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

[paulsharvey]

. "Usefulness: BLIs shine when visibility is limited, whether due to tractor design (hard to see over the hood) or task type (grading, snow scraping, pallet fork work). Some operators skip them entirely, relying on visual cues like the bucket edge or “feel.” Though this might be as much tractor and task dependent as operator dependent."

Are there really many people who aren't using their loader bucket to grade? Sure, you move loose material from A to B, but grading in some form is largely what I use the bucket for.

 

[akadave]

I've never used it and forget it's even there. I have a pretty good feel for level with my commonly used loader attachments.

 

[ruffdog]

Like some others have said, the level indicator on my NH TC33D worked flawlessly and I used it often. I miss it and sure would like something for the Toolcat. I would like an electronic sender with a strong magnet to attach to the bucket, and a simple up/level/down LED indicator that I can mount in the cab.

 

[Runner]

Mine is the bent-rod style. Works good, only complaint is it rattles. I use it mostly for plowing snow with the loader. With it, I can get the bucket edge right in the sweet spot (about an inch off the ground) where it pushes snow straight ahead without digging into the gravel or riding over the top of the snow.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I find the rod level indicators on both my L6060 and MX5800 to be marginally useful. They have their faults but are better than nothing.

What would be useful is a level indicator for working with forks at near max height. It's sometimes tough to judge with a cabbed tractor. There is no guarantee the pallet is level though, so trial & error is the only way.

I do use portable cameras with magnet mounts for some work operations:

Level isn't always where you want the implement to be.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My Branson has a rod with a bend in it, it works fine and seems plenty sturdy. I don't think much about it. It just works

 

[dfkrug]

I do use portable cameras with magnet mounts for some work operations:

That's what I was asking about. Show us your monitor/display. I have a friend who installed a wireless aftermarket camera in his pickup for a backing up display that is monitored with his cellphone in a holder on the dash. Works pretty well.

Anyone with a newer vehicle has a built-in backup camera system, and most these days are very very good.

 

[bdhsfz6]

That's what I was asking about. Show us your monitor/display. I have a friend who installed a wireless aftermarket camera in his pickup for a backing up display that is monitored with his cellphone in a holder on the dash. Works pretty well.

Anyone with a newer vehicle has a built-in backup camera system, and most these days are very very good.

I posted this some time ago. It won't replace a good wired camera system but it's completely portable:

Portable Tractor Camera System

I have a fairly cheap wireless camera system I use on one of my tractors. I occasionally need to use a camera on other equipment as well. Rather than buy multiple cameras, I converted the one I have into a portable rig. Although the camera video is wireless, both camera and display require...

www.tractorbynet.com

There are many portable camera systems available but most use proprietary batteries and always seem to need charging when you go to use them. I solved the issue by using cordless tool batteries which I always have around charged and ready to go.

 

[scootr]

I put an aftermarket backup camera on the old car. Both halves are wired into power, no battery needed. My Kubota has a bent rod going thru a plate. It offers ballpark accuracy. Generally I lay the bucket in float mode on the ground and curl down until I see the back of the bucket rise then tip it back down a bit and I'm right about there. Assuming hard ground

 

[dfkrug]

There are many portable camera systems available but most use proprietary batteries and always seem to need charging when you go to use them. I solved the issue by using cordless tool batteries which I always have around charged and ready to go.

Missed that thread. Nice work.

I already have a Milwaukee M12 battery socket. Very cheap aftermarket.