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

[Cycledude]

I use the level indicator a lot, for me it helps a lot when using the bucket. I haven’t used the forks very much and the level indicator doesn’t seem to help much with the forks.

 

[SmallChange]

Seems all my buckets and fork cage have welded edges like this so I just look at either side of bucket

You can see the outer surfaces of the sides of the bucket, from your driving position?

I would have to get off the tractor to see those.

 

[lynx451]

@MossRoad Thanks for the warm welcome! Good point about liking it on a machine that needs it. I think the difference between operators who find them useful or don't, could often be pretty machine dependent.

@Mendonsy Very cool mechanical design! Solves a similar frustration I was having of leveling the implement regardless of arm height. (like pallet forks loading/unloading a truck)

Sounds like the high level takeaways are:

1. 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.
2. Robustness: Mixed experiences here. Some broke theirs quickly (@oosik , I also broke mine the first time I used my grapple!), while others have had theirs working for years. No real surprise, but design, installation location, and operating conditions seem to play a big role in durability.
3. Implement Accuracy: BLIs often need adjustments when switching implements like buckets or forks due to different angles. DIY fixes like colored tape on the rod seem to help a lot.
4. Loader Arm Angle Impact: BLIs work best at a specific loader arm height, but lose accuracy when working at varying heights. This can be frustrating for precision work, though creative solutions like Mendonsy’s mechanical design can help.

Also, for those of you who haven’t seen it, check out WaxMan’s FEL level indicator. Really cool project and he even made an auto stop for it!

For my personal uses I am interested in:

1. Visibility with LED lights and maybe real-time digital readout (I like WaxMan’s point how easy it was to see out of the corner of his eye while he was working)
2. Accurate at any arm position.
3. Accurate for multiple implements.
4. Gravity-based and ground-level references. (Sometimes this would be nice for working with pallet forks.)
5. And not breaking the darn thing!

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

You can see the outer surfaces of the sides of the bucket, from your driving position?

I would have to get off the tractor to see those.

I can... couldn't imagine doing loader work and not being able to see bucket edge like pushing snow next to parked vehicles, removing snow from edge of buildings, etc...

I would make huge mistakes if I had to guess where my bucket edges were.

Cheers and Merry Christmas

 

[dodge man]

On my JD 2025r it works pretty good and so far I haven’t broken it. I figure it gets me close and then I go by feel and sight.

 

[jkmfarmer]

My MF GC1720 didn't have one, so I made one. I use it every time I use the tractor, even if it's just to level the bucket to park it....

 

[garry1p]

I ordered an electronic inclinometer today not sure on how I will mount it but is magnetic.

I almost ordered a stand alone remote RV Leveling system, down side it only measures 4 deg so I suspect it may be too sensitive. Can be found on Amazon

AOMOSUR RV Leveling System, Camper Must Haves Smart Wireless Leveler for Trav

 

[mikester]

I’ve found it fragile (broke it the first time using it), only mildly accurate, and not super helpful when switching between implements

I too need a more accurate hammer because mine isn't accurate enough

 

[Jrasband]

I use mine all the time! Works great, and is aluminum so if I bend it bends right back. I only use it with the bucket.

 

[Cycledude]

Mine is the rod inside of a tube type, I can definitely understand how it could freeze up and get bent but so far fortunately that has never happened to me . Mine doesn’t sit outside in freezing weather.