Square or round loader bucket?

   / Square or round loader bucket? #1  

Mud_Puppy

New member
Joined
Sep 18, 2004
Messages
16
Location
Virginia
Tractor
Kubota L5030HSTC
Any advise or comments on rounded vs. square loader buckets? I am in the final stages of buying a Kubota 5030 tractor and down to deciding which bucket to get.

Don
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #2  
I got the HD round back for my 5030. (it only cost me $262 more over the light bucket). Also, be sure to get the quick attach variety of HD bucket($17 more). The QA feature cost me ($270). I don't plan on taking off my bucket either. But, I may want some forks in a few months. I've had friends tell me they are awesome.

The bucket you buy will be of the QA variety or fixed but NOT both. It you decided to get a QA later, and you got the fixed model now, you will be forced to buy a new bucket for the QA feature.

I love my 5030 and the HD bucket. I picked the tractor up last Wednesday and started pushing over 6 - 8 inch trees a few days ago. I was also a bad boy by wrapping a chain around the bucket to yank them around on the ground (manual says don't do this). When I was through, paranoia set in. I could see a slight bend in the top bucket. My brother said ... nah. When I got home I put a roofing square on it. I can tell you that bucket didn't bend a micron! It was dead flat. I've since beefed up my draw bar for towing and pulling activity.

You will be VERY happy with the HD bucket. The QA can be debated but get the HD bucket.
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #3  
I agree, I also got the QT HD bucket, of course I have several different buckets and pallet fork I use.
 
   / Square or round loader bucket?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks for the feedback. Just what I wanted to hear. I also plan on getting a grapple at some point so am planing on the QA. Glad your happy with the 5030. Sounds like a great tractor.
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #5  
I also recently bought a 5030 and had the same decision.

I was concerned the HD bucket was alot heavier (100+ lbs.) I talked to my dealer and found it was only 30 lbs. in weight but much stonger. My worry was cutting down on my lifting capacity.

I paid $200 and got the round HD bucket with quick attach.

If you look at my picture you'll see the HD round top tube, the capability for a bolt on cutting edge. (stronger at the edge than the regular) and the extra matterial on the sides at the bottom where all buckets wear the most.

I also had the dealer weld me 2 hooks 3/8" on the ends of the bucket where it is the strongest, and bolt on the ATI toothbar.

If you have the extra few $$ I think it's well worth it. Don't forget to get the quick attach. Very handy.. Good luck and let's see a pic when you get your new tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif...........J
15547Picture_251-med.jpg
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #6  
I bought my L3130 with the HD bucket and QA. Definitly worth the extra cost. I already have added pallet forks, tree shear, grubbing bucket and have used all of them.
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #7  
I will advise you to check out the Bogford Bodozer grapple....it is quick tach mounted & replaces the entire bucket not a bolt on....I love mine, best thing I own for my L3130 so far. It is xtremely heavy duty!
 
   / Square or round loader bucket?
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Thanks all for the advise especially the photo showing differences. You guys make this forum great!
Grassgod - do you have a website for bogford - I can't find them on google. Thanks
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #9  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( he bucket you buy will be of the QA variety or fixed but NOT both. It you decided to get a QA later, and you got the fixed model now, you will be forced to buy a new bucket for the QA feature.)</font>

While it is easier to get the QA when you buy the tractor, it is not essential. I bought my Ford 2120 in 1987 before Quick Attaches were common. A few years back an ATI QuickTach was added to loader and the tabs were cut off and the female part was welded to the bucket. No big deal. BTW I love the QA and now have it on 2 machines with a total of about 6 different front attachments that I share.

Andy
 
   / Square or round loader bucket? #10  
Jaeger,

I noticed your toothbar is bolted to the side of the bucket? I'm not crazy about drilling into the side of my new bucket. Is the cutting edge removed on your bucket (hard to tell). I don't see the line of bolts across the bottom front edge? If the cutting edge is off your bucket, don't you risk damaging the bucket?

I'm wanting a toothbar but would prefer it have a protective edge and bolt in place of the cutting edge using the same holes. I've seen a few around but can't remember where I saw them. Markharm requires removal of my protective edge and side drilling.

How do you keep your bucket so pretty? Did you put some of that fine Kubota paint on it after the welding job?
 
 
 
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