tractor weight means a lot, and there is some technique to loosening some soils or shrubs from them. (often when 'piercing'-in) Adding to that, our FELs don't swing like BH booms and there's a lot of 'shuttling' to remove soil from a trench, regardless of depth.

With such experience and a heavier tractor than a B or BX I agree with what Jeff said. :thumbsup: Make a first pass (or two) to soften-up with a middle buster and use the spade to remove the overburden. Fewer, more full scoops to get more dirt out of the trench w/o knocking or caving as much material back into it. Don't expect a fully 18" deep trench or anything, but IMO for French or other drainage digs you'll only need to show us the pictures.

btw, for some lighter work it'd be ok to move the spade to one side of the bucket for access close to a deck or building, two things that aren't always easy with my tree bucket OR the mini-BH. Show us what yours will do.

 

[2018gc1715]

Good morning 2018gc1715,

Yes I purchased it directly from Titan, cheaper than Amazon. I took the FEL off to mow so I have not had a chance to connect it yet. I was planning on trying it today or tomorrow if it ever quits raining.

Semper Fi

So I bought the Titan XL bucket but I can’t get the bucket over the weld lip of my GC1715 bucket.

Have you had luck getting yours on all the way?

Is it ok to shave down the welding?

 

[the old grind]

If you see a weld-bead 'proud' of the surface, smooth that guy out to make room as needed. A good weld will have penetrated to provide sufficient strength. If one comes apart (one of mine did, and on the tree bucket I mentioned above, lol) you'd just re-weld it, no?. You'd have to break it for that first.

 

[Usmc68]

I have not smoothed out the weld but the Spade goes in just barely past it. i have service call into Titan to see what can be done.

 

[the old grind]

Can you sharpie-up what look like the high spots and see where they rub, then just grind where the least area & amount has to come off? (sorry, I can't see 'nuf details in seller pics) In many trades there is some 'hand-fitting' to be done to finesse installations. Toolmakers and Die-makers do it. Gunsmiths do it in cleaner shops and with smaller parts.

If you have a hand-held grinder (not $9.99 4.5a thumb-button crap ) and a helper to muscle-along with 'retries' as you work the fit, it might take less o'all effort than you expect. Working with hands and brain sounds like fun. Sending s__ back sounds like work w/o fun. Lots more time for that one, too. What might the seller do, and who pays if you exercise an option?

btw, would the ground be dry enough or soft enough, etc when a replacement gets back to you. (matters/weight?, & our CUTs ain't much there when we get to digging. BTDT) I hope your soil is 'sandy' there like I am here.

 

[Bronco82]

It appears I should have bought this when I initially posted it, as it's now on sale for $220.

 

[Usmc68]

I could not get past the 3" lip and afraid I am going to bend the bucket. I have used it but still very weary. I contacted Titan and they said I should probably return it. they are waiving the return shipping. I would love to make it work, trying different options. Maybe try and spread the spade a bit with a wood splitting wedge?