Loader Does anyone use an extra bucket?

[skipmarcy]

I beefed-up my original 5' bucket with some extra metal and now keep a pair of my forks mounted on it all the time and ready. I keep my unadulterated 6' bucket on the tractor most the time but have the fork bucket handy for the chores it does.

 

[CentralNC]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I wish I had considered an extra bucket years ago. I had to take my toothbar off again this weekend and it was a pain. I will try to find a used 5' bucket for digging. It would save a lot of time to be able to switch buckets depending on the task. I appreciate all the advice and comments.

 

[CentralNC]

One more question ..... What would be a fair ballpark price for a used bucket?

 

[jml755]

Check out what a new bucket would be and go down from there. :laughing: Seriously, I just saw a used 66" bucket (not sure what it fit) go for $150 at an online auction (see attached). I spent $100 for a used 12" backhoe bucket for my Ford TLB that would have cost $600 new. A lot will depend on condition and how proud the seller is of it . I've seen prices on used equipment that I just shake my head at.

 

[wedge40]

I've heard of people who drill the holes to hold the tooth bar in place such that they can loosen the bolts, pull the tooth bar forward past the lip and flip it inside the bucket. Way less expensive then a second bucket.

Wedge

 

[CentralNC]

Does anyone know if a skidsteer bucket will work on a tractor? I might buy one at an auction tomorrow if the QA brackets are the same. The angle of the bucket looks different to me. A skidsteer bucket seems to have more of a 90 degree angle while a tractor FEL bucket seems to attach higher and have a more rounded bottom corner.

I am having a hard time explaining what I perceive as the difference, but my gut is telling me that they won't work. Thoughts?

 

[jinman]

Yes, SS buckets are slightly different and most times much longer on the bottom front-to-back, reducing the tractor's breakout force. However, the quick attach bracket should fit your tractor just fine.

 

[dave1949]

I have a Loader Buddy on both my tractors and don't feel the need to change my approach.

That looks very useful for woods cleanup - as in the video.
Dave.

 

[Kevin M]

That loader buddy does look like a handy tool if you don't have a backhoe.

 

[RobertN]

They'll work. The SS I have used, the buckets were shorter in height, but deeper front to back. I should say the bucket will work, but make sure you have a universal QA.

As someone else mentioned, my Buddy that has an S185 Bobcat, has two buckets. One smooth, one with teeth(they are same buckets with bolt on teeth option).

More than a QA and two buckets, I wish I could afford a clamshell. I have used them on skidsteers, and they SWEET! Dang expensive though.

Does anyone know if a skidsteer bucket will work on a tractor? I might buy one at an auction tomorrow if the QA brackets are the same. The angle of the bucket looks different to me. A skidsteer bucket seems to have more of a 90 degree angle while a tractor FEL bucket seems to attach higher and have a more rounded bottom corner.

I am having a hard time explaining what I perceive as the difference, but my gut is telling me that they won't work. Thoughts?