Loader FL1805 Bucket Level Indicator?

[hube2]

So, I read a few older threads about bucket level indicators.

Just for information, I will be using my bucket for moving snow and I have a set of edge tamers for it to help me not move stone or lawn.

To be honest, I don't see that I'll need an indicator. First is the fact the the top of the bucket is parallel with the bottom and I should be able to judge just by looking at this. Second, if I can't tell by looking at that I can just lean out a bit and see the bottom of the bottom of the bucket.

Anyway, I was curious and because I like to research and read I found that MF actually makes a level indicator for this FEL, shown in this video Massey Ferguson FL.185 Loader Bucket Gauge Rod for GC Series Sub-Compact Tractors - YouTube. You can get one for about $60.

Looking at where the indicator is I don't see that this would be all that easy to see and use, at least not enough to make this thing worth it given my two points above, but I could be wrong.

I have seen things about making your own, but what I really want is information on this specific indicator. Looking for reviews from anyone that's put this on.

So here are my questions:

1) Can you actually see it easily?

2) Do you find it useful?

 

[ovrszd]

Only way I'd think you can see it would be to raise the bucket pretty high??? Even then not sure how well.

I've got two types.

Kubota's is same style as this video but the rod notch and level bracket is up at the top of the cylinder where it's easily seen. Works fine.

Ford TLB's is a tube fixed to the cylinder barrel. Rod slides in and out of tube. When upper end of rod is even with upper end of tube bucket is level. Works fine.

The value of an indicator is that you can get the bucket adjusted to level while carrying it and going back to get another load. Don't have to wait until you set the bucket down to take a guess at whether it's level or not. I use mine every time I use the bucket.

 

[hube2]

The value of an indicator is that you can get the bucket adjusted to level while carrying it and going back to get another load. Don't have to wait until you set the bucket down to take a guess at whether it's level or not. I use mine every time I use the bucket.

So the value would be that I may be able to see when the bucket is level with it off the ground more easily and then lower it to either plow or scoop rather than lowering and then leveling. That makes sense and may make the job a little faster.

I know it's a long shot, but still hoping to hear from someone that uses this particular item.

 

[ray66v]

A level indicator is a nice thing to have.

However, with practice you may find that you don't need it.

 

[ovrszd]

As I said earlier, I use mine every time I use the bucket.

No one with an indicator will ever say they don't need it.

Some without an indicator may say they don't need it.

 

[WranglerX]

I made one from scrap pile parts.... Don't know why any would pay to buy one.... It is used with almost all my FEL work ...

Dale

 

[ovrszd]

Dale, that's the kind I prefer. I cut an additional 2" off the top half of the tube. I can see the rod end coming. I don't over run now.

Nice work!!!

 

[hube2]

Well, given how much I spent on the tractor I'm not going to grouse over 60 or 80 bucks if I can buy something and just bolt it on rather than spend the time building something myself.

But I question the usability of the one that I can get. While I wouldn't mind spending the money if I knew it will work, spending the money to find out it's not usable would not make me happy. If I'm gonna flush money down the toilet then I'd save the time and go straight to the toilet

I would love to see a picture or pictures of this one from the seat of the tractor.

 

[WranglerX]

Dale, that's the kind I prefer. I cut an additional 2" off the top half of the tube. I can see the rod end coming. I don't over run now.

Nice work!!!

IF the rod is even with end of tube, FEL is "level"... IF rod is out of tube bucket lip is in a "up curl" position, if rod disappears in tube bucket lip is in a "down curl"....

Dale

 

[ovrszd]

IF the rod is even with end of tube, FEL is "level"... IF rod is out of tube bucket lip is in a "up curl" position, if rod disappears in tube bucket lip is in a "down curl"....

Dale

Yep. And if you are raising the bucket back to level from the dump position you stop with the end of the rod even with the end of the tube. If you notch off a couple inches of the tube you can see the rod coming and not over run.

 

[WranglerX]

Well, given how much I spent on the tractor I'm not going to grouse over 60 or 80 bucks if I can buy something and just bolt it on rather than spend the time building something myself.

But I question the usability of the one that I can get. While I wouldn't mind spending the money if I knew it will work, spending the money to find out it's not usable would not make me happy. If I'm gonna flush money down the toilet then I'd save the time and go straight to the toilet

I would love to see a picture or pictures of this one from the seat of the tractor.

Just keep in mind the one put out by MF in video above is a piece of crap.... Hard to see in position its in because hydraulic cylinder blocks view...... You need the "indicator " up above FEL arms where it is fully visible at a glance , not having to twist, turn, duck and dance to see it.... Obviously designed by someone who has never been on a tractor....

Dale

 

[Doug62]

Just keep in mind the one put out by MF in video above is a piece of crap.... Hard to see in position its in because hydraulic cylinder blocks view...... You need the "indicator " up above FEL arms where it is fully visible at a glance , not having to twist, turn, duck and dance to see it.... Obviously designed by someone who has never been on a tractor....

Dale

I'm very satisfied with the one that came on my loader. I've only had it a couple of months, about 20 hours on the tractor so far, but using it is a simple glance at the left loader arm.

 

[hube2]

So, after the snow I got this past monday, after trying to use the bucket to move snow because it was not enough to get the blower out and too much to leave it. What I discovered is that a bucket is quite a bit more difficult to level by eye than other types of equipment I've experienced. Dug up a little. I'll probably get used to it after a while, but I decided that I needed some assistance or I'm going to have a mess to deal with in the spring.

Not having the time to fabricate something myself right now I decided to order this thing.... knowing full well that I could be throwing my money away. I figured if nothing else I could give others what I didn't have, that is a better idea of what it would be like using this thing.

So here is my review.

This thing is completely unusable with the bucket lowered. Here's a picture of it from the seat. It is impossible to see. There is simply no position to put yourself in, not even standing up, that will let you see it.


Here is another picture of the bucket raised about half way. This makes the indicator visible from the seat, but it needs to be in just the right position to see it through the crook in the hose. This is possible, but would require getting used to and may be hard to see at night, I'll have to try it the next time I'm out in the dark. It's possible that the headlight will illuminate it in this position.


Finally, this is a picture with the bucket raised higher. This gives the best view of the indicator (sorry, this shadows from the sun make this one a bit harder to see in the picture).


On a scale of 1 to 5 stars I would give this a rating of 2. It's usable, but only just usable. It will get me through this winter.

I would not recommend this to anyone.

Needless to say, next spring/summer when I have more time I will be looking at fabricating something more useful.

 

[WranglerX]

So, after the snow I got this past monday, after trying to use the bucket to move snow because it was not enough to get the blower out and too much to leave it. What I discovered is that a bucket is quite a bit more difficult to level by eye than other types of equipment I've experienced. Dug up a little. I'll probably get used to it after a while, but I decided that I needed some assistance or I'm going to have a mess to deal with in the spring.

Not having the time to fabricate something myself right now I decided to order this thing.... knowing full well that I could be throwing my money away. I figured if nothing else I could give others what I didn't have, that is a better idea of what it would be like using this thing.

So here is my review.

This thing is completely unusable with the bucket lowered. Here's a picture of it from the seat. It is impossible to see. There is simply no position to put yourself in, not even standing up, that will let you see it.
View attachment 675677

Here is another picture of the bucket raised about half way. This makes the indicator visible from the seat, but it needs to be in just the right position to see it through the crook in the hose. This is possible, but would require getting used to and may be hard to see at night, I'll have to try it the next time I'm out in the dark. It's possible that the headlight will illuminate it in this position.
View attachment 675679

Finally, this is a picture with the bucket raised higher. This gives the best view of the indicator (sorry, this shadows from the sun make this one a bit harder to see in the picture).
View attachment 675683

On a scale of 1 to 5 stars I would give this a rating of 2. It's usable, but only just usable. It will get me through this winter.

I would not recommend this to anyone.

Needless to say, next spring/summer when I have more time I will be looking at fabricating something more useful.

Extend it up to where you can see it above the FEL arm (piece of 1/2 inch PVC tube?) ..... And add a position reference....

Dale

 

[ovrszd]

Good review. Undisputable with the picture evidence. I think you were generous. I'd have went with a 1.

 

[WranglerX]

Good review. Undisputable with the picture evidence. I think you were generous. I'd have went with a 1.

I gave it a "0" long before anybody tried to use it.....

Dale

 

[hube2]

Just a quick update.

I had a strong feeling that this would be completely useless in the dark which is when I move snow the most. This feeling was correct. Had a chance to test it out tonight.

Having the feeling I would not be able to see it I ordered a set of these Amazon.com : Bayyee USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set, LED Bicycle Front Headlight and Rear Light, Super Bright Waterproof, 4 Light Mode Options, 2 USB Cables 2 Strap Included : Sports & Outdoors and I strapped the white lite to the fitting/hose right next to the bracket so that the light shined on it. Without this it would be completely unusable at night. The red one is not a waste because it's fairly easy to swap out the parts from one to the other so when the one I'm using dies I can just swap the lenses and use the other on.

It is not completely unusable with the addition of the light. After plowing snow when I lift the bucket to dump it is high enough to see the indicator and I level the bucket before I back out and lower it to driving height. Will take a while to make this a habit, found myself needing to raise again to level several times tonight.

I have it set so that my edge tamers and the back edge of the bucket are on the ground so there is a slight upward angle on the bottom of the bucket. This position clears the snow well and prevented me from digging up snow and lawn.

I'll still be looking at adding something that's easier to see come spring.

 

[Cat385B]

hube2, thanks for the review. Home built for mine it will be.

 

[WranglerX]

hube2, thanks for the review. Home built for mine it will be.

Pictures when done!

Dale

 

[hube2]

I like the principle of this indicator and the fact that it is adjustable and I can set it so that my bucket is at an upward angle for winter.

But the rod needed to be longer so that the bend is above the lower FEL arm and the bracket should connect to the upper fitting instead of the lower fitting and the bracket bracket should be longer bringing the hole up above the lower arm to match the higher location of the bend in the rod.

Whatever I end up with it will need to be easily adjustable.