DIY bucket level indicator

[walnutman]

My LS came from the factory equipped with a bucket level indicator rod somewhat similar to the one in Jeepheads video, I definitely appreciate having it !
One of my Kubota friends operated my tractor for a couple hours and said he was going to make one for his Kubota that came without one.

Only works when the bucket is on the ground. My Yanmar YT359C has a nice bar that does the same.

My John Deere 310SE backhoe has auto level. When you float the joystick to rotate the bucket down, it automatically stops at level. But level for the ground.

In addition it also controls the bucket when you raise a load high, keeping you from pulling back too far so you don't dump on yourself.

Recently sold that machine.

 

[ZiggyD]

The problem with these types of indicators is that they only give you the correct tilt for a given loader height. Mine came with this type of indicator from the factory and I calibrated it to show “leve” when the FEL is at ground level. Raise or lower the FEL by even a little and it’s no longer accurate.

That being said, watching the video I realized that all that’s needed is a bottom heavy indicator loosely bolted to the side of the forks plate (if you can imagine what I mean).

 

[ZiggyD]

I just realized that the solution for an accurate indicator is as simple as drilling a hole on the side and loosely bolting a bottom heavy thin piece of flat stock. This type of indicator is not dependent on the height of the FEL like the regular rod indicators are. This is so simple that I’m thinking that maybe I’m missing something.

Here’s a quick finger sketch for my phone:

 

[walnutman]

The problem with these types of indicators is that they only give you the correct tilt for a given loader height. Mine came with this type of indicator from the factory and I calibrated it to show “leve” when the FEL is at ground level. Raise or lower the FEL by even a little and it’s no longer accurate.

That being said, watching the video I realized that all that’s needed is a bottom heavy indicator loosely bolted to the side of the forks plate (if you can imagine what I mean).

Great idea except wont it always read level?

 

[jmc]

Better-than-nothing: a level indicator for level ground that's only accurate when the bucket is at ground level.

Pretty-good: as above that also works at any bucket height.

People-in-hell-want-ice water: bucket parallel indicator. Keeps bucket parallel with sloped ground when you're working up or down hill. (So, no plumb based mechanisms)

 

[ZiggyD]

Great idea except wont it always read level?

I’m assuming it’ll always read level but, sometimes the item you’re trying to lift isn’t on level ground. I guess in those cases it wouldn’t be as accurate.

 

[Eagle1]

What is level ground?

 

[WranglerX]

Do search for bucket level indicator.... 200 solutions and none do what you want, only accurate on same physical plane as tractor wheels....

 

[garry1p]

There is an RV electronic level indicator sold by Amazon and Walmart.

LevelMatePRO Wireless RV Leveling System​

Should work fine mounted on the side of the bucket and protected somehow.