Tractor Sizing BX23 FEL bucket size too small?

[ESM]

Hello everyone. I just discovered TBN a couple of weeks ago when I started thinking about a new tractor. I've learned allot reading through many of the great posts so thanks to everyone and TBN.

I started my tractor search by looking at the BX23 but have since mainly focused on slightly larger models like the B7510, NH TC24 and JD 4110. I keep going over all the facts and figures and going back and forth over which way I like to go but I find myself continually drawn back to the BX23. I really like the idea of having the backhoe and I only have 3 1/2 acres so I really think the BX23 is about the perfect size for what I need. I'll be replacing a JD 318 so any of these tractors will give me allot more capability. I'm attracted to the slightly larger compact models for the FEL capacity but I'm afraid they are really just a little too big.

My main hang-up with the BX23 is the size of the FEL bucket so my question is - Are there larger FEL buckets available for the BX23? I move allot of mulch around my property every year so I'd like to be able to carry as much in one scoop as possible. I was at the JD dealer today and they had a 2210 with 210 FEL mounted. The 2210 seems comparable in size to the BX23 but the FEL bucket on the 2210 was HUGE. It was 61 inches wide as well as noticeably higher and deeper then the BX23 bucket. I actually think the bucket was too big for the tractor but I know JD offers various bucket sizes. I don't think Kubota does but I was just wondering if any BX23 owners have wished they a had a larger bucket or if maybe there are any aftermarket buckets available to fit the BX23.

 

[Jinma354]

I've only put 50 hours on my BX23 but from what I can tell the FEL bucket it comes with is about as big as it will handle. I'm sure its designed that way for the users safety. The BX23 will suprise you though. Its the swiss army knife of tractors for sure. Lots of low end grunt to spin all four knobby tires on any surface. The backhoe is the reason I bought mine and so far its worked perfect for my project. I'm digging on very mucky clay and the BX23 is light enough with its fat tires to keep me on top. I've already solved some major drainage problems in the 50 hours i've had mine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rosey]

The 48' bucket does the job...just takes a little longer than a larger bucket.

 

[jim_wilson]

There is no larger bucket available for the BX from Kubota (to my knowledge). One of the things that the 2210 has going for it is that it comes with the quick attach setup on the FEL. The 2210 is the only one of the SubCUT tractors that has this. The BX, NH TZ, and Massey GC series do not come with quick attach on the FEL. You could of course get a larger bucket for the BX and have somebody weld on the correct brackets to adapt it to the tractor. This would probably cost a decent amount of $$ though. My experience with my BX23 is that the bucket is just about the right size given the weight capacity of the FEL. There has been a few times when I wished for a larger capacity but by and large the match is pretty good.

If this is important to you - you might think of other options. If you really want the larger FEL bucket and you want a SubCUT sized tractor with a backhoe you could always get a Deere 2210 and get a Woods Groundbreaker backhoe. The other way you could go is to get a BX23 and get a small dump trailer for it to use when you are carrying large amounts of material. I used my BX23 for doing a driveway excavation last summer and even with my lot only being 1/2 acre I consumed a considerable amount of time driving back and forth with full bucket loads of material as I was dumping in a back corner of the property. A small dump trailer that you could fill up with multiple bucket loads - move and then dump and go back and fill again would save a considerable amount of time - way more than you would gain with the bigger bucket on the 2210. Pronovost makes the P-503 which would be an excellent sized dump trailer for a SubCUT size tractor.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Welcome to TBN !!!
For light weight bulky stuff, this idea seems brilliant. I couldn't find the original post but had downloaded this pic.
Cheers!

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Yes, you can get an aftermarket bucket that is wider and/or higher capacity. TBN advertiser, ATI Corporation, can build you a larger bucket if you need one. But, the bucket that is standard equipment on the BX23 is large enough for dense materials like gravel, dirt, and sand.

If you are moving less-dense materials like bark mulch, snow, or sawdust, price the larger bucket. Bark mulch is roughly 37 lbs./cubic ft. (1,000 lbs. per cubic yard) Figuring your loader capacity and the weight of bark mulch, a larger bucket should not exceed 10 cubic ft. I wouldn't exceed 6-inches wider (54"), by the way.

If you need to move the dense materials mentioned above, stay with the standard bucket.

Or if you'd like the best of both worlds...get a quick attach from ATI Corporation and switch between the standard bucket and a larger mulch bucket as needed.

 

[RonR]

Homebrew, you posted a pic of what I was thinking. A while back (1+ years), I saw a post here where someone bolted some metal plate to the sides and bottom on his bucket, making it hold more, to aid in moving snow.

If I were going to be moving strickly much, I'd make a bolt in extension similar to the wooden one you showed.

I'm sure that would be cheaper that buying a while new bucket, even if you had to pay to have someone fab the parts for you.

Some 3/16" plate, a stick of angle iron, a welder and some 3/8" bolts and you could make a nice one. paint it orange and you are set!

My two cents.
ron

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> For light weight bulky stuff, this idea seems brilliant. </font>

Except for the first (top) picture I would have to agree... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If hand loading were necessary, I think I would make multiple trips and just stay in the tractor's seat myself... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[edski]

Homebrew,
The top pic is seriously flawed. You got off your tractor and have what looks like a shovel in your hands...shame, shame!!!

ESM,
If I was concerned with being able to carry a larger load, due to large acreage/distance, I'd look into a dump trailer.

IMHO. the BX has already been sized with an appropriate bucket. Increasing the size significantly, in order to haul more, will likely have a detrimental effect on digging ability/cycling time.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Cheers, edski

 

[ESM]

Thanks everyone for your input. Definitely some good ideas to consider. A larger aftermarket bucket, modifying the existing bucket, or getting a dump trailer. Each defiantly has its pluses and minuses. Seems like simply getting a trailer might be the easiest solution but I wouldn't have the room to keep it in my shed so it would have to take up space in the garage. I would probably go with a four wheel wagon style so it would be real easy to take on and off the tractor for loading with the FEL. Modifying the bucket would certainly seem to work too. I'll have to go back to the dealer and take a 2nd look at the bucket to see how easy it would be to extend. I would probably prefer a new larger bucket but it seems like that might not be cost effective. Hmmm decisions, decisions ...