Bukect level idea

[ray66v]

Bucket levels are nice. But, I think for most people once they have enough time in the seat, you develop more skill, then really don't need one.

 

[J0be269]

After more in depth investigation into this, I have yet to find a place to put the switch where I would be comfortable. I may just wait a while and see how experience pays off.

The tilt type switchs you all have mentioned could be a good idea, IF the tractor never left level ground. The idea of a level bucket would be to level the bottom of the bucket with the plane that the tractor is traveling on. If you were on any type of incline a mercury type or water type device would not work in this way.

 

[Bedlam]

:::"""Bucket levels are nice. But, I think for most people once they have enough time in the seat, you develop more skill, then really don't need one."""


I have to disagree, the indicator is no different than viewing the bucket position.Its far easier to taker a glance at the indicater than to have to bend around to view the bucket angle.In my opinion of 30 plus years.
But to each their own.

 

[dfkrug]

The tilt type switchs you all have mentioned could be a good idea, IF the tractor never left level ground. The idea of a level bucket would be to level the bottom of the bucket with the plane that the tractor is traveling on. If you were on any type of incline a mercury type or water type device would not work in this way.

I like your idea for an electric level indicator. As you state, an "in-plane"
indicator would be better, and that is not easily done with gravity switches.
The in-plane indicators that come with many FELs are just linkages to a
rod that moves inside a tube. There is no reason that you could not use
such a linkage with a proximity switch and light on the dash as you
describe. But if you build that, you have a simple and effective in-plane
indicator already. If you do build something, report it here.

I built a little gravity-driven plumb indicator for my hydraulic PHD. Not
electric, but I considered that.

 

[ray66v]

:::"""Bucket levels are nice. But, I think for most people once they have enough time in the seat, you develop more skill, then really don't need one."""


I have to disagree, the indicator is no different than viewing the bucket position.Its far easier to taker a glance at the indicater than to have to bend around to view the bucket angle.In my opinion of 30 plus years.
But to each their own.

Who are you disagreeing with? I did not say a level is not easier, What I said is, you can reach the point you really don't need it.

A lot depends on what your setup is. On mine, there is an indicator on the top rt. side of the bucket, it is the same place I look when I operate my dad's, he has nothing. You still have to develop a feel for it, either way, the level I have, only gets you close.

I am not willing to bet that the new contractor machines do not have levels. But, I have never seen, or worked with, a contractor that had one in my last 30 years. They seemed to be able to do the work well.

 

[gemini5362]

Who are you disagreeing with? I did not say a level is not easier, What I said is, you can reach the point you really don't need it.

A lot depends on what your setup is. On mine, there is an indicator on the top rt. side of the bucket, it is the same place I look when I operate my dad's, he has nothing. You still have to develop a feel for it, either way, the level I have, only gets you close.

I am not willing to bet that the new contractor machines do not have levels. But, I have never seen, or worked with, a contractor that had one in my last 30 years. They seemed to be able to do the work well.

I am sure that contractors who do the work day in and day out probably develop skills that the average person who does that work occasionally does not have. I broke my level indicator and have not gotten around to fixing it but really miss it. I am sure that there is some way of telling when my bucket is exactly parralel to the ground but I dont have the knowledge of the shortcut that tells me when it is. I have to guesstimate and I have filled in several small holes where I was trying to scoop something up and guesstimated wrong.

 

[denmansoft]

I usually follow the KISS principle but this requires a high tech solution.

1) small package glued to the bucket with a 3 axis accelerometer to sense the orientation of the bucket in 3D.
2) small package glued to tractor frame with a 3 axis accelerometer to sense the orientation of the tractor in 3D.
3) small computer in a box on the dash board with graphical display showing bucket angle. Switch to select absolute(gravity) or relative(bucket to tractor).
4) optional bluetooth or zigbee wireless connection to bucket sensor.

I build this kind of stuff for other applications. For the $10K it would cost to develop and build this I will stay peering at the indicator bar on top of my bucket. I'd rather the seat time to gain experience, than this neat gadget.

 

[ray66v]

I have to guesstimate and I have filled in several small holes where I was trying to scoop something up and guesstimated wrong.

This NEVER happens if you have a level? Of course it does. Especially at the beginning, AS YOU LEARN TO USE IT.

There is no magic wand, you still have to acquire a certain amount of skill to be able to be a good equipment operator, even with the magical level. Yes, some never get there.

All I'm saying is; eventually when you learn to use it well enough, you can do it without a level.

If you want to think thats only because some do it all day for a living, ok. But, I am sure, I am not the only one who did not need a full time job practicing, to do it.

 

[Bedlam]

Ill try again

Ray posted ;
Bucket levels are nice. But, I think for most people once they have enough time in the seat, you develop more skill, then really don't need one.

I agree that bucket levels are nice.
I disagree (again my opinion) that once one gets skill that they really don't need it.
But ill go along with it and say I'm still learning and one day get the "skill".I thought I had it.
To me its just another indicator like the alternator light. I can tell when it hums and is charging, but still like that the light is watching it.

 

[stowester]

Even a skilled operator can be more efficient with indicators then without.....


Dean