Factory vs aftermarket buckets

[e.myers]

Could it make sense to get a credit for the factory bucket and purchase an aftermarket bucket with more volume?

I plan on only moving red clay (sand clay) which, I would guess comes in under the normal load recommended for x tractor.

Thinking if I could match the size of my loader to the anticipated weight of the material, I could potentially get a larger capacity bucket and still be within "spec". Would make my loader more useful to me, AND allow me to get a less expensive tractor that would be fully capable of moving more of MY dirt.

 

[kenstrac]

Only if MFG says it's ok might void your warranty.

 

[Ductape]

Not sure if its any larger, but when my local dealer sells a tractor with a skidsteer style coupler on the loader........ they often recommend a Woods brand HD bucket that comes with a replaceable cutting edge. Very nice, and very heavy duty compared to the OEM light materials bucket for not alot more money.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I think that you will find that most of the aftermarket buckets usually hold less cubic feet than the standard buckets that come with the tractors. I think also that you will find that the standard buckets that come on the loaders hold about all the weight the the tractor will handle safely. If you decide on a larger tractor, then maybe you could get away with a wider bucket. I think you will find that normally the bucket widths that are offered by the OEM guys will vary 6"-8".

 

[dex3361]

I think the Kubota L4400 that has the LA703 loader has a fairly HD standard bucket and the HD Round back is what I have and it is very well built. I agree that the buckets are well matched to the FEL capabilities. If you go to big you are consuming the loaders capabilities in bucket weight.

 

[e.myers]

Ductape- Woods brand might be a possibility. I'll ask.

MTNVIEW- I was thinking deeper rather than wider.

Dex- You have a Round back bucket on your 4400? Is it something special... a HD bucket that you specifically have to ask for? The type bucket I want has a round (radiused) interior but a square back side at the exterior. I need the interior to be rounded because working with wet clay and I need the back square for grading my jump faces when rolling backwards.

Also thinking about a toothbar to help dig in the clay, and possibly for putting the bucket perpendicular to the ground and breaking up the soil surface, skid steer style.... assuming that's feasible on a tractor.

Anyone recommend tooth bars for the oem buckets? For the woods brand buckets?

 

[dex3361]

Ductape- Woods brand might be a possibility. I'll ask.

MTNVIEW- I was thinking deeper rather than wider.

Dex- You have a Round back bucket on your 4400? Is it something special... a HD bucket that you specifically have to ask for? The type bucket I want has a round (radiused) interior but a square back side at the exterior. I need the interior to be rounded because working with wet clay and I need the back square for grading my jump faces when rolling backwards.

Also thinking about a toothbar to help dig in the clay, and possibly for putting the bucket perpendicular to the ground and breaking up the soil surface, skid steer style.... assuming that's feasible on a tractor.

Anyone recommend tooth bars for the oem buckets? For the woods brand buckets?

Yes that is what I have on mine the HD roundback that is rounded on the inside and square on the outside. I also have a toothbar and it is a great addition. The Kubota 6 foot HD Roundback Bucket model #L2296. The Bucket can be ordered with an extra bolt on cutting edge but it is not needed the welded on cutting edge is very strong and I have put mine through the test with no damage and when you add the tooth bare that reinforces it that much more. The toothbar is something that I added on after I purchased the tractor.

 

[e.myers]

THANKS!

 

[dex3361]

Your welcome, no problem.

 

[Ken45101]

Also thinking about a toothbar to help dig in the clay, and possibly for putting the bucket perpendicular to the ground and breaking up the soil surface, skid steer style.... assuming that's feasible on a tractor.

The tooth bar will make a big difference in digging ability.

HOWEVER, trying to dig with the bucket perpendicular to the ground will put a lot of stress on the cylinders and could cause serious problems, from what I understand. The loader isn't built for that type of operation. Proper way to dig is a slight angle to penetrate (tooth bar will help a lot), then flatten out and go forward.

Best thing for breaking up the surface is scarifiers on a box blade or a single tooth ripper on the 3 pt. (they aren't that expensive).

Ken