3130 Bucket Options

[DaNag]

I've pretty much got the details worked out on my new 3130 purchase, with one exception...the bucket.

With the 723 loader, it seems like most folks here recommend getting the HD bucket. However the dealer I'm leaning towards thinks it's overkill - he's glad to sell it to me, but he's suggesting the standard bucket is pretty stout. Has anyone here actually damaged a standard 72" bucket, and if so, what were the circumstances?

The upgrade is not cheap - it's not just the $350 bucket upgrade cost, there's the bolt-on edge, and according to the dealer, toothbars that work with the bolt-on edge are pricier as well.

For less than the price of an HD bucket+edge+toothbar, I can get a standard bucket, Markham toothbar, and a small Markham grubber bucket. I'm thinking the most stress I'll put on the bucket will be digging for tree planting/removal, or the occasional stump removal - something I'm guessing the grubber bucket would handle well with it's built-in toothbar and smaller size. I'm anticipating most of my full size bucket loader work will be in relatively soft soil, and more often than not, after something else has ripped it up a bit (box scraper or tiller.)

So...any reason not to go with the standard bucket for this type of use?

 

[rswyan]

I can't comment on the lighter bucket for the LA 723 but I got the 60" LM (Light Materials) bucket for the LA 402 on my B2910 - it uses slightly lighter materials than the regular 54" bucket for the LA 402. I have used the 60" LM bucket to remove approximately 600' to 700' of asphalt driveway about 3" to 5" thick and have not damaged or bent the bucket. The removal was done by inserting the bucket edge under the asphalt and curling it back .... not all of the asphalt came easily either. At least 25% of the removal was prior to installing a Markham toothbar (which reinforces and stiffens the bucket edge) I would categorize the activity as being near abusive for the implement and it has held up fine, but of course I tried to be somewhat careful too.

 

[texbaylea]

Here is my opinion having recently bought an L3130. Get the LA723 with the quick attach feature. Get the 66" HD bucket and the Markham Welding toothbar as I did. Forget the bolt on cutting edge. I got it but now looking at the HD bucket, the normal cutting edge of the bucket is only about 1/16" thinner. than the bolt on edge. Had I known this I would have skipped it.

The quick attach is great. I just got pallet forks and grubbin bucket from Markham Welding but have no experience as yet.

Vernon

 

[willywildes]

one thing i have found is that the round back of the H/D bucket loads material better as you push into the pile the dirt or rock pushes in and curls over the top instead of packing in the back. its only money! good luck.

 

[DaNag]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...At least 25% of the removal was prior to installing a Markham toothbar (which reinforces and stiffens the bucket edge)...)</font>

Yup, that's a point the dealer made as well, although he wants to sell me his toothbar at about $150 more than the Markham. I just can't envision a situation where I'd be abusing the standard bucket, where the addition of the toothbar wouldn't provide the extra margin of strength I need.

But then, that's why I'm asking here...I'm sure lot's of folks have figured out how to abuse their bucket in ways that I've yet to consider.../forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[johnday]

DaNag; Not sure if this will be of any use to you, but, I have the NH 16LA loader with heavyduty bucket. I do not abuse equipment but I did manage to dent the top of my bucket when I went into a tree to push it over. No damage to the rest of the bucket and it's only superficial. I'm glad I didn't get the lightduty model. I have the bolt on cutting edge along with Markham toothbar. True, you can only use one or the other, but it's really no big deal to unbolt the cutting edge and bolt the toothbar on. I think you'd be better off with the HD bucket regardless of the price and "inconvience" of bolting and unbolting. Also I've modified my bucket with a 3/8" grab hook welded to the center and tow hooks scavenged from a Jeep on each end. With the bolt on cutting edge your not wearing your welded bucket edge down when pushing dirt/snow etc. on a paved or blacktop surface. The 16LA loader uses a 72" bucket. I'm very content with my setup even after the battle with that particular tree. Hope I may have helped. The Markham toothbar is a great investment, you'll not go wrong with those guys.
Happy loadin' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DaNag]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here is my opinion having recently bought an L3130. Get the LA723 with the quick attach feature. Get the 66" HD bucket...)</font>

Total agreement on the QA - that's on the list. On the 66" HD bucket - I've seen reference to this combo a few times, but I'm not sure I understand the logic behind that decision.

First, I'm not sure if the two dealers I'm deciding between will do it - it's not a "standard" option, correct? All of the official stuff I've seen only mentions standard and HD 72" buckets. Do you know the part number for the 66" HD QA bucket?

Second, what advantage would a 66" HD bucket have over a 72" HD? I can't imagine 6" makes that much difference in stoutness/digging ability. Also - is the 66" wide enough to cover the tracks of a 3130 with R4's? I've been told by a number of folks that is desireable.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
I just got pallet forks and grubbin bucket from Markham Welding but have no experience as yet.
)</font>

I'd be real interested in your experience with the grubbin bucket - particularly since you've got the same tractor/loader combo I'm looking at.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[willywildes]

If your getting the 723 loader, and the r/4s, get the 72" bucket. I got the 513 with the 66" H/D time will tell if that was the right choice for me. but i have found that with the tires wider than the bucket if you want to load or back drag against a wall you have to angle into it and do a short piece at a time with the 72" you can just work parallel. good luck.

 

[texbaylea]

DeNag
The 66" HD QA bucket is #L2239. It lacks a few inches (2-3) being as wide as the tires, R4s. My choice was based on keeping the unit at minimum width and so far has not been any kind of handicap to me. I do not need the volume of the 72" bucket. If I find in the future that I need a 72" bucket, I will look for a used quick attach bucket to rent or buy.

All of our Thanksgiving visitors have gone home so I will start using the stump/grubbing bucket very soon depending on the weather. I have some yaupon stumps that are in my way and are too thick for my tree shear to take off at ground level. I should have some comments by next weekend.

Vernon