bucket level indicator

[Gord Baker]

A strip of white paint or reflective tape at the optimum level is very helpful.

 

[Kschwennsen]

I use it all of the time, only I should put different lines on for different implements. I have one that has a bet rod and when the bend is at the center of the bracket, the bucket is level. The bucket needs to have the FEL mount tipped forward slightly (see my avatar image) whereas my forks has the FEL mount perpendicular to the ground. Luckily I'm tall and can see the forks by leaning to the side.

 

[rgillin]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

Probably one of the most neutral answers would be... It is a handy starting point indicator to get you roughly and quickly to the level'ish position you are looking for!

 

[jedjoe]

My 2004 TC35 came with one (the bent rod style). It's also adjustable, so you can visually level the attachment you are using, and then adjust the device to have the center of the bend in line with the level attachment. Quite honestly, I don't know how I would manage without it!

 

[nfisheremti]

i recently changed tractors. my old one didn't have one, but it would have been nice from time to time, especially when using bucket forks. the new tractor has quick attach, but my view, and feel with all the various attachments is limited. so i built my own. i also have an adjustable top link on my 3pt, i made one for that as well

 

[FERLING]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

On mine I added about a six inch extension (duct taped it) because mine once came out of the sleeve (think I over extend the roll part of bucket pushing a tree). Set bucket at dig angle and used color duct tape to mark it on rod. Then set bucket at level and marked that on rod with a different color duct tape. I always know if my bucket will dig or slide along the ground when scooping something. If you have forks on it’s handy for knowing if forks are level or not. Simple way of knowing what angle your bucket / forks are at without actually seeing tip of each.

 

[mgstevens]

I just have the 2x3" "level-with-bucket-bottom" plate at the joystick side of the loader bucket, but I use it every time. When I park, I level the bucket with it for ground contact, when I go into a pile of material, I use it to set the attack angle of the bucket, same for back-blading. The rod type would be more accurate, but my last loader did not have one at all, so I'll take what I can get for helpers.

 

[Dickster]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

I use mine with the original bucket and it works well. I purchased a larger bucket, it has a different profile and the level indicator doesn’t work. Unless you purchased original equipment, I’d check if your bucket is designed for the tractor and make an adjustment to your indicator if necessary. Cheers!

 

[FERLING]

I use mine too. Especially setting my snow plow so that the plow frame is level. That way when I angle the blade the cutting edge stays flat on the road. I use it with the grapple too. I put a band of aluminum tape on it that marks the range that I can open/close the log grapple w/o digging up the ground and getting a bunch of dirt or sod. The bucket and snow plow are level at the blk/slvr line. The black heat shrink holds the rod away enough so that the aluminum tape does not get scraped off by the tube edge and is tough enough to stand the rubbing.

View attachment 719628

gg

Heavy Duty! Like it!

 

[priberc]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

What ever works for you I guess. In my opinion a mechanical indicator is going to be more accurate than your eye

 

[erickperry]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

I find it useful when leveling dirt. I taped the spot on the rod to let me know when my bucket is level with the ground. If I want to cut a bit more, I then adjust the bucket by looking at the tape on the rod to adjust.

 

[twomorestrokes]

I use mine every time. Very helpful to me and nothing to do with experience.

 

[Skypilota72]

Do any of you guys use that thing?
I got one on my tractor but it seems to be kind of unhelpful. I think I do better just looking at the load.

Yep, often. My little Mahindra Max 24 has no kit that will work like the greens and blues, so I made my own. Using a 1/4" round steel threaded rod (from Menards), I cut and bracketed one on the back of the loader (see pics) and one on the upper hydraulic operating arm (see pics), adjustments made by red nuts and yellow caps.
All I have to do is visually align both yellow caps or both red nuts (depending on if the bucket is on the ground or vertical), and my bucket is level. I use it often

n.

 

[Varmintmist]

It’s a beginner thing, no experienced operator needs them

I have been on equipment for 49 years. I can run a backhoe and dozer, pretty fair operator with a skidsteer, used to be a pretty good grader operator before they were laser leveled, (difference between a person who runs equipment and an operator) not bad on a roller and am game for anything.
I use the indicator when I need to skim because no one can see what they are cutting on a tractor, you can see what you have already done, but sometimes that isnt enough.

 

[WranglerX]

They already have something like that, its called a DRO.... You just have to adapt it....

 

[Greench]

Our Kubota FEL bucket came from the factory with two 4x1" pieces of metal welded to the top of the bucket and covered with black & white reflective tape.
You can see them in the photo

I wondered what in the heck they were. They were strong enough to stand on, but not really strong enough to act as a chain hook. Then one day I realized that they wereset at exactly the same angle as the bottom of the bucket and situated so that one or the two can always be seen.

I will just be damned. Just shoot me. I am going to admit something here. I did notice they were even with the bucket. But I did not notice they were even with the bucket and to freaking use them, you idiot. Geesh. I even put a bucket level indicator on mine too. What an idiot. No wonder I climbed up on the back of the backhoe to avoid getting stung by a wasp. I am an idiot. Wait. Now I realize even that has been obvious and plain to see the whole time and yet I have not noticed it, the I am an idiot part. Why did no one think to tell me? Could have saved me a lot of pain. I would never have trusted me had I known that.......

 

[frcnLS]

Factory installed on my LS 204 and I use it every time I use the bucket. I suppose on a small tractor you can see the busket clearly, but on my larger tractor I cannot see the buckets true position in regards to level.

 

[OldPaint]

I use the rod in a tube method and when rod is even with end of tube bucket is level with ground...

Don't laugh at square tube, it was only thing i had that was close to right size at the time...

I rather like the square tube. Looks 'industrial'. Bet tree limbs don't bend that very easily.

 

[stem1955]

Yes I use it and I like it. Helps me pick up material cleanly in FEL bucket by skimming the ground surface without gouging. I can't see my loader angle easily from operating seat.

 

[OldPaint]

Here’s a wild idea. I’m an electronic engineer and it just came to me as an idea which I’d like your feedback on…

A battery operated two-part device connected via cable and is a bucket level indicator with colored LED lights on a second device mounted on the loader arms (or near the operator station) showing the current level via 5 LEDs arrayed vertically. Center could indicate 0° while others read 2°, -2°, 5°, -5° on either side.

It would sleep when motionless, awaken when moved to preserve battery life, could be dampened so the electronic “pendulum” wouldn’t swing wildly, and very simple to use.

Is this worth pursuing?

I've thought about this as well. An electronic level indicator isn't that hard to find. An IPhone has one. Even an LVDT attached where the existing mechanical device is that only drives an LED bar. Cost might be a bit prohibitive for demand, though. A personal version on display might draw some attention and sell a few for you, but it's gonna be hard to get the price right for a decent profit and an acceptable sale price for the current audience. Remember, most of the folks in here are looking for the best yet least expensive options to make their problem go away.

I'm not saying nay, not at all. My favorite challenge is "It can't be done". My reply is usually "Hide in the bushes and watch" or "Hol' muh beer and watchiss!". But, I might have a little more fiduciary capability than some, and might buy something others think is "not needed by expert operators".