Bukect level idea

[JDGREEN4ME]

All I know is I went through a period of time where I needed to store my tractor outside and the rod on the level indicator tore up a couple of tarps so I took it off...it is still hanging in the shed and if someone can use it they are welcome to it.

 

[gemini5362]

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.

I am sure that you are not the only person that did not have a full time job with equipment and have mastered the technique. I am equally sure that I am not the only person who has never mastered the technique. All I am saying is that the level indicator makes it a lot easier for someone like me to know when the bucket is level when it is down at ground level where I cannot see it. If you can tell when it is level then I am jealous I wished I could do that but I cant so I rely on some other method of telling me when it is there.

 

[Bedlam]

Well actually today I was observant, I found that i only use the indicater when I have to look quick. such as backing up and lowering the loader and at the same time leveling the bucket so it will be ready for the next pass.And yes you get a feel for it. I can back up and the lower and almost level mine without looking forward. But a quick glance at the indicater, I know I"m where I want to be.
practice makes perfect.

 

[ray66v]

All I am saying is that the level indicator makes it a lot easier for someone like me to know when the bucket is level when it is down at ground level where I cannot see it.

Yes I can understand that. The level makes it easier for anyone, I agreed with that from the beginning. The point I made, never said, or intended to suggest otherwise. I am sorry if you took it that way.

 

[jimgerken]

Thanks for all the great ideas, especially that old conveyor/elevator indicator with the mercury in it. I have been considering building some kind of electrical device to interface with my hydraulics to automatically control one axis of the landscape rake. The side-to-side tilt is hardest to keep up with, while doing everything else driving the machine and controlling offset, level, sweep. And tilt seems easiest to set on autopilot 'cause once you have a slope, you usually want to maintain it for the entire area.
Winter time project.

 

[gemini5362]

Yes I can understand that. The level makes it easier for anyone, I agreed with that from the beginning. The point I made, never said, or intended to suggest otherwise. I am sorry if you took it that way.

Actually I am probably too touchy about the subject. I would love to be able to do spacial relationships. I tried taking a couple of mechanical drawing classes and flunked them both because I could not visualize different views. Same thing when I tried taking a machine shop class using a turning lathe. I worked harder at that class than any class I ever took in college. The instructor worked with me and let me come in other class periods for extra time. I had to be able to grind 3 cutting tools with a certain angle. I never could get it. I just could not visualize the angle.

 

[mwb]

I have an idea of a simple visual level... the Kubotas use a flat surface (flat stock) welded to the top to show you what level is - the problem is that you have to view it from an angle. It would be very simple to attach a short piece of flat, or pipe, that is angled towards the drivers seat (eye level). If you can see along the flat, or through the pipe, then the bucket is level relative to the tractor. Similar to sighting a shotgun.

This is not perfect either but it might be more effective than the existing (or in my case non-existing) system. The perfect solution is to mount a camera about 8 feet outboard of your machine and use and LCD but that might cause other problems.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[alchemysa]

Heres mine. About as simple as it gets. When the two blue pieces line up, its level. When the loader is raised I can view it easily from my seat so i can level the bucket before I drop it to the ground. If the bucket is already on the ground I have to lean out the side to see it but its still much easier than trying to judge by viewing the bucket alone.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Okay wirenuts, here is the mechanical part. Mount a metal section of a spiral at the bucket and main lift pivot points. Mount analog proximity sensors at each spiral and calibrate to output angles. Add the angles and display on the dash, with zero being level and positive being rolled back from level.

 

[DonnieP]

I have a kubota with the flat stock on top of the bucket and it's pretty useless. I really liked Mikes idea with the pipe so I went outside to see how to stick it on to try. And when looking at it, I thought the shotgun sights might be easier. Then I decided to use a piece of black tape to see how it would work. I placed the tractor on the driveway and leveled the bucket. I placed a piece of tape on the upright holding the 'level indicating' flat stock and another on the bucket so when sitting in the seat the two pieces of tape line up. It took a couple of tries to get it right, but now when the bucket is level it looks like one piece of tape. I'm going to leave it a while and if it works as good as it did while testing it in the yard, I'll paint a line on the bucket or something more permanant. I know it will only work when the bucket is down and only for me, but that's all I'm interested in.