Fragile, Inaccurate, or Useful? Let’s Talk Bucket Level Indicators!

[Mendonsy]

I could not find any indicator that I liked so I built my own. The curved face is linked to the bucket and rotates as the bucket is tilted. There are two pointers to indicate position. The one closest to the curved face is linked to the loader frame and shows the current level condition of the bucket. The other one is fixed position to show where the loader will be when lowered to ground level.

The dimensions required to make it work accurately are a bit tricky and would be different for each loader so some experimenting is required.

 

[scootr]

I use different colored electrical tape to mark where different attachments are level on the level indicator or I just look at the top edge of the buckets to see when they are parallel to the ground because with my M9000's you cannot see over the square hood easily.

The OEM Kubota indicator they out on the top of the buckets, in my opinion are totally useless. Whoever came up with that idea should be fired.

The top of my MX bucket is a pipe. You gave me an idea. I may just weld a piece of 3" plate onto the pipe parallel with the cutting edge Assuming I could see it from the operators seat.

 

[ptsg]

Useful, absolutely.

Mine is just the classic rod flush with the tube. I do need to modify it slightly, so it works with the forks as well.

As far as being fragile, it depends on the design. I've seen some that the rod is way too exposed and way too long, just get to get bent by a branch or something.

 

[zzvyb6]

Mine is useful for bucket & forks on a JD 80 loader. It came with a pin on bucket. I switched over to the JD QA plate system and it seems ro work good for it, too.
But, is there such a thing as a bucket level valve to be used in conjunction with the loader valves, such that the attachment stays relatively horizontal? I heard that Kubota has one, how well does it work ? A pre-owned one is $700, $500, or $250 plus shipping depending on ?.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't need it, but I like it. Mine has a triangle affair that drops into place when the bucket is level.

 

[dfkrug]

I could not find any indicator that I liked so I built my own. The curved face is linked to the bucket and rotates as the bucket is tilted. There are two pointers to indicate position. The one closest to the curved face is linked to the loader frame and shows the current level condition of the bucket. The other one is fixed position to show where the loader will be when lowered to ground level.

Interesting design. How well does it work for you?

Has anyone tried a wired or Bluetooth backup camera, with their cell phone?

For me, the best solution would allow me to see the ends of my fork tines as I lift loads.

 

[404nouser]

None of them last if you have some dirt fall on them.
Said dirt also bent the curl cylinder and broke some glass.

 

[paulsharvey]

CK2610, and I use the level indicator a Lot. It's not 100% perfect, as you really need to keep in mind arm angle, along with bucket; the bucket is level, when the rod shows, only when the arms are at the perfect spot. Too low, and "level" your digging a hole. So, when ramping down into a large hole, you want the indicator about 1/2" up past level, but it sure beats guessing.

I have bolt on forks, and it's useful for them as well. Any different attachment will have a different point of level though.

 

[paulsharvey]

If you don't have an indicator, it's really easy to end up digging a hole when loading material out of a stock pile.

 

[BackRoad]

Use mine all the time...it has a factory bend in the indicator rod, so it follows the curve of the loader arm. It's tucked out of the way.