How practical is a bucket level indicator?

[mhalla]

I asked these questions under a different thread but then thought it best to ask them again in their own thread after receiving just one reply.

<font color="green"> How practical is a bucket level indicator? I did not order one with my 2210 tractor but might get one to add to my 210 FEL if a family member ever wants to buy a present for me at birthday time or Christmas.

Is it worth having and what I am really curious about how does it work? All I have seen are some pictures showing some kind of rod sticking up on the right side of the loader. None of the tractors at my dealer have one installed. </font>

 

[JC4HD]

I find it very handy... I have painted different marks on mine to indicate different positions on the bucket. Since I have a 4in1 bucket I marked when it is level with the ground closed... and the best dozer angle when the clam is open. some guys with regular buckets level the bucket and hacksaw the rod even with the top of the bracket. Whatever they are handy!

 

[markie61]

Get it! Get it! GET IT! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

It is a distant second-place to an auto-leveling bucket, but is very useful. It's a simple/stupid rod assembly that gives you GOBS of information. It tells you whether the bottom of your bucket is parallel with the plane defined by the bottom of your tires (assuming the loader arms are dropped.)

I couldnt plow snow without it - I'd either roll the bucket too far forward and dig in the driveway or roll too far back and glide the bucket over the snow. I would think it essential for leveling earth without guesswork.

My NH TC40D's loader (16LA) came standard with one. They are so simple, it wouldnt be hard to make one.

Mark

 

[thcri]

My TC29D and 7308 Loader came with one. I took some different color tape and put on the rod and I can pretty much tell where I am with the bucket. To me it is a must less you go with the automatic leveling bucket.

Make one as it would not be that tough and well worth it.

Murph
ps. if you want any pictures of one just let me know, i don't have the camera home tonight, but could take one tuesday

 

[RobS]

I'll take the contrary opinion here and say I wouldn't pay for one but here's why: On my tractor the bucket has a flat top that is parallel with the bottom. I have a great view of this surface from either side so I just glance down to see if the top is level to the surface I'm on.

I suppose I'm really saying I use a bucket level indicator all the time but mine is built in. Check to see if you have a similar feature before adding a seperate gizmo /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Woody1]

I agree with Rob. After some getting used to it, and NOIT haveing one, you can just kinda "feel" with the tractor and watch where the bucket is/goes. I , here on my lil 4 acres and when we had over 2k acres on the farm, never had bucket level rods. Never saw a use for them.
"Become 1 with your machine!"

 

[DK35vince]

I say Get it !
Thats 4 for and 2 against.

 

[BillyP]

Make it 5 for! They're only about 30 bucks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mhalla]

<font color="green">
So if I understand correctly, there is nothihng mechanical involved with a bucket level indicator. It is simply a rod or staff that one eyeballs to tell if the bucket is level. Placing tape marks on the indicator allows one to eyeball the rod and return the bucket to frequently used positions.

My question given the above, is what are you eyeballing relative to the marks on the indicator? </font>

 

[gator]

On mine there is a short pipe at the top that holds the rod, the amount of rod above this pipe indicates how the bucket is in relation to the ground. I don't have tape on mine, I use rod length. Hope this helps.