I need a bucket!

[MaxxB]

My 790 came with an awfully narrow bucket (its a 70 series loader). When I got the tractor the wheels were set to the narrow configuration and the bucket more or less covered that foot print (I have no idea why you'd run something like that...maybe a nursery?). In all honesty, I cant verify if its even a JD bucket.

Now that the wheels are set out I'm getting a bit nervous for winter time being able to clear my foot print and its getting to be a pain when doing other clearing/bucket work.

I'm not looking to replace the loader, but am looking for suggestions on after market bucket options or anyone knowing of a used JD bucket. Does not have to be fancy. Keep in mind this is not set-up for quick attach.

One last thing, any idea what the current bucket alone might be worth to someone?

Thanks so much in advance guys.

 

[RoyJackson]

If your bucket isn't the QA type, I'm guessing you have a 70 loader and an older 790. The bucket width might be 54", but more likely 61" (have you measured the bucket's width?).
Finding a used bucket won't be easy, I'm afraid. An aftermarket bucket might be a better and less expensive option to consider. You may have to modify (or, if aftermarket, have the manufacturer modify) to fit your loader.
There are companies that make dedicated snow pushers and buckets, BTW...

As far as what your current bucket is worth...I wouldn't sell it. I think you'd regret doing that...

 

[MaxxB]

I havn't measured it....this has just been bugging me a lot, so i'm trying to get the ball rolling. You are right...older 790, 2001 i think.

This is insightful though. So aftermarket may be the only way? Any good sites to start with? I'm eager to get an idea of prices.


I'm not sure how i'd regret selling the bucket? What am I missing...i'd love to be able to recoup some of my expenses on the replacement bucket.

I added a pic of the current bucket....that platform i'm lifting is 5'x7'...so the bucket it probably only 48"! (i should know this from moving pallets)....

 

[RoyJackson]

I havn't measured it....this has just been bugging me a lot, so i'm trying to get the ball rolling. You are right...older 790, 2001 i think.

This is insightful though. So aftermarket may be the only way? Any good sites to start with? I'm eager to get an idea of prices.


I'm not sure how i'd regret selling the bucket? What am I missing...i'd love to be able to recoup some of my expenses on the replacement bucket.

I hope others respond, but I'd try Everything Attachments, and a web search for front end loaders.

The lack of the QA isn't going to help any sales...and a 54" bucket will be for an older Deere CUT (670, x55 series, 770..) IMHO, a 61" bucket would be an easier sale.

As far as regreting selling it...that bucket size is a good fit for a lighter tractor like the 790 in digging or going into clumped up materials. A wider bucket would spread the break out force of the tractor/loader over more surface there by reducing it's effectiveness.

I had a 790 with a 419 loader and 61" bucket...worked great once I installed a tooth bar and a ballast box. I wouldn't have wanted a bigger bucket.
My 4400 (30 PTO HP and about 1000 lbs heavier) also has a 61" bucket...and I still wouldn't want anything bigger.

BTW, have you considered using a loader mounted plow or a 72" rear blade for snow removal?

 

[kebo]

My 790 has the same bucket, it is 54" wide to be exact. Your best bet is to look for a conversion kit to turn it into a QA style, then go buy the next size larger QA bucket. At least, I think there is a supplier who offers a conversion kit for that JD loader. There is a reason why JD put 54" buckets on most (if not all) of those Model 70 loaders. The loader is only rated for about 800 lbs or so.

Have you added the shim kit yet in the relief valve, to increase the hydraulic pressure? If not, I would certainly consider doing, especially since you want to get a larger bucket for it.

Lastly, if you do sell the 54" bucket it's worth whatever you can get someone to pay for it. Start out high, work your way down and you should eventually find a buyer. I would price some other new 54" buckets (or close to that size), and then knock it down about 1/3 of that amount and that should give you a starting point.

 

[MaxxB]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.

I have a substantial ballast and so far no problems with a load....I'm hearing you guys about bigger bucket concerns (but i'm hoping i can just curb that with will power: just not take a huge load).

My primary concern is snow and being able to clear a path the width of my tires.

The blade suggestions are good, but i'm thinking more along the lines of keeping wood's roads open and froze in...which i can't really see as blade work?

All that said i'm oddly relieved that at least one other person's tractor came with the 54" bucket. Does the 300 series on the newer 3005 tractors really have that much more lifting power? Every 3005 i've seen has a wider (although maybe shallower) bucket? Is that true?

 

[nforktractor]

I had a 770 with the 70 loader and when I bought it, it came with the 54" bucket, and I bought a 60" bucket from myJD dealer, fit right on the 4 pins no problem was just the right size,

This should be the part number, AW32428, from JD Parts, says it fits 60, 70, and 70a loaders, the down side, says it costs 834.75, but, maybe your local dealer can give you a deal, mine was $600, a few years back, worthwhile upgrade though, I think,

And just recently the person I sold the 770 to, was telling me, that his JD dealer told him that there was a JD QA conversion kit available, which would let you use all of the newer buckets, though I haven't seen any info on that,

 

[MaxxB]

I had a 770 with the 70 loader and when I bought it, it came with the 54" bucket, and I bought a 60" bucket from myJD dealer, fit right on the 4 pins no problem was just the right size,

This should be the part number, AW32428, from JD Parts, says it fits 60, 70, and 70a loaders, the down side, says it costs 834.75, but, maybe your local dealer can give you a deal, mine was $600, a few years back, worthwhile upgrade though, I think,

And just recently the person I sold the 770 to, was telling me, that his JD dealer told him that there was a JD QA conversion kit available, which would let you use all of the newer buckets, though I haven't seen any info on that,

all this for 6"...:laughing:

thanks for the part number and the heads up on the potential of a QA kit....
out of curiosity... what loader & bucket does your 790 have?

 

[JB4310]

all this for 6"...:laughing:

thanks for the part number and the heads up on the potential of a QA kit....
out of curiosity... what loader & bucket does your 790 have?

Nice looking steel and stick machine

2 buckets are better than one, if you can afford it, each for it's specific task, but....
How about bringing to a welding shop and have them widen it to the happy medium between high volume snow work and heavy dirt work.

Just a little bigger to cover your track, that would solve some of the PITN problems, like converting to QA or trying to sell your old bucket, trying to locate a bigger bucket etc.

Cost would probably not be to bad??? I've cut buckets and plows down with no problem, making them bigger will be more work but should be doable at a reasonable price, at the same time you can reinforce the top of the bucket.

Just a thought, worth a stop at a welding shop to ask, Good luck!

JB.

 

[foggy1111]

I owned a 790 with a 70 loader. It had a 54" bucket and I put a tooth bar on it. For working in dirt I think it was the optimal size for this tractor/loader combo.

If I wanted something larger for snow, I'd look for a blade, snow blower, small pusher or bucket extensions. Here's my old 790.

 

[nforktractor]

all this for 6"...:laughing:

thanks for the part number and the heads up on the potential of a QA kit....
out of curiosity... what loader & bucket does your 790 have?

My 790 has the 300 loader and the 61" HD bucket with cutting edge,

 

[MaxxB]

Nice looking steel and stick machine

2 buckets are better than one, if you can afford it, each for it's specific task, but....
How about bringing to a welding shop and have them widen it to the happy medium between high volume snow work and heavy dirt work.

Just a little bigger to cover your track, that would solve some of the PITN problems, like converting to QA or trying to sell your old bucket, trying to locate a bigger bucket etc.

Cost would probably not be to bad??? I've cut buckets and plows down with no problem, making them bigger will be more work but should be doable at a reasonable price, at the same time you can reinforce the top of the bucket.

Just a thought, worth a stop at a welding shop to ask, Good luck!

JB.

Hmm...i'm liking this idea.

Thanks everyone for all the input! I'm not 100% what the next step will be, but maybe the universe will maybe show me the next step.

FWIW, i did actually put a tape on the bucket last night....not 54".....48" !!!!:ashamed:

 

[JB4310]

48" is pretty much worthless for your loader.

I made a 48 out of a beat up 60 because I thought I might use it for something, but so far in 3 years have not.

Just call every dealer you can find and ask them if they have any older buckets, if you can find one cheap enough, would be easier than widening it.

I got the 60" bucket I mentioned above for $100. like I said it's easier to shorten them than to lengthen them though.

JB

 

[MaxxB]

Exactly! i'm glad someone else sees that too...48" was a stock item though i just learned...(lame)....

i cannot believe you scored a bucket for $100....holy heck

 

[JB4310]

Well it was a beat up light duty bucket, and this was a dealer that caters to to a white collar market so they probably figured it wasn't gonna be very much in demand.

To bad I didn't save the pieces I cut off, that would of made it easier if you did bring it to a welder to widen.

JB

 

[RoyJackson]

Might take a look on eBay for someone parting out a tractor. I just saw an ad by a guy parting out a Deere 4400 TLB.(John Deere compact tractor fenders 3320 3520 3720 4200 4210 4300 4310 4400 4410 | eBay

Although he is advertising the fenders, you could ask him about the tractor's bucket. There are a couple items I'm going to call about (not the fenders though).
If you do call, make sure his tractor has a 61" bucket. The optional bucket for these tractors was 73" (IIRC) which would be too big for your tractor.

BTW, another thing to consider, especially since you have a 70 loader, is the bucket weight. Going to a larger bucket will decrease the usable payload (which isn't real good anyway). For moving snow, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Other materials, maybe...

 

[k0ua]

It it was me, I would convert to QA, get the proper size bucket for the machine, and then convert the old 48 inch bucket to QA, put an aggressive toothbar, or drill for independent teeth, and have a very good "digging" bucket when you need to dig up rocks etc. Having more than one bucket is like having more than one blade in your pocket knife... Just my 2 centts.

James K0UA