Question On FEL Step Bumper Trailer Hitch

[Keuka]

I'm going top put a trailer hitch on the front loader bucket of my Kubota L35 Loader/Backhoe. I see some of you bolted a step bumper trailer hitch on the top of you loader bucket. Can you roll the top of your bucket so the ball is low enough to hook up or do you use a drop hitch?

I have a bolt on cutting edge. I was thinking of using the center plow bolt hole to bolt some kind of a fabricated hitch plate to the inside of the bucket. It would have to be removed when not in use. I would not be able to see the ball when pulling up to a trailer but it's the same way with my truck and I get along OK. I was thinking of going this way as I had thought the top of the bucket was too high.

Anyway, for those of you that mounted a step bumper on top, how's it working out? Do you think it's the way to go?

 

[whistlepig]

Do a search on "bucket hooks" or "bolt on bucket hooks" on this site. One of the members has a receiver hitch bolted to the top of his bucket. He has a picture of him dumping a trailer by raising the tongue on the trailer with the hitch and FEL. Neat set up. I was just looking at it yesterday.

 

[PHS79]

If you are just looking for a way to mount a ball into your bucket, why dont you just take a torch and blow a hole in the bottom of the bucket?

I did that to the bucket on one of our Bobcats. I just blew a 1" dia hole in the bucket and then just hand tighten a ball through the hole when we need to use it to move a trailer. Once the trailer is moved, then just unscrew the ball.

 

[Keuka]

I am considering enlarging and the plow bolt hole in the bottom of the bucket and mounting the ball as you have done.

The other option is the receiver mounted on top of the bucket. That could be used for other attchments like a lifting beam or pole. The pole would work great during deer season. With that in mind, I'm picking brains for ideas. Thanks for the input.

 

[whistlepig]

I am considering enlarging and the plow bolt hole in the bottom of the bucket and mounting the ball as you have done.

The other option is the receiver mounted on top of the bucket. That could be used for other attchments like a lifting beam or pole. The pole would work great during deer season. With that in mind, I'm picking brains for ideas. Thanks for the input.

I don't have hooks on my bucket but need them. I like the receiver hitch idea on top of the bucket best so far. Still looking though.

 

[PHS79]

Here is something that another member has done.

It may work for some, but it wouldn't work for me. A couple of our trailers have the jack mounted just behind the ball coupler, so more than likely the trailer jack would hit the cutting edge of the bucket.

 

[whistlepig]

Here is something that another member has done.

It may work for some, but it wouldn't work for me. A couple of our trailers have the jack mounted just behind the ball coupler, so more than likely the trailer jack would hit the cutting edge of the bucket.

That's the post I was talking about!. I don't need the trailer moving capability but look at all them gadgets you can plug in to that receiver. I could entertain myself for hours.

 

[pat32rf]

Just mount your trailer ball on the end of a longer piece of 2x2 sq tubing. You might even be able to see both the ball and hitch to line things up.... I tend to keep my balls on the rear, one on my back blade, a receiver on my 3pth counterweight and another receiver on my hoe. I do have a receiver on my forks that gets a lot of use, just never plugged a trailer ball into it...

 

[Thomas]

I bolted mine 3/8 steel plate top of bucket for support, when done w/hitch remove place cover plate...works great.

 

[SeymourBota]

bottom of the bucket, with an extra plate below for strength.