60 or 72 inch bucket for FEL??

[Guidster]

When I recently purchased my Case D40 with LX116 loader, it came with the 60" QA bucket. However, I have the option of getting the 72" at no extra charge. My only concern with the 72" bucket is that the tractor may not be able to dig and scrape as well with the bigger bucket. However, I would love to have the 72" as it would cover my tracks when back blading. I thought that I would pose the question to the experts out there to help guide me in making my decision.

Thanks!

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Get the 72" bucket...don't think twice.

 

[hhw]

Agree wholeheartedly!!!

 

[Guidster]

Thanks for the input, guys. 72" it is!

 

[jinman]

Guidster, I have both buckets. I've had the 72" bucket since 2001 when I bought my tractor. It is a beast for digging. You will run out of oomph pretty quickly trying to push that thing into the ground if it isn't nice fluffy dirt. Any time you try to dig up a stump you will cuss that huge hole you have to dig to get out the stump. I think the perfect setup would be a 60" bucket with a toothbar and a 72" bucket with a reversible cutter bar blade added. I already have the blade and toothbar for my 72" bucket, but I'm going to remove the toothbar and cut it down to fit the 60" bucket.

Just to answer your question, I'd say pick the bucket for what you will do mostly. If that's digging, go with the 60". If it's grading, loading loose materials, and spreading topsoil and gravel, go with the 72" bucket.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I split the difference and went 66" If it digs like I want it to, I may opt for a 72" bucket for snow and loose materials. The 61" offering from Deere was just about equal to my tracks width, and I did not care for that.

 

[Nasty135]

Guidster, I am more in agreement with jinman and I'll tell you why, If you are driving between tight spaces trees or other obstacles its pain enough with a 60" bucket but 72" (watch-out trees & buildings corner etc.) Just ask other guys who try to get as close as possible to negotiate around or by something with-out backing up! That bucket sticks out futher the you think /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif If your all in wide open spaces then OK no problem ....
Then as stated previously Digging is aided with narrower bucket w/toothbar and I just started to dig out a tree with FEL and ended up finishing it with a shovel because it was tearing the grass up more than I wanted, tree was about 1' around shallow roots so it wasn't that bad..
So what's the trade off ; a little more seat time getting a couple more scoops with the smaller bucket than with the bigger bucket or more headache in tight spaces with the larger bucket? Not saying a larger bucket is worse because they do have there place,and a DX40 is a good sized tractor which should have plenty of capacity to lift whatever you can put in the bucket...
Just something to think about /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[rbg60]

Hi Guidster
What is your main purpose for this bucket?If your main purpose is dirt work I would recomend the smaller bucket.I wish I had more seat time on my jx75 to give you a more honest answer.My dealer talked me into the 72 inch bucket because I need to move dirt from my pond area.I have alot of piles left from the track hoe.I have played around in the dirt last week trying out the hydraulics.The weather is still pretty bad for anything serious.It took more effort than I expected even with a 9000lb tractor and four wheel drive.For lighter stuff I think the 72 would be fine.I have a 62 on my Ih industrial, Its seems about right for dirt work.Its 6000 pounds and about 40 hp.This bucket doesn't cover my tracks but I usually back drag wiyh my box blade.
Good luck Rex

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

The best solution is to have two buckets and a quick attach. The quick attach allows you to switch between buckets in a minimal amount of time. Plus, you can remove a bucket quickly if you have tight areas to get into.

All this being said, if I only had the choice of one bucket, I'd choose the wider one.