430 Loader Level Indicator

johnbilt · Aug 19, 2003

Is the Level Indicator good quality ? I have a 430 bucket and have ordered the level indicator so I can be more consistent for digging and scooping.

rancar · Aug 19, 2003

The bucket level indicator should come as a standard install when you're purchasing the 430 loader. Yes, they are good quality and I'd recommend you get one.

...Bob

johnbilt · Aug 19, 2003

Thanks - I'm not sure why the dealer would not have these as standard equipment....

JN4310 · Aug 19, 2003

Mine didn't come with one either. How much is it?

BillyP · Aug 19, 2003

It's not standard. It's a 30 something dollar option. The quality? I'll put it this way, you'll never wear it out /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Skeptic · Aug 19, 2003

The load level indicator is very well built. It is a rod that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. The rod moves inside a metal tube that is mounted to the right hand FEL support.
I haven't painted mine yet. The dealer offered to do it, but I didn't know which style of marking I wanted on it. If I wanted it graduated, or single color marking where the bucket is level.
I don't think that I paid extra for it, kind of wrapped into the price of the FEL probably.

_RaT_ · Aug 19, 2003

It's very simple. A piece of tube or really more like pipe with a solid rod inside. You index it yourself with a piece of tape or sharpie. My tractor (not a JD) came with one. It came with a rod much longer then it needs to be so you can customize it to any length you like. It mentions this in the manual. Mine is shortened as short as possible so that the likelyhood of catching it on branches is reduced. After having mine now for a few months, I have come to rely on it for fast bucket positioning.

GreenMtnMan · Aug 19, 2003

My 4310 with 430 loader was delivered with the bucket level indicator. I thought they all had 'em. The dealer installed it and painted a flourescent red stripe at the bucket level mark.

johnbilt · Aug 19, 2003

The cost is about $37 plus shipping. My dealer did not have one in stock. Kind of odd, since they carry the buckets....

I am going to mark mine for level and have some extra colors for down angle work.

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 20, 2003

I bought my machine with FEL used and my rod only extends out of the tube at 'level' and disappears when my bucket is angled downward. Is it possible this was cut off?