Bucket mounted, class III, receiver hitch

[Mark_in_NH]

While I was in Walmart this afternoon, I purchased this Reese hitch, it cost $30. It is only Class II rated, but then again I don't plan on trying to pull a train with it.
As soon as I get it bolted into place (probably Sunday), I will post a picture of it.

 

[ns_in_tex]

You are right, of course.
Probably I use my ball differently from most, since I started using it this way about 30 years ago & the hitch was designed to fit the ball on hand.

But I am thinking, if I came up with other implements to mount into a normal receiver, I could mount a removable receiver into this receiver already on the bucket, either straight up or at 90 degrees.

A picture is worth more than a thousand word when I am talking.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Well, I am actually ahead of schedule. I mounted the receiver hitch on to my bucket this afternoon (photos attached) and I believe that it is going to make a very handy addition to the tractor.
The only thing I think I will do immediatly is buy a Ball Mount with a good drop to it, I think it will make it easier to get the bucket / ball into the right position. I think I will also set it up with a 1 7/8 ball, that will allow me to move all 3 sizes around the yard without swapping balls.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Photo 2

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Photo 3

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Photo 4

 

[cstocks]

I like the idea of a bucket mounted hitch. It looks like a very practical, time saving idea. Mark, your idea of a bolt on receiver hitch would be a more practical approach for me since I don't weld and don't know anyone who welds that could do it for me. Nice job.

I am curious to know how far the bolts stick through on the inside of the bucket. Do you foresee any problems with the bolts and nuts perhaps getting in the way or causing something to snag on them? I can't think of an instance right off hand where there would be a problem but you never know.

I might be tempted to set one up like you have done if I could convince myself that the protruding bolts and nuts would not be an impediment.

 

[RobS]

That looks real handy Mark. How does it handle and how much does the top of your bucket flex? My bucket is pretty light duty, do you think your setup would work on a light bucket /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Mark_in_NH]

cstocks,
The bolts stick down 1 1/2 inches, which is only 1/2 inch below the curled lip of the bucket. I can't imagine what I could / would carry in the bucket that could get snagged on the bolts.
99.9 % of what finds it's way into the bucket of my tractor is destined for the afterlife anyway. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Rob,
I pushed and pulled my 10 ton equipment around the yard and it worked great, I saw No flex to the bucket at all. But then the trailer was Empty. I don't think I would rely on it for moving a fully loaded trailer, but remember your only lifting the tongue weight.

It was a little hard trying to get things lined up, because you really can't see what your doing, but I am sure that time, practise and use will imrove that.
I was thinking that I would take one of my exhisiting mounts and have a grab hook welded to it, but now I may unbolt the hitch and have them weld the hook right to the hitch itself, then I will have the best of both worlds.
Ahhh, Life Is Good !!!!!!!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif