FEL Rock Loader for BX Models?

txkevin · Apr 2, 2009

Has anyone ever heard of a Rock Loader FEL that will fit the BX model tractors?

Tom_H · Apr 2, 2009

American Solutions makes a grapple that will fit the FEL of a BX. There are a number of threads with pics of this device lifting sizeable rocks. Additionally, both Bro-Tek and Wallenstein make a backhoe thumb sized for a BX that will lift sizeable rocks. There are threads with many pics of this as well. The search function can help you find these. I will try to post links later in the evening.

Tom_H · Apr 2, 2009

This will get you started with links to other links, etc.:

Grapple - BXTractors.info: The Kubota BX Wiki

You might also enter these search terms in the 2 Kubota forums. Do one search for "American Solutions" and another for "BX grapple".

txkevin · Apr 3, 2009

Nope, not a grapple, a rock loader. Picture a normal FEL that has 2" spaces or so on the bottom instead of being solid to allow piles of rock to be picked up and leaving behind dirt. Basically I want to pile up lots of small golf to softball size+ rocks and one in a pile, scoop them up and load rocks only to be hauled off leaving any top soil behind. Landscape rackes pull lots of nice dirt along with the rocks.

Here is a picture of something similar for an skid steer....

Bradco 66" Rock Bucket, 2" Tine Spacing Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach

amigauser · Apr 3, 2009

Great idea but I don't think you will find any that fit a BX size tractor. Most weigh more empty than the BX can lift.

You may want to give Markham Welding "Melissa" a call and see if they can fabricate something for you. The only way it could work on a BX is to replace the stock bucket with the rock bucket and use the factory pin mounts.

kennyd · Apr 3, 2009

amigauser said:
You may want to give Markham Welding "Melissa" a call and see if they can fabricate something for you. The only way it could work on a BX is to replace the stock bucket with the rock bucket and use the factory pin mounts.

Just a note: Markham will NOT build "custom pin mounts". They will only sell attachments 3 ways: Skid-Steer Universal Quick-Attach (Bobtach, SSQA), JDQA (John Deere's Quick Attach) and plain backed for the buyer to modify themselves.

But I do agree with this for sure:

Great idea but I don't think you will find any that fit a BX size tractor. Most weigh more empty than the BX can lift.

Tom_H · Apr 5, 2009

txkevin said:
Nope, not a grapple, a rock loader.

I understand the difference. It's just that the American Solutions grapple was the only available alternative to just a FEL for a BX that I could think of. Good luck with your search.

Edit: Scrounger (Matt Baynard) has this landscaping toothbar on his BX. It might sift through and gather rocks into your FEL bucket to some degree, obviously not like you are seeking, but it's the closest thing that comes to mind. I realize it is nowhere as efficient and will get soil mixed with the rocks, but again, it is all I can think of for a BX.

http://www.ezattachments.com/id35.htm

Harvest Moon · Apr 5, 2009

OK,

I know this is crazy talk but maybe you could pick up an old landscape rake with a full tine length, remove the three point set up, cut it to width, lay it on it's back and get some sort of loader mount set up bolted or welded to it?

Looking at my landscape rake, I think it would make a great scoop if it was not abused on a lighter machine. It's pretty tough, it seems to hold it's shape well after being drug around by my L3400.

I know the rake, pulling too much dirt, is what started the problem but I still think it might work. Maybe I just woke up to early and I'm still dreaming.

Ductape · Apr 5, 2009

I think if I owned a BX, I'd make (or have made) a mini-skidsteer adapter for the loader. I see plenty of nice, lightly used mini attachments for sale on Craigslist for fair money. I suspect you'd be able to find a rock bucket for a mini.

Harvest Moon · Apr 5, 2009

Ductape said:
I think if I owned a BX, I'd make (or have made) a mini-skidsteer adapter for the loader. I see plenty of nice, lightly used mini attachments for sale on Craigslist for fair money. I suspect you'd be able to find a rock bucket for a mini.

That's a much better idea. Except they are pricey.

Bradco Mini Rock Bucket