FEL Bucket 54" or 60"

[TimP]

Hi All.

I am considering the purchase of a B2650 with a FEL.

My Bucket options are a 54" "Standard" bucket of a 60" "Light Duty" bucket.

Does anyone know what the real difference is between the two of them? (Other than 6"?)

Which do I get?

And on the 2650 HSDC "CAB" model, does the rear window open up enough that I could stick my hand/arm out of it?

I ask because I have a 3PT Snowblower with a manual chute that I would need to crank by hand.

Or, I guess I could somehow convert the chute to a hydraulic or electric style if I had to.

Thanks.

 

[oosik]

OK - on my 2009 Kubota M6040 I had two bucket choices. Standard round 72" or heavy duty 72". On paper they looked exactly the same. The standard bucket was 210 pounds; the heavy duty is 453 pounds. I went with the heavy duty model - more steel.

72" is just about 4" wider than my front wheel overall width. So if the bucket clears - so should the front. However - the rear is 80" over all width and would hang up.

I would recommend that you go with the standard bucket

 

[TimP]

oosik,

Thanks for the info !

 

[oosik]

Tim - no matter what anybody will warn you about the limits of digging with your FEL. One day you WILL dig. You will be pleased that you had a heavier bucket that does not fold up like an accordion. I have quite a few ground engagement implements and have NEVER regretted getting the heavy duty version.

Perhaps this will be your first warning - - remember your tractor is just that - - a tractor. Not a bull dozer. Unfortunately - the hydraulics and FEL arms can be damaged by over aggressive use. The FEL is designed to work with loose piles of material and light, easy digging projects.

 

[TimP]

oosik.

I have to admit... I have done a fair amount of "digging" with the FEL on my B2150. I know it's not what they are designed to do.... but sometime you just can't help yourself.

Luckily, neither my tractor, nor me, has sustained any damage. :.)

 

[Dan33Klein]

The 60” bucket is not a “light duty” bucket . It is a “light materials” bucket.
This is kubotas legal way of saying don’t get the 60” bucket and fill it full of the heaviest material you can find. Even though I have with my B2650.

If you don’t have any space limitations go with the 60” bucket. The extra width to cover your tire tracks alone is worth it.

Again. It is a light material bucket. Not a light duty bucket.

 

[ruffdog]

I would bet it is NOT a HD bucket though.

 

[TimP]

The 60” bucket is not a “light duty” bucket . It is a “light materials” bucket.
This is kubotas legal way of saying don’t get the 60” bucket and fill it full of the heaviest material you can find. Even though I have with my B2650.

If you don’t have any space limitations go with the 60” bucket. The extra width to cover your tire tracks alone is worth it.

Again. It is a light material bucket. Not a light duty bucket.

Hi Dan.

Yes, you are right. I misquoted.... it does say light "Materials", not Light duty.

I'd love to see the 54" and 60" side by side to compare the gauge of the material used.

 

[Dan33Klein]

Neither of them are

 

[oosik]

The difficulty is - there is no definition for heavy duty. On the two bucket choices I had - the heavier bucket simply had thicker steel - more bracing - added gussets - more welds.

 

[Dan33Klein]

The difficulty is - there is no definition for heavy duty. On the two bucket choices I had - the heavier bucket simply had thicker steel - more bracing - added gussets - more welds.

Agreed
The 54” and the 60” buckets for the b2650 are the same other than width. 3 inches wider on each side of the outside of the quick attach mounts.

 

[ruffdog]

The drawback of a true HD bucket on a small machine is it takes away from the total material you can lift with it.

 

[atsah]

Go the bigger bucket if it's main function is to move material, If you're planning on digging a lot the smaller bucket will be better for that, less bite = more capability out of a small tractor.. I like the wider bucket because it sticks out further on the sides and I can get closer to things, like grading near my house etc.. Snow removal, firewood, dirt, gravel, all good for a bigger bucket..

 

[robertm]

The idea in the light materials bucket is to allow you more volume for lighter materials, like mulch and such. It's labeled "light" as a disclaimer for those who think the additional volume when it is stone or dirt, will not affect the lift capacity of the tractor, or the ability to launch the driver out of the seat due to improper ballast.

 

[mikester]

On a small machine you are most likely going to use the loader as a power wheelbarrow. In that case you will appreciate a bigger bucket.

If you overload your machine by carrying stuff thats too heavy or digging packed earth you will be unhappy with the machine performance.

If you need to dig or move heavy stuff in confined spaces get a skidsteer. If you want a lightweight general purpose machine you can use as a powered wheelbarrow get a SCUT or CUT.

 

[TimP]

Thanks for all the great comments. It all helps me in deciding.

 

[robstaples]

The rear window opens ( swings up) about 90 degrees.

 

[TimP]

The rear window opens ( swings up) about 90 degrees.

Hi Rob.

90 degrees on the 2650 or other model?

 

[ruffdog]

TimP....are we talking pinned or ssqa buckets? At least with the ssqa, you can drop the bucket off if your not using it or if you another attachment.

 

[TimP]

TimP....are we talking pinned or ssqa buckets? At least with the ssqa, you can drop the bucket off if your not using it or if you another attachment.

Not sure. The dealer just said it would be the "Quick Attach".