Loader Cutting Edge for Bucket

[Underdog57]

I need some advice on the LS loader bucket. How sturdy are these buckets and should I consider installing a cutting edge? Does LS sell one, are they bolt-on or welded on, and who else sells them? I have only 6.5 hours on it so far and I dig a lot of small stumps with it and am worried about damaging the edge. Thanks for the input.

 

[skytime24]

I've been looking my self', I'm pretty sure L's does not make one, im deffinetly Not going to weld it because im sure I'll need to use the bucket without it for delicate work. I'm going with a bolt on version.

 

[TractShackTimmons]

I need some advice on the LS loader bucket. How sturdy are these buckets and should I consider installing a cutting edge? Does LS sell one, are they bolt-on or welded on, and who else sells them? I have only 6.5 hours on it so far and I dig a lot of small stumps with it and am worried about damaging the edge. Thanks for the input.

Ls does not sell one that i know of. I know i have sold and installed tooth bars on them from another supplier.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate(s). I'd be very cautious using a FEL bucket to dig. The Front End Loader is not designed to do this. It's designed to lift & lower and the bucket is designed to scoop & dump.

Yes, you can 'get away' with minor, light or shallow digging (breaking up surface soil if equipped with a tooth-bar) but anything more and you will do damage to the FEL.

If you're going to attack tree stumps, I highly recommend getting the proper tool for the job = a grapple or, in a pinch, a 4in1 bucket

 

[TSO]

The bucket will bend ... Don't ask me how I know ;-)

Most buckets will without reinforcement tho. ..

 

[Egon]

Cutting edges are pretty generic. Most dealers, farm supply, industrial supply will carry the stock. Comes in various sise's and can be cut to length.

If you wear out the edges frequently as in construction equipment go bolt on. If it's lower use go weld on. Also weld cutting edge to the front sides of the bucket. Welding on a heavier cutting edge may also help stiffen the bucket.

Dig if you want. A well designed loader will survive but do expect wear on the pins which is expected of equipment being used.

Note: cutting edge is expensive and may be sold by the inch.

 

[chrism96]

The bucket will bend ... Don't ask me how I know ;-)

Most buckets will without reinforcement tho. ..

I do have some experience in bucket bending on my 4041 as well.

 

[GManBart]

I've done a lot if careful digging with mine....including digging up construction fill that has bricks, concrete, etc in it....no damage yet (125hrs of use with it).

Got mine here:
Toothbars

 

[Underdog57]

Thanks, I guess I will be a little more careful in what I try to do with it. Thanks for the info.

 

[GManBart]

Thanks, I guess I will be a little more careful in what I try to do with it. Thanks for the info.

Here's what it loos like installed. I should amend what I said earlier.....I've beat the heck out of the tooth bar, but I avoid uneven loads on the FEL. I'll add the picture of a rock/chunk of concrete I dug out (totally buried), to show you can do a lot, and not hurt the bucket....and no, it isn't an optical illusion! Funny thing is, I just realized, the tractor was in early the identical spot for both pictures.

 

[vwnotrunning]

Putting a tooth bar that includes a cutting edge does stiffen the bucket. The tooth bar greatly improves the ability to break into firmer soils. We have a lot of red clay that is hard to dig into when dry and hard.

 

[xrsrfn]

I purchased a bolt on cutting edge from my local Bobcat dealer The cutting edge is reversible so when you wear the edge down just get new bolts flip it around. The only other thing I recommend is putting new heal plates under bottom of bucket because the cutting edge is about 1 1/4" thick and you will not be able to cut level. I put four strips equally divided on bucket from back of cutting edge to rear of bucket and welded them solid.

 

[kingrace78]

How well can a FEL on R4047 dig or move dirt? I have never operated a FEL, but I have used skid steers. Do the compact tractors dig as well or better than a wheeled SS? I have an old tractor that I brush hog with but would be nice to update to a new tractor, but I also need something to re-arrange some land. Thanks John

 

[xrsrfn]

I have moved an amazing amount of dirt, rock, brush with the Fel. I would say if the tires or rear of tractor is ballasted well the amount between SS and Fel would be comparable if bucket size is equal. I would not compare to a track type skid steer but the 300 bobcat is only around 3000 lb RO I believe. The spec on 5020 is 2900 ROC but the skid steer is heavier than the tractor. Maybe we need to do a smack down to decide the winner....... Somebody bring the beer I will get the equipment. :drink:

 

[GManBart]

How well can a FEL on R4047 dig or move dirt? I have never operated a FEL, but I have used skid steers. Do the compact tractors dig as well or better than a wheeled SS? I have an old tractor that I brush hog with but would be nice to update to a new tractor, but I also need something to re-arrange some land. Thanks John

If you go up a coup,e of posts, you can see the huge rock/concrete chunk I dug out with my FEL. I found it when trying to dig out a piece of rebar that was connected to a different chunk of concrete. It was probably a foot under ground when I started, so it was a lot of digging! I've been using my neighbors Bobcat T300 a bit lately, and for normal digging, I don't see a huge difference. Being closer to the bucket edge is an advantage, but that's not a big deal. Tracks make a big difference, and it's been a while since I did any digging with a wheeled skid steer....I'd guess my LS is close to as capable for just digging, and moving dirt.

 

[kingrace78]

Thanks for the replies. It sure would be nice to have a new little tractor, just trying to justify the expense.

 

[xrsrfn]

The new tractor is shiny blue!

No one else has abused it yet.

Smell of paint curing while you put first hours on tractor.

Seeing all the work you accomplished with your new tractor.

Making it too the first old change at 50 or so hours.

Did I say shiny blue paint.

Need more reasons to justify I am sure we will get more suggestions. All jokes aside if you can afford it and not starve your kids Enjoy!