Chinese FEL possible modifications

[NSTractor guy]

Hi,

I have the chinese FEL on the 354 and I want to widen the tires to full width, which I believe is about 6 ft. But, my FEL bucket width is less than 5 ft. Therefore I was contemplating getting the bucket widened to the width needed. Also, I am trying to pick up some large rocks with it and I was looking at cutting the top edge and bending it up to a 30 or 45 deg angle to get a wider mouth to the bucket.

My question is has anybody done this before and what are your thoughts on the pros/cons on doing this and other options available?

I don't really want to buy another bucket, too expensive and takes up real estate. Do I really need to widen the bucket? Will it create to much stress on the loader with the extra capacity? I was thinking to just widen the mouth, but leave the width alone.

Looking for ideas and thoughts.

 

[ToolManRick]

Just my opinion... but enlarging the bucket may allow you to exceed the capacity of the tractor and the cylinders of the bucket. A rock larger than the bucket is a lot different than a big scoop full of dried corn husks. Changing the angle of the top lip on the bucket also will allow material to spill out when it's raiesd up and rolled back to hold the load. Personally I wouldn't mess with modifying the bucket. For the costs involved maybe renting something to do the job would be a better option.