How wide a bucket/Grapple should I get?

[andrewj]

I have a 04 JD 5105. For those not familiar, it is a 50 hp, gear drive, simple, solid machine. I bought it with the plumbing and joystick for a loader alread mounted.

It's uses are for brush mowing, plowing new ground, and other heavy chores.

It is NOT a CUT, but is considered a Utility tractor.

I am not sure whether to get a 6 foot bucket or a 7 foot bucket. Any one got input on this? thanks.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

It can make a big difference with what type of ground you have and what you have plans for. Normally with a tractor of your size, a 6' bucket would work best.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I am not sure whether to get a 6 foot bucket or a 7 foot bucket. Any one got input on this? thanks.

This is a "task" question not really a "tractor" question.

So what tasks are you going to use the bucket to accomplish? If you are planning on digging then the smaller bucket will be better. If you are planning on moving large amounts of light materials, then the larger bucket will be better. If your ground is hard (high clay content or lots of rocks) then the smaller bucket will be the better choice. Lay out your tasks, figure out what bucket size would be better for your uses.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I've got a Ford 3910, about the same size as your JD and it has a 7' bucket on the loader. I am going to get a 6' for it because the 7' is too big for dirt or gravel related jobs by the time you get it full. Now for firewood and light stuff it is ok but when you get it loaded with heavy stuff then it's too big.

Proof of that... I broke the right hand spindle today. A few four letter words later and I had it apart and am looking online to order a new one.

 

[3RRL]

Andrew,
What is the loader lift capacity? I have a 55hp Kama with a Koyker 190
fel and a 72" bucket. I think it is a half yard size. With a heaping loaded bucket of dirt it has to be pushing 2500lbs, (I'm guessing) That is about the maximum mine can lift anyway. Going with a larger bucket than that might not necessarily be advantageous? It's going to be an "all purpose" bucket, right?