Request Info On Rock Buckets

plaindriver · Mar 5, 2014

Just bought a new Kubota 4wd L4600DT with the QA FEL. I live in 'Rocky Top' Tn. Lotta rock content in teh dirt as well as roots. I am trying to harness an area maybe 80' x 150' for veg farming (personal consumption only- -I just retired). All along, Ive had my trusty 29 yr old JD 750 tractor with the FEL. I try to use it or the 'fingers' on a box blade to surface roots or rocks (basketball or larger) Sometimes I will work at it and dislodge one perhaps 500-600#. Then I have to struggle and pry it into the bucket w/pry bar. Very time (and lumbar) consuming. I am considering a QA 'rock bucket' that I see on Ebay for $800 delivered. SKID STEER SKIDSTEER LOADER 72" ROCK SKELETON BUCKET FITS BOBCAT, CASE, DEERE on eBay! Aint sure if this is a good unit or even if its a good Rx for what Im trying to do. Thanks from a newby

oosik · Mar 6, 2014

Welcome to TBN plaindriver. Take a look at the rock buckets at ANBO mfg. I don't know the price but I can vouch that they are TOUGH. You might also consider a single tooth scarifier. I have and use one. I go as slow as possible (lowest gearing) and have turned and brought up some real "anchors on the earth" . I do not think a rock bucket will help load a large rock - I think they are designed to separate rocks from dirt. If you ever find an easy way to get the rock into the bucket - let me know too. Have fun with the garden site.

rasorbackq · Mar 6, 2014

I just built one over Xmas . Cost was about $600 . So $800 doesn't seem to unrealizable with delivery.

jenkinsph · Mar 6, 2014

I use a 66" Frontier rock bucket on my 110tlb, works fairly well on most 4" and larger rocks. Larger rocks in the size you reference prying out are easier to remove with pallet forks set to the appropriate spacing. The pallet forks work well on stumps too.

plaindriver · Mar 6, 2014

rasorbackq said:
I just built one over Xmas . Cost was about $600 . So $800 doesn't seem to unrealizable with delivery.
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Rasor, you are obviously a skilled welder. Way beyond my pay grade. Thanks for the heads up re pallet forks. That never occurred to me. I just looked at an "Anbo Extractor" attachment. Looks pretty neat, tho the window sticker is about $2100 delivered. Comes from Wash. State.

rasorbackq · Mar 7, 2014

plaindriver said:
Rasor, you are obviously a skilled welder. .

I only tack welded it . I paid a neighbor to weld it with stick welder

arrow · Mar 7, 2014

plaindriver said:
Just bought a new Kubota 4wd L4600DT with the QA FEL. I live in 'Rocky Top' Tn. Lotta rock content in teh dirt as well as roots. I am trying to harness an area maybe 80' x 150' for veg farming (personal consumption only- -I just retired). All along, Ive had my trusty 29 yr old JD 750 tractor with the FEL. I try to use it or the 'fingers' on a box blade to surface roots or rocks (basketball or larger) Sometimes I will work at it and dislodge one perhaps 500-600#. Then I have to struggle and pry it into the bucket w/pry bar. Very time (and lumbar) consuming. I am considering a QA 'rock bucket' that I see on Ebay for $800 delivered. SKID STEER SKIDSTEER LOADER 72" ROCK SKELETON BUCKET FITS BOBCAT, CASE, DEERE on eBay! Aint sure if this is a good unit or even if its a good Rx for what Im trying to do. Thanks from a newby

I could be dead wrong here as I have no experience with a rock bucket and I may be misreading your post. Rock buckets always seemed to me as a tool that would "sift" rocks out of loose soil or a pile. They do not look substantial enough (cheaper one's anyway) to actually "grub" rocks out of hard packed soil. I think I'd prefer a bucket with teeth for that and then come by with the rock bucket to scoop em. Another tool I have found handy is the rear point hitch "sub soiler." I've pulled out many a stubborn rock with it when I had my 750.