LA 402 buckets

[Hank]

I am trying to get the best FEL bucket for my new B7800, which is still at the dealer, and I'm somewhat confused. I am hoping current B series owners of this FEL can help me out.

I would prefer a bucket that is both heavy duty and covers the R4 tracks (the R1 track is 53+ in., so I assume my R4's will be a bit wider, which means a 60 in. bucket).

The Kubota options that I can find for this FEL list a "54 in. square back bucket" and a "60 in. light material bucket". My dealer has confirmed that the steel in the 54" bucket does seem to be the heavier (about 50% heavier around the back and bottom).

So, it appears the smaller bucket is the heavy duty one, but won't fully cover the tractor's tracks.

Are there other options for a 60 in. heavy duty bucket with this FEL?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

I have the 54 inch bucket on my B2910 with R4s and the bucket is just slightly wider than the rear tires...

Should be just the same on yours, since the 7800 and 2910 have the same frame, etc.

The R4 tire width is just over 53 inches at the widest point, and a little less than that at the ground contact point, if I remember my measurements correctly...

Bill in Pgh, PA

 

[Anonymous Poster]

PS....

A tooth bar really makes the lower lip of the bucket SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much stronger...I recommend you consider one...

Also digs better in hard stuff, and /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif adds to the macho factor...

Bill

 

[Hank]

Thanks for the size confirmation. Yep, a toothbar is on the order list.

 

[Hoeman00]

Does that loader come w/ skid steer
quick-tach?
Skid steer buckets have more sizes and
far more heavy duty.

 

[Hank]

I don't believe Kubota offers a skid-steer quick tach setup, but there is one available from Kasco that I have looked into.

 

[Bayrat]

I have the 60" bucket on mine and would not want anything smaller. I have not noticed that it is "light duty" whatsoever. One option that I did not get was quick attach, was told Kubota did not offer it but later heard that they do.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Bayrat and all,]

<font color=blue>I have the 60" bucket on mine and would not want anything smaller. </font color=blue>

Funny thing is that I ordered a 60" with my B2910 and at the last minute decided to go with the 54 inch.

Did a lot of digging and some moving in the trees and could not help thinking "Boy am I glad I did not go with the 60 inch, this 54 inch is perfect for what I am doing...."

Guess it all depends on how we are using our tractors!

I also did not get a quick attach, was told they were not available and so it never entered the picture at my end either...

Bill in Pgh, PA

 

[Bayrat]

Funny Bill, I have been told that the quick attach is available by someone that looked at the loader blade I have for sale and wanted to know if it would fit his 2710 with that option. Perhaps it depends upon what dealer you have /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif. Since I went from a 68" on the NH to the 60" on the 2910 it seems small to me, but that is just for my use of course. I can see in tight areas or for digging (where a smaller bucket means more penetrating force per sq inch) the 54" might be good. I use mine primarily for stone, dirt, snow and brush removal as well as for carrying items from the house to the barn or work area and for me, the bigger the better!

 

[Hank]

<font color=blue> I have the 60" bucket on mine and would not want anything smaller. I have not noticed that it is "light duty" whatsoever </font color=blue>

I was confused as well, and will wait to look at them in person to decide.

The term comes directly from the Kubota MSRP price sheet for the B7800 (which uses the LA402 FEL):

54" Square Back Bucket (B1616) $400
60" Light Material Bucket (B1617) $496

My dealer pulled up the spec sheets, and he said the "back and bottom metal" is .140" on the 60" bucket, and .200" on the 54" bucket, almost 50% thicker on the smaller bucket. This certainly does not make the 60" "light duty", and it may be the preferred one for me, for what I will be doing with it.

Thanks for all the feedback; it will help me out in the next two weeks as we prepare this tractor to bring home.