4in1 Buckets

[ovrszd]

For what it is worth, I considered making one from scratch. That would be less expensive if you only count the cost of steel. It would have been an interesting project. But I decided I did not need another project, what I need is to get some work done.

I considered that too. Then my mind drifted. I bought a used Bobcat LowPro bucket and built a double jaw grapple on it.

Thought I made the right choice. Then I bought the 555A with a 4n1. Confirmed that I did make the right choice.

 

[Wagtail]

I'd never heard of such an implement until I joined TBN. I've not seen one being used by a homeowner or construction in this area. I would suggest that unfamiliarity with the implement might also be the reason they are scarce. Also price. The salesman is most interested in getting a new customer into a tractor, first.

That, in and of itself, can be the overall goal for the salesman. Implement purchase will follow as the homeowner becomes familiar with his new purchase.

Still - after owning a tractor for 37+ years - I'm not familiar with any type of 4-1 bucket system.

As I remember - most, but not all - 4-1 systems are designed for skid steer operations.

Sort of the opposite for me... I'd not heard of a grapple implement, yet it's one of the most discussed North American need/want to have FEL implements on TBN.

I ordered my 4in1 bucket because I could see that it did more than the single job of 'scoop & carry'. The ability to 'grab' was appealing and bundling the 4in1 into the purchase deal made sense. I bundled a combination fork/bale-spike implement for the FEL for the same reason = a multi-task tool.

 

[bunyip]

I use forks too and find that opening the bucket gives a deep 'V' that stops posts falling out when moving them across the paddocks, means I can get across quicker without losing them.
Before that I could only take about 4 posts now I can do 10 with ease, sooner I get there sooner I can get back and do something else like Becks quality control and Cricket.

 

[ovrszd]

I use forks too and find that opening the bucket gives a deep 'V' that stops posts falling out when moving them across the paddocks, means I can get across quicker without losing them.
Before that I could only take about 4 posts now I can do 10 with ease, sooner I get there sooner I can get back and do something else like Becks quality control and Cricket.

That quality control gig is the hard part.

 

[Redbug]

The 4in1 is especially good for pushing bushes and small trees over and out of the way. Fully opened there is a lot more surface area than just a plain bucket.

 

[ruffdog]

There are 2 ways of thinking here. The Swiss army knife way (4in1) which has one tool that can do about anything good, but not great. Or, the way of having many tools (takes up room and $) that are very good for each purpose. I think it depends on the individual and what they feel comfortable with.:drink:

 

[Industrial Toys]

I use forks more than anything else. And have a grapple, but if I had to do it again or come across one, I would like a loader mounted rotating claw. I have piles of brush that I thought a grapple would handle, but I can't drive out of the forest with them sideways.

 

[npalen]

I use forks more than anything else. And have a grapple, but if I had to do it again or come across one, I would like a loader mounted rotating claw. I have piles of brush that I thought a grapple would handle, but I can't drive out of the forest with them sideways.

Hmmm--That is an interesting concept. Seems doable but would need a fourth axis with hydraulics. (Lift, Bucket, Grapple and Rotate)

 

[Oldoak]

There are 2 ways of thinking here. The Swiss army knife way (4in1) which has one tool that can do about anything good, but not great. Or, the way of having many tools (takes up room and $) that are very good for each purpose. I think it depends on the individual and what they feel comfortable with.:drink:

You got it! :thumbsup:

 

[bunyip]

Hmmm--That is an interesting concept. Seems doable but would need a fourth axis with hydraulics. (Lift, Bucket, Grapple and Rotate)

If you have a 4in1 you already have the extra hydraulics.

 

[Industrial Toys]

You would still need another circuit to rotate. But for my application, I'm not sure, I need the rotation. I'm not loading trucks.

As far as the 4 in 1. If you have a TLB and are away from home, that clamp could be handy. If you are at home and have a bunch of attachments to choose from, it's not great, if you ask me.

 

[Jchonline]

They are a swiss army knife. The only criticism I have seen is related to handling larger logs. The edges on the back portion of the bucket when opened create a less than stable platform to rest the log against. I doubt it would matter much to the person moving them occasionally, but if you are moving logs daily a grapple seems like a better option. I looked at the 4 in 1 from Kubota, and it was almost as expensive as my grapple. I already had the bucket so I went with the grapple. I still have to change it out for pallet forks anyway, so it isn't like I could only ever use the 4 in 1.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not to start a fight, but I don't like my single lid grapple, as most stuff is irregular and I can't imagine that the 4in1 would be great in that regard either. Not only that, but if you can't see what you are doing, your chances of sucessfully grabbing something is very deminished.

 

[bunyip]

With the bucket open you know where the bottom of the bucket is, I just watch the log move then shut the bucket, if it is that irregular I use the forks.
Is useful when moving dirt and having the odd branch or log to shift, after a while it becomes intuitive but it took me a while to be able to grasp it (that pun wasn't intended but I'll take it!).
Having said that I am using a subcompact so I have no idea what a larger tractor is like to use.

 

[ovrszd]

Bunyip, I struggle with trying to pick up a small pile of loose material. Open, sit down on top of pile straddling it and clamping it into the closed bucket.

 

[bunyip]

I don't and I generally just bulldoze it to something solid and scoop but for pulling out pickets, fence posts after they have been given a push and a pull and other objects that you can't lift yourself, I have also pushed trailer around by going over the drawbar and closing on it but only a short hop so I can access something then put it back.
The deal was a 4in1 for the same money when we bought it and I took it and I like it, bear in mind too that this is the first time in my life I have ever owned and operated a FEL and everyone I know told me I would be mad not to get one

 

[ovrszd]

I agree. Very wise choice.

 

[Jchonline]

If I was offered the 4 in 1 for the same price as the standard bucket...I would have taken it as well!