Hitch ball on BX25 FEL

[check]

Okay, here's a question. I don't want to take off the BH just to move my boat around the cottage lot, so how can I rig up a ball on the FEL without drilling any holes in my BRAND NEW tractor? I played a bit with the empty boat trailer, by just rolling the FEL bucket as far back as it would go and hooking the safety chains on the edge of the bucket. Works fine with an empty (and thus light) trailer, but I wouldn't want to do this with the boat on, since the chain hooks can slide back and forth, and since the tariler will swing a bit when it is "hanging" on the safety chains like that.

BTW, the tractor has such a small turning circle, it is great for moving the trailer around in my tight spaces using the FEL. (I tried it using my ATV, but the trailer is some 26' long, and the ATV is a 2-up bike with a much larger turning circle than the tractor, and also weighs about 2,000 lb. less.)

Any ideas would be much appreciated!

I'm thinking perhaps of something that can clamp on the bucket, and is easy to put on and remove.

 

[SeymourBota]

on the cheap- get a step and tow receiver hitch for around $35 in any auto parts store.
Turn it upside down in the front of the bucket and secure it on each side with a beefy C-clamp.

Then use your regular 2" insert with drop/rise, whatever.

I'm bolted on in the pic, but 2 C-clamps will do the job you need.

 

[Bedlam]

Here are a few links hope they help you.
I agree with Seymourbota.. maybe even drill so you could bolt the receiver.



http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/124681-new-hitch-fel.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/massey-ferguson-owning-operating/121223-hitch-ball-loader.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/121314-receiver-hitch-bx-fel-bucket.html

this is a good reference.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/117762-paynes-hitch-receiver.html
Paynes Forks Hitch Receiver Clamp | Tractor Bucket Forks | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Hedgy]

Or you could mount a ball on the backhoe step as one TBN member KeithInSpace did as pictured here.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Personally, I don't like the idea of moving heavy things around with the FEL. You have to remember to have it in 4WD and have a hair-trigger on the FEL joystick. Sometimes it isn't perferable to "dump" your trailer onto the jackstand, too. Dunno.

This is how I solved the issue for me. I have a nice hitch for the 3PH, but I hate to take teh BH on and off just to access it. So I mounted a ball to the BH.

I've pulled my 20' trailer around the yard loaded with post-storm tree litter without any problems.

And no holes.

This is on a Woods BH6000, so I'm not sure if it would work on your BH. Step's prob'ly different Just an idea.

EDIT: Darn...beat me at my own game, Mr. Hedgy. You rock.

 

[check]

Here are a few links hope they help you.
I agree with Seymourbota.. maybe even drill so you could bolt the receiver.



http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/124681-new-hitch-fel.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/massey-ferguson-owning-operating/121223-hitch-ball-loader.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/121314-receiver-hitch-bx-fel-bucket.html

this is a good reference.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/117762-paynes-hitch-receiver.html
Paynes Forks Hitch Receiver Clamp | Tractor Bucket Forks | Northern Tool + Equipment

Hey guys, thanks for the great suggestions. I bought some 2" tubing and will perhaps try to weld something on the bucket. I am wondering if this will void the warranty, however. Also, I got the 3-point hitch attachment included with my BX25, and isn't there a ball hitch platform or something that can attach to the 3-point hitch? Of course, I would have to remove the BH, but that is also a possible way to go, and it would put the ball farther out there where you could manoever the trailer more precisely.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I have a very stout assembly that attaches to the 3PH and accepts a standard 2" receiver.

Leinbach Trailer Hitch LB-LTH2

The BX takes the LTH-1, a slightly smaller unit.

I really like how it works...stronger than a standard tractor draw bar...but you have to remove the BH to use it.

 

[check]

I have a very stout assembly that attaches to the 3PH and accepts a standard 2" receiver.

Leinbach Trailer Hitch LB-LTH2

The BX takes the LTH-1, a slightly smaller unit.

I really like how it works...stronger than a standard tractor draw bar...but you have to remove the BH to use it.

Thanks, Keith, I'll check out the availablility for my BX25.

 

[bx24]

This has worked well for me and does not get in the way of a tooth bar. I very rarely remove this even when loading gravel or dirt. Sitting higher, it is also much easier to see from the seat of the tractor than if it were on the bottom.

Good luck

 

[check]

This has worked well for me and does not get in the way of a tooth bar. I very rarely remove this even when loading gravel or dirt. Sitting higher, it is also much easier to see from the seat of the tractor than if it were on the bottom.

Good luck

Thanks so much for the suggestion, Paul. - I did have a friend weld on some square tubing - will post photos in a couple of days.

The new setup works nicely. Only problem is when turning and pushing something up an incline - the front tires lose traction. Someone suggest filling the bucket to add additional weight to the front tires.