Buying a larger bucket.

We have a 54" materials bucket on our Kioti LK3054 and want to go to a larger width. We widened our rear tires to an outside diameter of 61" plus for snow removal just want a greater size. The tractor with loader and loaded tires is probably at least 3600 lbs. and has 30.5 hp. The loader manual refers to up to a 68" bucket in the parts list.
My questions are:
1. I was thinking of 60" to 66". Any concerns with this? Any comments?
2. If I buy a used one any issues adapting it? I assume it just means cutting off the old brackets on the back and welding new ones to attach to. It is a standard attachment without a quick attach.
3. Any ideas on where/how to find used buckets? I live in the top of California, close to Oregon.
Thanks for your assistance!

Try Craigslist.com or MachineryTrader.com.
Have you priced a new bucket from the dealer. Might surprise you at the price compared to used. Every used one I have seen on craiglist want at least $500 for it then add in the price to modify it and you might be ahead to buy a new one or have a shop fab one for you to custom fit.

do you have a standard QA bucket on that tractor? if so any QA bucket from any skidsteer or the same will work.

You need to be aware that different buckets have different designs besides width. A wider bucket with more capacity could be fine for moving snow,but could break a front axle when being used to pour cement. A used bucket is kind of hard to find. Bobcats are sometimes bought with a smooth bucket and have a toothed bucket added. Because they serve different uses,both buckets are kept. I needed a larger bucket so I bought another tractor. And kept the smaller tractor. Good solution,but search the auctions and dealerships.

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Originally Posted by 2458n

A wider bucket with more capacity could be fine for moving snow,but could break a front axle when being used to pour cement..

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it will be EXTREAMLY unlikely you damage the tractor by putting a larger bucket on the loader. the front axle/frame are designed around the lift capacity of the loader. the lift capacity includes the bucket weight. so if you connect a larger bucket that weighs 200lbs more, you just loose 200lbs of cargo you can carry.

but dont feel like your going to risk something on the tractor by increasing the bucket width 6-8"

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Originally Posted by schmism

do you have a standard QA bucket on that tractor? if so any QA bucket from any skidsteer or the same will work.

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I do not know or know how to tell.

Ridge:

I suspect you'll end up buying a new bucket or having a fab shop widen your existing one; because I'll bet you'll come up empty on finding a decent used one since you live west of Kansas. I suggest you keep that in mind so you don't waste tons of time hoping for a used bucket that fits your rig being readily available on Craig's List, eBay, etc.

Best of luck in your quest.

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Originally Posted by mjncad

Ridge:

I suspect you'll end up buying a new bucket or having a fab shop widen your existing one; because I'll bet you'll come up empty on finding a decent used one since you live west of Kansas. I suggest you keep that in mind so you don't waste tons of time hoping for a used bucket that fits your rig being readily available on Craig's List, eBay, etc. Best of luck in your quest.

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You may be right. I have not looked long but I have checked from the San Francisco Bay area to Portland on Craigslist with no possibilities.

Would a widened bucket be as sturdy as original?
Do you think it could be cost effective?
When you say a fab shop does that equate to a good general welder?

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Originally Posted by RidgeHiker

Would a widened bucket be as sturdy as original?
Do you think it could be cost effective?
When you say a fab shop does that equate to a good general welder?

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If it is decently designed, it should be just as sturdy. Of course it depends on where you get it from, but 68-84" are common for skid steers and they put a lot more stress on the bucket than a 30 hp tractor.

Cost effective? That depends on you and your needs, how you use the tractor and bucket.

A fab shop would have the facilities for bending the heavy steel plate used in a bucket. I doubt that a typical welding shop would have that type of machine. At least the one around here doesn't.

I would check with some of the outfits that are mentioned here that make attachments, they should be able to build one that mates with your mount. Of course shipping will not be cheap, but there are shipping costs even when you buy from a local dealer.

We can supply you with a WR Long Custom bucket that will pin on just like your OEM bucket. On the provided link, Just click on a bucket to see the available widths along with prices. If you swap attachments and would like to avoid the hassle of messing with pins, you can convert your pin-on loader to universal quick attach with a quick attach adapter. Universal QA attachments are more widely available than pin on and can normally be had for less money. Call or PM if you'd like a freight quote.
Travis