Tractor Sizing BX23 BH bucket size?

[Phrede]

I just ordered a new BX23 and my dealer called wanting to know if I want a 9-10" or 12" bucket on the hoe. He has one with a 12" but will supply a 9" if I want it.

My thoughts are that a 9" might dig better in hard ground and that a 12" would be better for trenching and moving more dirt. I do run into some hard sticky clay around here.

This forum has been great in answering questions and here is a chance to shine again.

Suggestions please.

 

[Junkman]

The difference is so small that I would go with the 12" bucket. I don't think that the difference between the 10" and the 12" will result in any difference in the ability of the machine to dig. There is another thread somewhere when this question was last asked and this was the sentiments of most of the respondants...... Good luck with the new machine and don't forget to post the pictures of your first project....

 

[gsxr1100]

take the 12" bucket. My BX22 has the 12" and works just fine.

 

[Junkman]

While we are on the subject, ask your dealer about installing hooks on the front bucket. Here is a link to previous discussions about this subject...... Front bucket hooks for the BX loader.......

 

[Steven]

go with the 12". more dirt removed per cycle will save some time digging. I just wish the bucket was deeper to hold more, you will see what I mean when you start using it.

 

[Phrede]

Thanks all, 12" it is. 4 responses in less than 2 hours! This is a great forum!

I had already thought of the hook, but was thinking to bolt on 1/2" plates on both the inside and outside of the bucket to "spread the load" then bolt an eye bolt or hook through that. I was waiting until I got it to decide. BTW delivery is on Thursday or Friday. I feel like a kid at Christmas.

GSXR, Think spring so we can get up on 2 wheels!

 

[Junkman]

welded is always better, especially when you can get the dealer to do it for free. My dealer reinforced the bucket with a piece of angle and put two hooks on ...... one at each end. Will post a picture later for you to see...

 

[Henro]

If you have clay soil, a wider bucket will let moist clay fall out easier.

I have a 10 inch on my backhoe and it is a drag having to clear it with a bar sometimes. And if you don't knock the sticky stuff out, you end up just pushing a lot of dirt around and not moving much.

I would go with the 12 inch. I got the ten because I wanted something narrower than a 16, which I also got with my backhoe, for my B2910.

 

[art]

12" seems to be the best for them and our most popular seller.

 

[jpr62902]

Re: The FEL hooks -- The lift capacity of the FEL is rated by Kubota at 460 lbs, although it will probably lift closer to 600 lbs (mine lifts a full bucket of wet pea gravel, no problem). Either way, I only have 1 hook in the center welded on without reinforcement and it does the job -- no worries, Mate!

 

[gsxr1100]

jpr--I agree 100%. The lifting weight is way more then 460. I lifted about the same as you with no problem.

 

[Rimmer]

"I do run into some hard sticky clay around here."

Twelve inch, for sure. I have a thin layer of "topsoil" (pretty heavy, stick stuff), followed by yellow clay, with grey clay under that. Never had a problem with the stuff dropping out of the 12-inch BH on my BX23.

As far as digging force, the BX23 BH has plenty of power -- at first you may find yourself wishing you had a couple thousand pounds of extra tractor to handle it! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Once you practice a bit, though, you'll be able to dig like a champ without pulling yourself all over the place.

Welcome to the family! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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