Front-End Loader Anyone try Titan's new XL Chain-On Quick Spade?

[Bronco82]

While browsing their site, noticed a $155 quick spade, doesn't come with the chain for attaching it to the bucket, but for the price, one could make do. Anyone try this out yet? Cheaper than other options on the market and would sure beat a shovel if it works properly and holds up.

Titan XL Chain-On Quick Spade 36.6" x 17.75"

 

[jeff9366]

I have a lot of experience with Bucket Solutions' Bucket Spade, which weighs 110 pounds.

My immediate reaction is that 62 pounds is not much weight, but Titan is offering a warranty and is a generally well regarded brand on this forum.

A 62 pound Bucket Spade may be a good match to your B2650.

 

[DB3TX]

I just bought one, and it weighs 90 lbs. according to the FedEx Shipping label. It's very heavy duty and I'm happy with the construction. I am having difficulty figuring out how to properly bind it to my FEL bucket though, but that's my fault.

 

[sideskraft]

I just bought one, and it weighs 90 lbs. according to the FedEx Shipping label. It's very heavy duty and I'm happy with the construction. I am having difficulty figuring out how to properly bind it to my FEL bucket though, but that's my fault.

I'm looking at that spade too. Can you secure it to the bucket with a chain without having a hook bolted or welded to the top of your bucket?

 

[gersus]

It looks like running a chain from the hook on the spade to the top of the bucket would pull the spade up? Seems odd to me. I'd like to see a pic of it installed.

 

[Usmc68]

Any updates on this? I am definitely looking into one of these. We need to dig some trenches to improve our drainage around the property. I have a 2017 Massey Ferguson GC1715 with DL95 FEL. I somehow convinced myself that I did not need a backhoe..Dooh. I do not want to spend the big $$ for an aftermarket unit that would also void my 5 year warranty.

Thanks,
Semper Fi

 

[BrentB]

I have used it with my forks, and agree figuring out how to chain it on is a problem. I bought Ken's hooks to put on the center of my bucket, but don't think I'll find a binder short enough for the distance...might try a strap.

It did dig up some big grass and hydrangea rootballs for me quite nicely.

 

[Usmc68]

Thanks Brent-

For the price Titan XL Chain-On Quick Spade 36.6" x 17.75" I think I will give it a shot before purchasing a backhoe for 2K+. I just need to dig some drainage trenches.

Semper Fi

 

[2018gc1715]

Thanks Brent-

For the price Titan XL Chain-On Quick Spade 36.6" x 17.75"[/url] I think I will give it a shot before purchasing a backhoe for 2K+. I just need to dig some drainage trenches.

Semper Fi

Did you purchase the Titan XL? I also have a GC1715 and need to dig some drainage trenches in Northern Virginia. I was hoping you could give me an update.

Thanks!

 

[Usmc68]

Good morning 2018gc1715,

Yes I purchased it directly from Titan, cheaper than Amazon. I took the FEL off to mow so I have not had a chance to connect it yet. I was planning on trying it today or tomorrow if it ever quits raining.

Semper Fi

 

[jeff9366]

For the price Titan XL Chain-On Quick Spade 36.6" x 17.75" I just need to dig some drainage trenches.

Consider a Three Point Hitch Middlebuster, AKA Potato Plow, AKA Layoff Plow. You will probably have to do a little spade work removing spoil but the spoil issue is likely the same using a Bucket Spade. Tractors are engineered for heavy work to be done at the rear.

VIDEO: MIDDLEBUSTER LAYOFF PLOW TRENCHING - YouTube


Selecting correct size Middlebuster for a subcompact tractor can be tricky. A full size Middlebuster cannot be raised sufficiently to clear the dirt on a subcompact tractor.

King Kutter and Dirt Dog make Middlebusters sized for subcompact tractors.

 

[Diggin It]

I'd like to find a round/spoon/trowel point add on for a BH bucket. Should be a great tool for dragging ditches clean. I have cutter teeth on my BH bucket, so I can't drag even a squared off trench/ditch without digging.

 

[CADplans]

Drainage ditch?? How about a rotary plow,,, ?

The Gravely will easily make a ditch deep enough to install a 4" plastic pipe,,
deep enough so that you can drive over it,,
it takes 2-3 passes,,,

We did all of my SIL's gutter runoff pipes with the Gravely,,,

 

[the old grind]

I use a 'tree bucket' to do much of what the 'spade' will do. The tip/lip is about the same distance from the bucket's pins/pivot. Considering the breakout power lost to lack of leverage, I learned that tractor weight means a lot, and there is some technique to loosening some soils or shrubs from them. (often when 'piercing'-in) Adding to that, our FELs don't swing like BH booms and there's a lot of 'shuttling' to remove soil from a trench, regardless of depth.

With such experience and a heavier tractor than a B or BX I agree with what Jeff said. :thumbsup: Make a first pass (or two) to soften-up with a middle buster and use the spade to remove the overburden. Fewer, more full scoops to get more dirt out of the trench w/o knocking or caving as much material back into it. Don't expect a fully 18" deep trench or anything, but IMO for French or other drainage digs you'll only need to show us the pictures.

btw, for some lighter work it'd be ok to move the spade to one side of the bucket for access close to a deck or building, two things that aren't always easy with my tree bucket OR the mini-BH. Show us what yours will do.

 

[2018gc1715]

Good morning 2018gc1715,

Yes I purchased it directly from Titan, cheaper than Amazon. I took the FEL off to mow so I have not had a chance to connect it yet. I was planning on trying it today or tomorrow if it ever quits raining.

Semper Fi

So I bought the Titan XL bucket but I can’t get the bucket over the weld lip of my GC1715 bucket.

Have you had luck getting yours on all the way?

Is it ok to shave down the welding?

 

[the old grind]

If you see a weld-bead 'proud' of the surface, smooth that guy out to make room as needed. A good weld will have penetrated to provide sufficient strength. If one comes apart (one of mine did, and on the tree bucket I mentioned above, lol) you'd just re-weld it, no?. You'd have to break it for that first.

 

[Usmc68]

I have not smoothed out the weld but the Spade goes in just barely past it. i have service call into Titan to see what can be done.

 

[the old grind]

Can you sharpie-up what look like the high spots and see where they rub, then just grind where the least area & amount has to come off? (sorry, I can't see 'nuf details in seller pics) In many trades there is some 'hand-fitting' to be done to finesse installations. Toolmakers and Die-makers do it. Gunsmiths do it in cleaner shops and with smaller parts.

If you have a hand-held grinder (not $9.99 4.5a thumb-button crap ) and a helper to muscle-along with 'retries' as you work the fit, it might take less o'all effort than you expect. Working with hands and brain sounds like fun. Sending s__ back sounds like work w/o fun. Lots more time for that one, too. What might the seller do, and who pays if you exercise an option?

btw, would the ground be dry enough or soft enough, etc when a replacement gets back to you. (matters/weight?, & our CUTs ain't much there when we get to digging. BTDT) I hope your soil is 'sandy' there like I am here.

 

[Bronco82]

It appears I should have bought this when I initially posted it, as it's now on sale for $220.

 

[Usmc68]

I could not get past the 3" lip and afraid I am going to bend the bucket. I have used it but still very weary. I contacted Titan and they said I should probably return it. they are waiving the return shipping. I would love to make it work, trying different options. Maybe try and spread the spade a bit with a wood splitting wedge?