Best use of scrap steel ever? Bucket mount trailer mover.

[Scooby074]

Just built a bucket mount trailer mover and i got to say, "Why did I wait so long?" The ease in driving forward to move a trailer around can't be understated. Sooo much easier to hook up too.

Only cost about $20 for a piece of receiver tube, hitch pin and 3/4 threaded rod. The rest was scrap out of the scrap bucket.

Sorry, no pics of the construction, but I'll answer any questions you may have on how to build it.

Unit as built. Old 3way drawbar installed. Notice the angle on edge behind the hitch. The cutting edge rests against it and it works to prevent left/right sway. Just relying on the 3/4 bolt to prevent sway doesnt work.

This piece catches behind the cutting edge on the bucket. It keeps the hitch from pulling forward and works to prevent sway. This takes strain off the clamping bolt.

Welded a few links of chain to the underside of the receiver tube to allow it to act as a light duty crane. Due to the limited lifting ability and height of the BX i shouldnt get in too much trouble.

In use parking the splitter near the woodpile.

 

[600rider]

Nice use of leftovers! I may have to make on of these myself. But what I am really interested in is that tooth bar! did you make that? Looks like the teeth are off a back hoe. I have been thinking of building one for my B7510.

 

[Scooby074]

Yep, i built that.

Teeth are BYG Futura's, available at Bobcat.

I created a thread to discuss toothbars, I also included some info on teeth, costs etc. as well. No fab shots unfortunately.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...075-honest-apprasial-bx-toothbar-horst-2.html

 

[Whatswrong]

Your trailer mover is great but once you use it a bit you may find it is easier to back up and make it follow ,pushing is like trying to push a chain ,we use a tool on the payloader at work to move containers around and they follow much better than pushing but for going to the dock or bay door that is totally different then you can see past and park with minimal effort.

 

[20 20]

Nice job :thumbsup:

 

[caver]

My version made from an old tractor drawbar found lying around my place.

 

[Scooby074]

Caver, do you find yours moves around alot? Part of my design criteria was to try and lock the tongue in place to prevent movement. Yours is certainly simpler design:thumbsup:

 

[bcp]

Part of my design criteria was to try and lock the tongue in place to prevent movement.

Would it fit on a politician?

 

[Scooby074]

Would it fit on a politician?

:thumbsup::laughing:

I think it would have to be stronger, maybe Titanium.

 

[caver]

Scoob,

I put it on the tractor for the photo op but really didn't have time to try it out. I'm concerned it might move around.

 

[SHORT KID]

CAVER
Possibly if you took the spacer out between the upper and lower pieces and put a wider piece in to go farther down the cutting edge on both sides it might stabalize better. Maybe add a u shaped piece to each end around the cutting edge for more stabality. Good idea though.

 

[flusher]

Here's mine. Just welded a pair of 3/4" bolts to the bucket to attach the receiver. It's easy to remove when it's in the way and not needed.

 

[Ken45101]

What about a tee mount with two clamping bolts? Would that prevent sideways movement?

I've been making plans to build something like this myself. I'll have to go out and look at the bucket and see if it has a lip to catch. OTOH, I do want it to fit a couple of different buckets so maybe I can't depend on a lip.



Ken

 

[RoMad]

It looks like good use of scrap material. I did mine a bit different. I just welded the 2" reciever on the top of my bucket just off to the side of my hook. I then put the drawbar or insert piece in angled down a little. It works just fine and I actually put my straps on the ball a lot when picking things up.

As far as pushing or pulling, I usually push whatever I am hooked to. It does take a little practice but you can really put a trailer in a tight spot without looking over your shoulder all of the time.

 

[Scooby074]

What about a tee mount with two clamping bolts? Would that prevent sideways movement?

I've been making plans to build something like this myself. I'll have to go out and look at the bucket and see if it has a lip to catch. OTOH, I do want it to fit a couple of different buckets so maybe I can't depend on a lip.



Ken

I thought about 2 bolts, but then decided otherwise because i wanted it to be installable without a wrench, thats why I welded a handle to the bolt in mine. With 2 bolts, the handles would hit.

 

[Ken45101]

I thought about 2 bolts, but then decided otherwise because i wanted it to be installable without a wrench, thats why I welded a handle to the bolt in mine. With 2 bolts, the handles would hit.

Good point. I would probably space them wide enough to still allow the handles. That would make it more stable too.

Ken

 

[N8ghz]

I need to build something like these asap. My problem (like many others) is on my favorite property, I can tow in & tow out easily, but I have one heck of a time turning the whole truck/trailer rig around....no big clearing to circle around. I wish I had that area, but without such a place...it looks like it will be simpler & less likely to get stuck or back into a ditch or whatever....to unhook, put the tongue jack down & fetch the tractor.

I think I will put the reciever box on the top of my FEL bucket like one of you did and use a drop-down insert for the ball, but I may just drill 2 holes in the bucket floor & bolt the box down & then use a non-drop insert ball?