Hitch ball in FEL bucket??

[DirtPoor]

I am thinking about putting a hole for ball hitch near the front edge of my loader bucket to use to move my various trailers, etc. around.

I know the logical place would be on the drawbar, but most all the time I have something already on the 3 pt hitch.

The main reason I want a quick way to move stuff around is for weed control/access with the brushhog and this seems a logical solution..

I was thinking to just drill a hole to take the ball and just remove the bolt or nut and ball when I don't need it there.

Can anyone see anything wrong with this idea??

Thanks

Steve

 

[beenthere]

Not a thing wrong with it. As that's what I did.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
However, I use the hole more often for a clevis, and then run a chain through the clevis to lift things or whatever.

It works good. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Egon]

Think it's a very good idea. I might just do the same.

Egon

 

[RonR]

Here's what I did that cost almost nothing as I had all the parts.

I bolted a welded bracket to the bucket that allows me to insert a receiver hitch w/ ball. I can unpin the hitch and still use the FEL.

When I curl the bucket enough, I can see the ball which allows FAST hookups to trailers. If I had the ball bolted to the bucket, I'd never be able to see the ball to hook it up and likely would have to dismount to attach each trailer.

It's fast and easy and I could drill smaller holes to mount it.

Enjoy!
Ron

 

[Bird]

Steve, I think that method is pretty common. I know one local RV park/storage lot that moves RVs around with just such a method.

 

[California]

This trailer ball has been on the top of this bucket 20+ years and it's not reinforced aside from a large heavy washer underneath. I think it is suitable to lift any trailer that is within the limit of the tractor to move it around safely.

Also I added the four Cold Shuts and find them indispensable for attaching chain and carrying stuff around as shown here. These are rated 3600 lbs SWL, and I've never deformed one lifting with this loader, probably rated 800-1000 lbs. I highly recommend them.

 

[JerryG]

I agree with the receiver idea. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif bucket receivers

 

[SeymourBota]

Easy to use a standard truck-type step and tow bumper hitch made to bolt under the bumper. Flip it over, add some extra metal plating for strength and get some grade 8 bolts.
Very easy to remove when you're not using it, too.
attached pic...

 

[ronjhall]

I drilled a hole in one of my pallet forks. It is a quick way to move trailers around when I have an attachment on the 3PH.
Maybe its the pallet forks. I find this setup to be a pain in the butt. When trying to move one of my trailers into the barn. It always seems to be moving in the wrong direction. Its a task that I have not managed to master yet. If you plan on moving your trailers into a tight space. Spend some time getting the proper technique down before you run the trailer into your wife favorite rose bush. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif