FEL Level Indicator

[BX2230Dude]

I've been considering adding a FEL level indicator to my Kubota BX2230 for some time now. I looked at the one advertised here on TBN from American Solutions LLC but I didn't like how it's attached to the FEL. It's clamped to the outside of the FEL arm (where I'd be bumping into it all the time) with a large hose clamp. I wanted a cleaner, more "factory" look so I decided to build my own.

The indicator itself is a length of 1/2" aluminum rod sliding within a length of tubing. The end of the rod is drilled and tapped 1/4-28 to accept a tiny universal joint I had in my junk drawer. The universal joint is attached to the bucket by a little bracket cut from 1"x1"x1/8" angle iron. The tube pivots on the FEL cross arm by two brackets cut from 2"x2"x1/8" angle iron. I drilled and tapped two 1/4-20 holes in the cross arm for the stationary bracket. Two small U-bolts secure the tube to the pivoting bracket and allow for calibrating the indicator.

It's pretty simple. Picture #2 shows the details.

 

[BX2230Dude]

Picture #2

 

[Dargo]

Great work. I had a Kubota in the past that had that bent piece of flat stock with the green sticker on the top that was their "level indicator". That has to be the absolute worst idea Kubota has ever had! It would be a compliment to call that thing a level indicator. It is a waste of about 25 cents worth of flat stock bent at a 90 degree angle. Kubota should be positively ashamed of the existing "level indicator" that you had on your bucket. It is not a level indicator by any stretch of the imagination!

Again, great work to do what Kubota should have done in the first place. I think what you used was a heim joint to attach your rod to your bucket. I've used heim jonts for all sorts of creative things. They are great for all sorts of linkage creations. Gees, what some companies won't do to try to save ten bucks!

 

[jim_wilson]

I have seen the other one and like yours a lot better. That is a really nice job. I may just have to copy your idea if I ever get around to adding a real level indicator to my BX. How well does it work for you so far? That piece of steel that has the green/white sticker that Kubota puts on the FEL bucket really doesn't do much of any good as a level indicator in my opinion. It does however serve one very usefuly purpose which makes me wish they added one to the other side of the bucket too - it serves to divert dirt that is spilling over the top of the bucket away from the lower bucket pivot point - I keep getting rocks caught down in the left hand side pivot point when doing excavation with my BX - the little round protector around the grease fitting is all beat up and the end of the arm is somewhat bent up too. This never happens on the right hand side ( where the indicator is) of the bucket.

 

[JJPWAus]

Nice job, looks very professional.
I was looking for a solution to know when my bucket is level and you have nailed it!
Many thanks for your detailed pic's.

 

[RedRocker]

Nice work.

 

[nasdaqsam]

Nice job, very clean work. I like it...

 

[HomeBrew2]

Really excellent job !!! Also, I don't remember seeing your bucket lights and guard before ... great job on that too !!!
Cheers!

 

[Robert_Parent]

Great Job!

I agree that the factory level indicator is totally useless on my BX. Looks like a good rainy day project.

 

[PineRidge]

Great job! The simplest ideas are the best.