Dirt scoop? Boom pole?

[N80]

I have an opportunity to get a (used) dirt scoop real cheap. I don't have any real need for one (as far as I know) but I'm not sure I'm clear on how they work. There is also a boom pole in the package.

I have a Kubota 4400 4wd with FEL. So I have a couple of questions. 1) Does the dirt scoop do things that the FEL can't? 2) Do they work on anything other than loose soil? 3) Do you need a boom pole if you have a FEL?

I will be doing a good bit of dirt road maintanence. And moving volumes of dirt/sand is an issue. But it doesn't look like the dirt scoop offers much of a volume benefit over my 72" loader bucket. A dump trailer is what I need...but that's another story and another debt. Any thoughts on the utility of the dirt scoop would be appreciated.

 

[Taylortractornut]

The dirt scoop works weel in hard ground if it can get a little bite and the edges is a thin one it just peels it up. I have 2 backhoes and an excavator and still use the scoop on several jobs. Usde it last week at work tin the reversed position with it tilted upwards toting concrete into a building for a slab. Seems the new concrete trucks wont fit in the building saved alot of totin. I used it with the loader tractor to to duoble my loads. its handy for ditching to. I made a limit chain to hold it to, this allows me to skim up grass and the roots to use as sod on som jobs where i might not need the grass there in a field but have a use for it other places.

 

[Tom_H]

I bought a Howse 24" dirt scoop 'cause I thought it'd dig better than the FEL. Wrong! The FEL digs much better (especially with toothbar), is more maneuverable, lifts higher, and dumps far more easily. The only reason I could recommend a dirt scoop is if you have a tractor which won't take a FEL. Then the d.s. is worth it as a limited substitute. Just my own humble opinion from my own experience. There may be others who've liked it better than I. Boom pole is a completely different implement.

 

[N80]

I haul sand up from the creek so doubling my load with the scoop might not be a bad idea. They cost less than $200 new so I wouldn't have to pay much of anything for it. Maybe I'll get it and play around and see what I can find to do with it.

 

[N80]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Boom pole is a completely different implement. )</font>

Yep, it was just thrown in with the dirt scoop for sale.

 

[Larstan]

If its a really good deal why not? If you can afford it Its nice to have new toys /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Slamfire]

I use one quite often in driveway repair and maintainence. It digs a channec where I want the water to turn out, and will spread the dirt back in any ruts or wet spots on the road. After grading I use it to lift the gravel from the crown and distribute it back in the tire tracks.
A warning, today I managed to fall asleep at the wheel and filled it so full the three point wouldn't pick it up. I finally had to get a hand shovel to lighten the load. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif That ain't the way an old man, with a bum ticker, should act. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[bczoom]

George,

If it's "real cheap", I'd probably say go for it. Never hurts to have more implements.
Try each out and see what they can do for you.

Now, on the other side...
If you have something like an old TO-20 or 8N, they're almost required since there's no FEL.
For me, I found that the FEL does 99% of what either of these can do. If I'm moving a lot of material a good distance, I might throw on the dirt scoop for extra volume (but normally opt for the RTV or a trailer) but otherwise I don't use it. Another thought is to use caution/discression when pushing/digging when driving backwards. Your 3PH is set for pulling forward and lifting. Things can bend/break on your tractor if you're pushing backwards and catch something that makes the implement stop. Don't ask how I know...

On the boom pole, there's a couple different models. If it's a lighter duty, I personally wouldn't use it much. It'll be by far the weakest link. Even the heavier model, still exercise caution. I can't recall a boom pole that I haven't bent in one fashion or another. If you do use one, exercise caution in how much weight you're lifting.

Brian

 

[Soundguy]

A dirt scoop sometimes, if reversible, can be used as a pull pan.. also.. the boom pole is usefull .. If they are cheap.. I'd get them in a heartbeat!

rear scoop makes a great tool box carrier! if you have other stuff inthe loader bucket..

Soundguy