FEL owners - what size bucket?

[cstocks]

I went with a 60" bucket to match the width of my TC33D upon the recommendation of my dealer. Since I leave my FEL on all the time I have to watch front and rear when mowing close to fencerows. My rotory mower is also 60". Having implements that match my tire width makes it easier for me to get as close as I can to a fence without snagging it with my FEL or mower.

On the other hand, if the above are not considerations for you, you may want to get a bucket that is a little wider than your tractor to increase your productivity. While I like having a bucket that matches my tractor width, if I had it all to do over again I would probably go with a 68" bucket.

 

[BigDave]

Danny,

I just realized that I had 68" bucket only last week. I thought I bought a 60". To keep a long story short, I don't think it matters much.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

60"FEL on a JD 4110 that is around 49" wide.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

This may sound irrational...but I ordered a 60 inch front bucket with my B2910 and at the last minute decided to go with the 54 inch, which is just ever so slightly wider than my rear tire width.

Now I can't tell you why, cause I forget now, but sever times while doing about a hundred hours of loader/backhoe work with the new tractor, I was happy I did not get the 60 inch bucket. Now it may not matter in realilty, but that was my impression.

I am certain though...that you would never really want to have a bucket narrower than the width of your rear tires. I think that is the most important consideration...make sure the bucket is as wide, or wider than the tires on the tractor.

Bill in Pgh, PA

 

[fishman]

I went with the 54" on my 2910 and also am happy with my choice, albeit an arbitrary one at the time. I use it a lot for "digging" (as much as you can with a FEL) and stump removal. A 60" bucket is bigger in every dimension, and the force applied to the edge would be less compared to a 54" because you have in effect a longer lever. Therefore, more force can be applied to a particular task, like severing a tree root. Now this arguement could be taken to ridiculous extremes, and the reality is that it probably doesn't matter all that much if, as others have said, your bucket is as wide or wider than your tractor.

Sometimes I wish I had the bigger bucket when transporting lighter materials, but no biggie. The one thing I do wish I had on my FEL was a quick detach system. This should be standard from the factory, in my opinion. It can't be that expensive to manufacture, and sales of FEL implements would no doubt increase.

And I'm still wishing for a toothbar.

 

[GSS]

I have the 66" HD bucket on the Cub. I had no choice as that was what was on it. It's labeled Cub Cadet, but is in actuality made by Woods (if what I was told is correct). I don't know the comparable Woods model # though.

I can't find the width specs right now, but I have the rears set at the narrowest setting, which is less than the width of my finish mower, 72".

It makes sense that you want the bucket wider than the rest of the tractor, but for the life of me, I cannot think of an instance where this would be important. At least not something I would or could do at my place. Can you guys give a few examples?

- Gerald

 

[em14]

One of the more important times is when you are working in close quarters ... that's when I don't want the bucket very wide ... then when I'm grading or trenching I don't want the bucket any smaller in width than the rear tires so that the tires don't ride on the high side of the grade or cut ... If all you do is load from a pile then the width of the bucket is not as important ... it really depends on what you use your FEL for ...

 

[Ray_G]

I have to agree that it depends on where and what you use it for. When I am using my machine in the woods the 4 ft width seems very wide sometimes when turnind and nicking some trees. But when working in the open spreading dirt or moving fire wood and such I wish it wrer twice the size. I think 4 ft on my B7500 matches the width of the machine and since I do half woods and half open it is a happy medium.
You should also consider how much counter weight you will need becaose a loader full of wet dirt way up there in front of the tractor makes for a very scary and dangerous ride.

Ray

 

[Boomer33]

Mosey: I have a TC33D with 7308 Loader and thought that I had a 60" bucket. When I ordered a cutting edge from my FNH dealer I learned that I really had a 68" bucket. I am very happy that I have it! I use my loader for many chores, but mostly for clearing snow. The extra width provides much more manuverability within the plowed area. If snow removal is an issue where you live, go for the 7308 with the 68" er

 

[BigDave]

That's odd, same thing happened to me. I guess NH had an unannounced sale - buy an 60" bucket and get a free upgrade to 68". /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif