Bucket Choices 68" or 60"

[richtidebruin]

Ok, So I finally broke down and pulled the tigger on a tractor. Though I wanted to justify the larger frame 35/40/45 series, after demoing a 35 on my property, (2.5 ac fairly hilly) the TC34DA just made more sense. Really happy with the choice. Additional goodies are the 14LA loader w/quick attach and a 60" RFM.

Usually, I ascribe to the bigger is better mentality, but when I scaled back chassis size, I decided to go from a 72" RFM to a 60" RFM - but in hindsight think I should have stayed w/the larger to cut further outside of the wheels.

Question now is the bucket size. I think/thought I wanted a 60" HD bucket for the loader (scaling back again), but the tractor already had the 68" HD bucket, so the dealer went ahead and delivered it with the larger bucket until the 60" comes in. After about 2 weeks of use, I'm questioning the desire for the 60" bucket.

Would love to hear your personal preferences/pros/cons to either choice???

Thanks,

Rich

 

[richtidebruin]

Pics in advance ... cause I know your gonna ask...

 

[richtidebruin]

68" Bucket

 

[drm]

Rich,

I have the NH TC33DA with the 14LA loader and quick attach HD 60" bucket. At first I wanted the 68" bucket for more volume but as I worked with the 60" bucket it became evident that it was a good size for the 33. I can cut into dirt fairly well with the tooth bar. Cut into gravel and loose dirt and get a full bucket, with practice, without the tooth bar. And I can carry a full load of gravel (with industrial fronts). A 68" bucket may be just a little too much. and the 60" bucket is a little easier to manuver.

Although I think that a 72" mower is the right size for the machine. I have a 914a 72" mmm. I feel the 60" bucket is right.

...Derek

 

[dqdave1]

I have a 68" bucket on a TC 29 ( 1999) and have never regretted the larger bucket. It all comes down to what you are going to use it for. My TC 29 has lifted anything I have put in it except wet cement from the cement truck to pour site. It could only take a half bucket at a time. If you use it for snow, mulch, debris, firewood and othe rlight items the extra volume is great.

 

[richtidebruin]

Well some of my thoughts were along the same lines. I am going to be doing mostly dirtwork/landscaping - some woods clearing. Pros for the 60" bucket: 1st, a toothbar for the 60" bucket is cheaper, 2nd, the groundpressure on the shorter edge seems like it would be higher, 3rd is that it should be more manueverable in tight places, 4th you may be less likely to overload when using dense materials. My only main concern is outside width from the front/rear tires. This would be an obvious advantage for the 68" bucket along buildings or other places where you wanted to work close to objects on either side. As you also pointed out, you can move material a lot faster with the larger bucket...

Maybe I am just afraid of making the same mistake I did on the mower. Can keep the 68" bucket and cancel the order for the 60" as long as I decide before it ships to my dealer. Hmmmm...

Rich

 

[3RRL]

Personally, if your tractor handles the 68" bucket, I'd stick with that. You'll have more capacity for less dense material that does not exceed your lifting capability when that bucket is full. Your comment about working around buildings and such is a good one. Another thing to keep in mind is when you dig with the bucket, you want the path wider than the rest of your tractor so you can drive into and through or out of it. Maybe wide enough to accomodate anything you've got on the 3pt as well. From the photos, it appears like either bucket will do that, I think, but you'll have to clarify it.

 

[browns40]

Hi Rich,

I agree with 3RRL on this one: if the loader can handle a bigger bucket, then by all means stick with it.

Of course my motto is go as big as you can manage.

I went with a 72 instead of 60 on my 300CX and it has been a superb combination--still have not moved materials that were too much for it.

Only caution would be to watch the sides to avoid potentially tweaking the arms.

 

[jinman]

Well some of my thoughts were along the same lines. I am going to be doing mostly dirtwork/landscaping - some woods clearing. Pros for the 60" bucket: 1st, a toothbar for the 60" bucket is cheaper, 2nd, the groundpressure on the shorter edge seems like it would be higher, 3rd is that it should be more manueverable in tight places, 4th you may be less likely to overload when using dense materials. My only main concern is outside width from the front/rear tires. This would be an obvious advantage for the 68" bucket along buildings or other places where you wanted to work close to objects on either side. As you also pointed out, you can move material a lot faster with the larger bucket...
Rich

Rich, I've been reading this thread and I have mixed feelings about what to recommend. I have both a 72" bucket and a 60" bucket on my TC45D. The 72" bucket is a "beast" to push into dry ground and you are correct that the required ground pressure is much higher to push it's edge into the dirt, especially if it is dry. Also, if you ever want to dig around a stump, you have to dig a series of 6' wide holes. With the 5' bucket, it is much easier. I bought a toothbar for my 6' bucket before buying the 5' bucket and I now wish I had the 5-footer with the toothbar for digging and the 6' for materials handling and backdragging beyond the width of the tires.

It's a hard decision to make. You either have to settle on what you will do with the bucket most of the time or buy both like I did.

 

[TwinWillows]

Jim - Funny you should say that as I've been on the watch for a 60" bucket that I could permanently weld teeth on - this way I could use my smooth 72" bucket for light materials & backdragging also.