Should I hack the back end of this sucker off, or no?

[MossRoad]

The nice thing about having a hitch in the center of the bucket is you can curl the bucket down, slip the ball under the trailer hitch, then curl the ball up into the hitch and continue curling and lift the trailer jack off the ground and away you go.

Looking at most of the compact tractors on this board, the top of the bucket doesn't come up to my knee. Neither does the hitch on the back of my Suburban. They are about the same height. I don't think a drop hitch would be needed with most buckets on most tractors here on TBN. Maybe yes on AG tractors, but probably no on CUTs/SCUTs.

 

[GeneV]

I have one on my bucket. Worthless for trailer moving because you need about a 24" drop hitch to reach the tongue. It is VERY useful for me when I turn the hitch bar sideways (need a new hole) so that the axis of the hole is horizontal. I made up a hydraulic post hole digger from scrap and my formerly used rear digger. I use the curl circuit for running the motor. Don't need a 3rd function for it. It runs off the curl control in both directions as necessary.

It serves me as a boom pole holder, too for small objects going up high. I put a complete vintage windmill fan on the side of the barn for an ornament with it no problem.

I need a visual, not quite following what you mean.

 

[GeneV]

I agree. I have one on my tractor bucket and have only used it once to move a trailer. By far the use I have for it is to shorten chain while picking things up. In fact, had I known how useful this was, I wouldn't have installed chain hooks on my trailer, just stake pockets. Far more useful IMO.

Stake pockets like d-rings or clevis rings, or something else? Can I see a pic?

 

[FTG-05]

Stake pockets like d-rings or clevis rings, or something else? Can I see a pic?

Here's a pic of two of them on the rear of my box blade. You can see that you can wrap chain through it and hook on either side as needed, unlike hooks.

I got a bunch of those when they were on sale at AWDirect (now Zips) but they don't seem to carry them anymore.

Pretty cheap at $2 each for the weld-on version: Amazon.com: CURT 8372 1-5/8-Inch x 3-1/2-Inch Weld-On Stake Pocket Tie Down Anchor, Raw Steel: Automotive

Bolt-ons are bit more expensive at ~$6 each: Amazon.com: Keeper 89322 Straight Trailer Stake Pocket: Automotive

 

[MF RED in MT]

Why weld on hooks? Use your 2" receiver.

View attachment 657051

Gene, Mossroad has shown you a lot of options for your receiver hitch.

I have a few "tow rings" (have 1 with each of my vehicles + the tractor) and if you do a search you can find one that has the extra mounting holes to rotate it 90 degrees.

As for the 2" trailer ball for the receiver, once in a blue moon I'll use it to move my fishing boat.

You can really get just about anything done with the receiver inserts, but I also have hooks mounted on the top towards the outside of the bucket that is handy for moving a large stump that can be rigged to reduce swaying.

If it's not hurting anything, I'd purchase a receiver insert of your choice, just reinforce the receiver a little, and continue to use it as a visual aide to level the bucket.

Here are a few pictures of how I am using a receiver on the bucket, my jib, and my "poor man's grapple".

Good luck, KC

 

[GeneV]

Here's a pic of two of them on the rear of my box blade. You can see that you can wrap chain through it and hook on either side as needed, unlike hooks...

FTG, I'm liking that a lot! I've been going back and forth on what to add to the bucket. Initial thought was of course hooks, being the basics and all. Then I was thinking d-rings would work better with ratchet straps, since I use those more. But these stake pockets are the best option for me I think, one on each side. And then a hook on the receiver, I think that would work real good. Thanks for the idea, I just now ordered the weld on ones from Amazon.

Got the ratchet rake on the box blade just for weight or something else going on there?

 

[GeneV]

Gene, Mossroad has shown you a lot of options for your receiver hitch.

View attachment 657399

That's real nice!

 

[FTG-05]

FTG, I'm liking that a lot! I've been going back and forth on what to add to the bucket. Initial thought was of course hooks, being the basics and all. Then I was thinking d-rings would work better with ratchet straps, since I use those more. But these stake pockets are the best option for me I think, one on each side. And then a hook on the receiver, I think that would work real good. Thanks for the idea, I just now ordered the weld on ones from Amazon.

Got the ratchet rake on the box blade just for weight or something else going on there?

Thanks!

The RR is attached to my 8x8" concrete, lead and steel weight block that weighs 410 lbs. With the RR attached (110 lbs), I've added a total of 520lbs to the back of the BB making it far more effective as a BB and a counter weight.

 

[GeneV]

Off with his tail!

 

[MossRoad]

:thumbsup: