Bucket height

[jmfox]

I have a 4n1 bucket. While plowing snow I found that it has a tendency to mess up the grass. We all know why this happens, but what I didn't expect is a bucket design that puts the cutting edge at an angle. When the lift arms are all the way down and the bucket is flat and level the edge is about 5 inches off the ground. Consequently when the bucket edge contacts the ground it is at an attack angle and prone to dig up the grass. Is this what is expected on bucket design?

jmf

 

[amigauser]

We need pictures. This is a picture from WR Long's web site. It looks like the clamshell part is above the ground in the picture. Is your bucket similar to this one?

http://www.wrlonginc.com/photogallery/DSCF2511.JPG

With the clamshell open, exposing the dozer portion, it looks pretty flat.
http://www.wrlonginc.com/photogallery/UJ2-4.JPG

Are you plowing with the clamshell portion raised (using the dozer portion) or with it closed?

 

[jmfox]

Well, on further investigation is about opposite of what I described. It seems to get the bucket level I need to have it raised a few inches. In other words if I put the bucket down against the stops and try to curl the bucket to the level position, it lifts the bucket up a few inches. I would like to be able to level bucket when it is down against the stops.

 

[dirtworksequip]

jmfox, if I read you right you are trying to use the heel of the bucket as a guide to level. This won't work on your bucket as with the heel level the cutting edge will be raised above level. I don't know what you are refering to stops,but I have not seen a 4 in 1 with any stops to designate level.


The boxed piece below the hyd cylinder isn't any kind of stop, if that is what you are refering to.

 

[dirtworksequip]

Here's a pic that clearly shows with the heel level the cutting edge is raised above the surface. So with the cutting edge level the heel is raised. If the cutting edge is level its not at an aggressive angle. Its level.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[jmfox]

Here is picture of the stop position necessary to get the cutting edge level. Is there any reason why the bucket cannot be flat when the lift arms are lowered against the stop?

jmf

 

[dirtworksequip]

jmfox, for some reason I can't view your pictures that you have posted. Try sending them to me via email. dirtworksequip@aol.com

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have seen guys take a piece of hard wood and cut a grove in it to fit over the cutting edge to protect the drive. I have also seen this done with pvc pipe. All were held on with bungee cords. Would this cure your problem?

Chris

 

[jmfox]

"http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c8FQ1rnatYk/SXaDzH-f3TI/AAAAAAAAABM/PTJMxSgW4Oo/PICT1457.gif"

"http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c8FQ1rnatYk/SXaDzVBQcuI/AAAAAAAAABU/fgGZ3cIWNlY/PICT1459.gif"

I have no idea why these do not work with the picture command. You cannot click on them either so just paste them into your browser.

jmf

 

[gerard]

You need to level the front of the bucket in relation to the ground but that still isn't going to solve your problem. Grass is not perfectly level and any changes in grade is going to cause you to dig into the grass. All you can do is go really slow so you minimize damage when you dig it and /or keep the bucket lip a little high and leave an inch or two of snow on top the grass - don't try and get it all. You could try the pvc pipe BUT then you can scrape the blacktop if that an issue. For grass the best thing I've found is driving backwards with a blade. With the curve reversed that way you slide right over the top of grass and don't dig it up. I also have skid shoes to make it even a little less aggressive but even without them it's pretty gentle on grass (in reverse - drive forward and it'll peel it up like an orange)

 

[john_bud]

4n1 bucket is made to push a pile of dirt by digging in a couple inches. Snow plows have those round upside down mushroom deals on them to keep them from digging in. You may want to look into a retrofit.

It's one of the reasons that I don't use dirt moving equipment to move snow. Yeah, it works "sort of", but the rough parts wind up leaving a big ol gouge in the front lawn! Could be worse, I've seen asphalt curl up with the snow...

 

[jmfox]

I thought maybe it would make more sense for a bucket to be designed to lay flat when it was all the way down.

jmf

 

[jmfox]

4n1 bucket is made to push a pile of dirt by digging in a couple inches.

Could be worse, I've seen asphalt curl up with the snow...

I can do without the mushrooms, but when the tool is design to attack, it is difficult to keep it from going where it wants to go. I've never seen blacktop sticking to the snow, although I know I am smoothing out the top layer.

jmf

 

[dfkrug]

Here's a pic that clearly shows with the heel level the cutting edge is raised above the surface. So with the cutting edge level the heel is raised. If the cutting edge is level its not at an aggressive angle. Its level.

Very interesting new JD bucket there, DIRT. I see the jaws bypass each
other, rather than meeting edge-to-edge like my Long HydroJaw. My
bkt's lip is also flat on the ground when closed and the skid shoes are
level.

Musta been a bear to load that in the wagon.....

 

[t man]

I took a piece of black iron pipe and made an edge for my bucket.It works pretty well.I'm able to plow off the driveway and onto the lawn without digging in.It also is kind to the driveway stone.It can be taken off in a second,two 5/16 bolts.It works good on frozen ground on soft ground it will still dig in if your not careful. Tim