Light Materials v. Standard Bucket Question

Riddler · Sep 14, 2004

I plan to install a tooth bar on the 72" bucket of the new L4330 with FEL that I am ordering. The proposed uses for the tractor include typical estate maintenance chores, not frequent grading or other commercial landscape use. My question is, will the larger capacity "light materials" bucket hold up perfectly well if digging activity is generally confined to uprooting brush and collecting moderately compacted soil, or should I sacrifice some bucket capacity and opt for the "standard duty" square back bucket, which is marginally stronger than the materials bucket? Kubota also offers a "heavy duty" round back bucket, but I doubt that my digging activity will ever require that level of strength and durability (not to mention higher weight and cost).

ronjhall · Sep 14, 2004

Riddler
I have a light duty bucket on my B2910.
I bent it prying shrubs out of the ground by using rollback breakout. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
If I had it to do again. I would get the heavier duty bucket.

JOELENAHAN · Sep 14, 2004

I have a B7800 with a light duty bucket. I did a lot of digging of both stumps and boulders and did slightly bend the cutting edge. I installed a Woods toothbar about a month ago and I would recommend any brand tooth bar to anyone. it stiffened the bucket so much that that it seems almost indestrustible. I tried to dig out one boulder before the toothbar and couldn't really move it, but with the the toothbar, it was like slicing through butter with a hot knife.

NIXON · Sep 14, 2004

Riddler , The 4330 is one strong tractor . I'd go with the Standard duty bucket for sure . In fact I don't believe You'd be disappointed with the HD bucket. If You're considering a tooth bar , You must be considering a bit of Digging .
If that's the case go with a bucket that is designed to handle it .

rswyan · Sep 15, 2004

On the 2910/7800 series tractors there is no difference in the construction and materials of the regular 54" bucket and the 60" LM (Light Materials) bucket - other than one is wider than the other. The reason the 60" is referred to as a Light Materials bucket is because if you load it with heavy materials you will exceed the capacity of the loader (ask me how I know)

It may well be (and probably is) different on the larger models.

ronjhall · Sep 15, 2004

rswyan
LA402 bucket construction has been discussed before.
Check out this thread.
Click Here

rswyan · Sep 15, 2004

Ron,

I just scoped it out, thanks.

It appears that I was misinformed by my dealer. Before I purchased I asked him specifically about differences in the buckets and he swore that there was no difference in the gauge metal used - it appears from that thread that there is and he was misinformed. I just tried to verify that this is indeed still the case on Kubota's website but I didn't have any luck.

Riddler · Sep 15, 2004

Sounds like the standard bucket might be a bit more rigid. I'll check to see if the dealer has the specs on the gauge of metal used in the two types. There is no cost difference between the two, only a 20% difference in the volume of material that each can carry. I am leaning toward sacrificing the volume in return for longevity. I would hate to bend the thing the first time I do any serious digging. Thanks for the input.

NIXON · Sep 15, 2004

Riddler . I went the HD bucket route . I'm one of those guys that can tear up an anvil with a marshmallow /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I lost some capability in the weight and volume area .But I use this thing in an area with lots of rock. I also use it to grub out small trees . Besides I get more seat time with the smaller bucket /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif All the best , John