Buying a larger bucket.

[RidgeHiker]

We have a 54" materials bucket on our Kioti LK3054 and want to go to a larger width. We widened our rear tires to an outside diameter of 61" plus for snow removal just want a greater size. The tractor with loader and loaded tires is probably at least 3600 lbs. and has 30.5 hp. The loader manual refers to up to a 68" bucket in the parts list.
My questions are:
1. I was thinking of 60" to 66". Any concerns with this? Any comments?
2. If I buy a used one any issues adapting it? I assume it just means cutting off the old brackets on the back and welding new ones to attach to. It is a standard attachment without a quick attach.
3. Any ideas on where/how to find used buckets? I live in the top of California, close to Oregon.
Thanks for your assistance!

 

[Gary Fowler]

Try Craigslist.com or MachineryTrader.com.
Have you priced a new bucket from the dealer. Might surprise you at the price compared to used. Every used one I have seen on craiglist want at least $500 for it then add in the price to modify it and you might be ahead to buy a new one or have a shop fab one for you to custom fit.

 

[schmism]

do you have a standard QA bucket on that tractor? if so any QA bucket from any skidsteer or the same will work.

 

[2458n]

You need to be aware that different buckets have different designs besides width. A wider bucket with more capacity could be fine for moving snow,but could break a front axle when being used to pour cement. A used bucket is kind of hard to find. Bobcats are sometimes bought with a smooth bucket and have a toothed bucket added. Because they serve different uses,both buckets are kept. I needed a larger bucket so I bought another tractor. And kept the smaller tractor. Good solution,but search the auctions and dealerships.

 

[schmism]

A wider bucket with more capacity could be fine for moving snow,but could break a front axle when being used to pour cement..

it will be EXTREAMLY unlikely you damage the tractor by putting a larger bucket on the loader. the front axle/frame are designed around the lift capacity of the loader. the lift capacity includes the bucket weight. so if you connect a larger bucket that weighs 200lbs more, you just loose 200lbs of cargo you can carry.

but dont feel like your going to risk something on the tractor by increasing the bucket width 6-8"

 

[RidgeHiker]

do you have a standard QA bucket on that tractor? if so any QA bucket from any skidsteer or the same will work.

I do not know or know how to tell.

 

[mjncad]

Ridge:

I suspect you'll end up buying a new bucket or having a fab shop widen your existing one; because I'll bet you'll come up empty on finding a decent used one since you live west of Kansas. I suggest you keep that in mind so you don't waste tons of time hoping for a used bucket that fits your rig being readily available on Craig's List, eBay, etc.

Best of luck in your quest.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Ridge:

I suspect you'll end up buying a new bucket or having a fab shop widen your existing one; because I'll bet you'll come up empty on finding a decent used one since you live west of Kansas. I suggest you keep that in mind so you don't waste tons of time hoping for a used bucket that fits your rig being readily available on Craig's List, eBay, etc. Best of luck in your quest.

You may be right. I have not looked long but I have checked from the San Francisco Bay area to Portland on Craigslist with no possibilities.

Would a widened bucket be as sturdy as original?
Do you think it could be cost effective?
When you say a fab shop does that equate to a good general welder?

 

[Ken45101]

Would a widened bucket be as sturdy as original?
Do you think it could be cost effective?
When you say a fab shop does that equate to a good general welder?

If it is decently designed, it should be just as sturdy. Of course it depends on where you get it from, but 68-84" are common for skid steers and they put a lot more stress on the bucket than a 30 hp tractor.

Cost effective? That depends on you and your needs, how you use the tractor and bucket.

A fab shop would have the facilities for bending the heavy steel plate used in a bucket. I doubt that a typical welding shop would have that type of machine. At least the one around here doesn't.

I would check with some of the outfits that are mentioned here that make attachments, they should be able to build one that mates with your mount. Of course shipping will not be cheap, but there are shipping costs even when you buy from a local dealer.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

We can supply you with a WR Long Custom bucket that will pin on just like your OEM bucket. On the provided link, Just click on a bucket to see the available widths along with prices. If you swap attachments and would like to avoid the hassle of messing with pins, you can convert your pin-on loader to universal quick attach with a quick attach adapter. Universal QA attachments are more widely available than pin on and can normally be had for less money. Call or PM if you'd like a freight quote.
Travis

 

[schmism]

I do not know or know how to tell.

1999 generally predates when CUT manufactures started including standard QA plates to the front of loaders. My TC33 is an 2000 and it has the old school pin on bucket also.

 

[k0ua]

If you can swing it, going to SSQA (also known as QA or quick attach, or Skid Steer Quick Attach). is the way to go, as you can then change out buckets in seconds, and you have a world of buckets, or forks and other attachment to choose from then.. I converted my Kubota last year to QA, and was glad I did. Here is a thread showing that change out. I kept the old Kubota bucket and still use it on my new Kioti, which came with SSQA from the factory. The advantages of a smaller bucket is that it will dig better as there is more force per inch, and the larger bucket will haul more, and work better for snow removal, or other lighter materiel's.. It is good to have both..and I do! Pay no attention to all my moaning about how hard it was to convert.. I could do it easily now. The first time to do anything is always harder. But it is good learning experience.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/208653-so-you-think-converting-pin.html

James K0UA

 

[mjncad]

You may be right. I have not looked long but I have checked from the San Francisco Bay area to Portland on Craigslist with no possibilities.

Would a widened bucket be as sturdy as original?
Do you think it could be cost effective?
When you say a fab shop does that equate to a good general welder?

Whether a widened bucket would be as sturdy as the original, weaker, or stronger will all depend on the quality of the design, fabrication and welding.

As another member said, a fab shop will have the equipment to bend and form steel and then assemble and weld everything together, where a general purpose welding shop probably won't.

I see Everything Attachments made a post to contact them. Contacting EA and other vendors is another viable possibility. Just remember, most vendors and manufacturers tend to be in the Midwest and East Coast, so shipping could get pricey.

As for cost effectiveness, only you can decide that with whatever route you choose to get a wider bucket.

 

[RidgeHiker]

I actually found a used 60" bucket that may work. Just beginning to check it out. The outer diameter of my back tires is 61". The bucket is 60". Is that 1" difference any concern?

 

[msch2112]

i have a 78" 4 in 1 bucket on my 105hp JD. i wouldn't go wider on my tractor. if i go wider, i'll loose digging power. also keep in mind the heavy load you lift with a wider buck, your tractor will become more 'tipsy'. FYI.

mike

 

[mjncad]

That extra 1" of tractor width won't make a difference. You'll be moving materials; not doing precision machine shop work, or brain surgery.