Backhoe Backhoe Bucket

[JimMorrissey]

Who's got a 24" bucket on their L48?

 

[littlediesel]

Jim, Would you settle for a 24" bucket on a Kubota KX-61?

 

[Ursushorribilus]

I've got a 12" and a 24", I haven't used the 24" yet, and have only used the 12" once so far to dig out a rather large stump.

 

[LarryRB]

I have both a 12 and 24, The 12 gets used 90% of the time...Both are with mechanical quick attach..

 

[JimMorrissey]

Littlediesel...That won't be a good comparison. Thanks anyway though.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Larry,

How does the L48 handle the 24" bucket? Does it struggle trying to cut through your soils? What are your soil conditions?

The reason I ask is that I'm trying to decide whether or not to order the 24" bucket on a L39. The L39 hoe is similar in capability to the L48, and if the L48 struggles, then the L39 certainly will. I have to cut and move a lot of material (shallow and wide area) and I think the 24" bucket would really speed things up, if it'll work. What are your experiences with the bucket?

 

[JimMorrissey]

OK. Looking for some feedback on the tractor / bucket combo.

 

[LarryRB]

as you should know, upper CT, lower Ma and probably most of New England is the rock capital of the world. I have tons of serious ledge and everything else is just plain rocks.. They go anywhere from a basketball size to pick up truck size. The 24" bucket cuts through 90% of it with no problem. Hard clay, it cuts through easily. In other words, you actually have to watch and worry about the machine and not the bucket, The machines have enough force to use most anything... They also, can twist the dipper stick or bend a cylinder if not paying attention.. Go ahead and get the 12 and 24's, you won't be sorry.

 

[curtisfarmer]

I have a 24” bucket on my L48 as well, that being the only bucket I have. I like it a lot and I am glad I didn’t get anything smaller. I just got my L48 recently and I have been digging up everything everywhere, right thru the frozen ground. I always think anything you feel may be too small, usually is. I saw an L48 with a 16” bucket and it looked tiny on such a decent size hoe. Also, if you plan to put on a thumb on the L39 or 48, you will want a decent size bucket to mate to the thumb. With my 24” and thumb I have plenty of surface area to pick up big rocks with nimble agility and the ability to choose which face side I want. Comparing the 24-16-12” bucket sizes, it seems the capacity is exponential when you go larger. It is nice to have the larger bucket bottom to smooth out the work area when done, the large flat part of the bucket is like a big tamper. My L48 and 24” bucket moves some serious earth, I would get a 24”.

p.s. I live in southern NH which is as close to the most inhospitable soil conditions known to man.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JimMorrissey]

Larry and Curtis,

Thank you. That's exactly what I wanted to know. The 24" bucket sure is a beast. I saw one on a L48 the other day at the dealer. It looks like I could climb into it. Now I have to review the specs on both hoes before I pull the trigger on the 24". Frankly, the 18" bucket looks better matched, but as you stated it's exponential in capacity....and I need capacity. I've got to go down about 1.5 feet x 20 wide x 1200' long. A 24" bucket sounds right.

Vermont is similar to your conditions, although local variability can be huge. I live on an old farm in a wide valley, so the soils are a bit different. There's more top soil and less rocks, although there certainly are some rocks (big ones buried deep).

 

[JimMorrissey]

Larry,

Does your quick-attach system look like this? The L39s are coming with a single pin. Looks pretty nice.

 

[LarryRB]

Identical.. Only thing I can add is, get a whole bunch of inch and one eigth washers, and place them with the lynch pin on the other side. If you don't you will be digging and the lynch pins will get lost... I have mine now as tight as I can get it with 4 washers...

 

[JimMorrissey]

Maybe there is something more suitable, like a carabiner type of clamp. I'll keep my eyes peeled. Thanks.

 

[rtvman]

I came into this discussion a little late but I must say that the 24" is the only way to go. My L35 moves dirt, clay and stumps with ease so I would expect even better results with your new L39. Lucky dog! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Have fun!

Kevin