How I saved big bucks

[Toffy]

Over the last few years i have needed a bucket on my 445 John Deere. Because of the cab which i need in the winter i was unable to install a FEL. So I got to thinking about a new tractor and after seeing the prices i decided to do something different. I checked Google Patents and got this idea for what i needed because i don't need to load anything just move dirt.
I started out with a 463 Bob Cat bucket that was given to me.
I cut 5 inches off the lip and removed the quick attach parts to lighten it up. My only cost was the pipe used for the hinge.I already had the cylinder to work the clam. I rotate that between my driveway profiler. Takes about a minute to swap it out. I made the mounting brackets to fit the original Deere quick attach. At first i was unsure if the bucket would dig but i quickly found out that i could did a hole with no problem after i welded a cutting edge under the bucket. Pic. was taken prior to that mod. I used it for a whole afternoon moving dirt and man am i ever happy. I also added grease nipples to the hinge. Really like this site and get a lot of ideas. People on it are great.

 

[bones1]

Very good job.

 

[thatguy]

Looks very nice. Its ppl like you that make me feel so inadequate LOL

Brian

 

[EddieWalker]

Toffy,

That's pretty unique. Does the bucket move up and down? or is it at set height and you just open the bucket to dump the load? With all the hoses going to the bucket, I'm guessing that it goes up and down, but I don't understand how it works.

Congrats on a job well done.

Eddie

 

[Taylortractornut]

Looks like you made a miniature version of a Drott Bull Clam. I sawoneyears ago in person on on old Oliver Crawler and one later on an IH crawler. Komatsu made a copy later in the 80's to dredge with. They were really meant for sanitary landfill use for covering to. The 2 Ive seen in person I got to watch work and they moved a ton of dirt. Great job on the build.

 

[Toffy]

Yes the bucket moves up and down. The quick attach is for the blade supplied by John Deere. When i set it up i made sure the tractor and bucket was level on my garage floor. Than i lifted the quick attach about 2 inches. This gave me enough down pressure to be able to dig. But enough lift to prevent spilling when careing a load. There are extra hoses that are not used as i dont swing the bucket back and forth like you would a blade. What i do is use those ports to run the clam. The lift on the bucket is very limited and the fact that it works so well surprised me. I just got finished moveing a pile of dirt across my driveway i had no spillage at all.

 

[Toffy]

I worked for a Komatsu dealer as a mechanic. You are so right,Iforgot all about that. I cant beleive i forgot about those.

 

[Runner]

Nice work, Toffy.

I'll bet it is great for spreading gravel too.