Snow FEL Bucket Cutting Edge Lesson's Learned

[dirt ditch]

JD only lists the 61" HD bucket as being compatible with the 300CX and 400CX loaders, probably because of the weight. Since he already has a 61" bucket he could probably buy the replacement cutting edge, drill his own holes, and mount it up to his existing bucket.

That's what I said he could do, but if he does get a new bucket for snow removal then the pre-drilled HD bucket with a bold on edge will work just fine. I know every ounce counts on these small loaders but the 61" HD bucket is a lot tougher and only 56 pounds heaver than the standard 61" bucket. 246 - 190. The 61" HD bucket is also John Deere listed for the 300 and 300X loaders.

 

[Harry22]

I had a similiar thing happen to my bucket this past winter. One thing I found was that I was not using the selective valve float properly. I had thought that in the middle postion floated and found that full forward was the float. I'm sure this contributed to my wear problem. Now I know! Also saw some cutting edges on ebay that look resonably priced.

 

[356Guy]

Ratchet rake has an attachment called the snow edge. I am not sure how well it would work.

Ratchet Rake, LLC - Rip and Dig, All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attac

I used one of these all last season on my new 2520, worked great on my paved drive, saved the seal coat and the blade. The plastic wears and I'll probably replace it next year, but $65 is a lot better than $800.

The only issue is that you are plowing with a FEL, a blade would probably make things quicker.

 

[urbandeere2520]

Thanks for all the replies. In hindsight, I should have purchased something like the Ratchet Rake Snow Edge for my FEL bucket. Shame on me. For folks that use their FEL to push snow something like the Snow Edge (or W.R Long wear bar) is probably a good idea to minimize damage to your bucket edge and driveway. My driveway is asphalt and the topcoat was partially removed from all the snow removal last year.

I'm moving to the Charlotte, NC area next year so I only have one more winter do deal with here in northern VA. I look forward to moving away from the Arctic vortices and numerous feet of snow that typically fall in the area. Charlotte rarely receives any significant and lasting snow fall.

So the damaged cutting edge is probably good for at least one more winter pushing snow without damaging the bucket. I'll have the metal cutting edge replaced by a local shop after I move to NC next year.

Oh - the person that ask about "floating the bucket"... on asphalt, that's the only way I use the bucket to push snow, in "float" mode. I only lift the bucket to dump the snow at the end of the each push. I think the edge wore so much because I tipped the bucket edge downward to scrap up the thin layer of ice under the snow.