Converting a standard bucket to a 4in1.

[alchemysa]

I've just bought another tractor (a old bobcat) with a standard dirt bucket. I've never had much need to simply move dirt but I use my 4in1 bucket on my Kubota all the time. So, as Bobcat 4in1's cost thousands of dollars over here (even second hand ones), I'm thinking of turning the dirt bucket into a light duty 4in1. I have some ideas on how to do it but I was wondering if anyone has already done it and has some pics or ideas to share.

 

[Renze]

Why on earth would you want a 4 in 1 bucket when you can have a grapple on the bucket with less weight and money ? My brother has a small pay loader, imported from Germany, with 4 in 1 bucket. otherwise it wouldnt have come with this style of bucket.

And for good reason, the bucket has 20% less capacity than a conventional bucket because of the weight, and in practice you use only two functions of the 4 in 1. Loading and grabbing. Dozer and scraper functions are useless on a frontloader.

 

[BukitCase]

Agree about the smaller size due to weight, disagree on dozer/scraper being useless - my 580B has the standard 1 yd bucket, looked for a 4 in 1 with no luck - bought a grapple and am in process of converting EVERYTHING to a QA for that machine, but still wouldn't mind having a 4 in 1, NOT as a swap but as an extra option.

One reason not mentioned - you can open the clam and backdrag with the hinged part, or when you're down to that last yard of gravel in a pile - WITH a 4/1, you can push into the small pile a bit, THEN close the clamshell, and avoid having to MANUALLY scoop gravel into the bucket to spread.

Granted, mine is an INDUSTRIAL TLB and the loader has been fishplated to beef it up even more, but even a smaller one can do quite a bit to eliminate "grunt" work if you're careful about getting too carried away. The older I get, the more I appreciate hydraulics.

Personally, if I get to the point where I REALLY want a 4/1 I will BUILD it for around $700-$1000 - dunno if you have that option but if you do, time is the only downside - upside is cheaper, more fun, more chance of getting exactly what you want... Steve

 

[alchemysa]

Renze, I have little need for a grapple as I have minimal heavy vegetation to move. What I do have is a lot of vine and bushes that are best ripped out and moved with a 4in1. I dont need to move or load much dirt either so bucket capacity is not important. But I do have to pick up and carry chunky stuff and I do plenty of rough dozing as well. I've had a 4in1 on my other tractor for 10 years and wouldnt be without it.

 

[MechE1]

alchemysa, I think the forces are too great for a conversion. Not that it cannot be done, but if I were doing it, I would start from scratch and use the bucket that you have for "parts". I thought about building one myself. I have access to all the materials, tools, hydraulics, etc. but the money and time I would have had in it, I decided to purchase one. If you decide to do it, post some pics. We all love to watch projects.

 

[ovrszd]

I agree. The bucket apron would have to be seriously reinforced or it will bow the first time you backdrag. The rear wall of the bucket isn't strong enough either and the ends will bend back the firzt time you doze with it.

If I were building one I'd start with a small dozer blade.

 

[Renze]

Agree about the smaller size due to weight, disagree on dozer/scraper being useless

I used it but was not impressed. Granted, the bucket bottom is too short, and the blade to worn (not flat) to precisely level with the bucket bottom flat on the ground as a skid plate, controlling depth of cut by slightly tilting the bucket, and the bottom as a skid plate to prevent biting.

dozer function is only usefull pushing loose material on solid ground, or else it will bite (skip and dip) while pushing. The scraper function i also tried but i wasnt impressed. I prefer the typical Dutch skeleton bucket (for visibility onto the cutting edge)

In Scandinavia they have special grading buckets, with extra long bottoms so they can see the cutting edge over the top of the bucket:

Volvo L7G grading out gravel @ a roadwork - YouTube

 

[ovrszd]

My Brother's Bobcat T300 has a Low Pro bucket with a long apron. By slightly leaning forward you can see the toothed cutting edge while skimming on the ground. Works great for finish work.