Loader bucket levelling aid

[john haylow]

I have an older L3650 with a LA650 loader that I like to have some type of a levelling aid so I know when my bucket is level. I was wondering if anyone has made or has an idea for this.
Thanks,
John

 

[Mendonsy]

Here's a mechanism that I built for my LA302. The link to the bucket rotates the Curved piece to indicate level.
The middle indicator is linked to the loader frame to indicate level at the current height.
The outer indicator is fixed to indicate level when all the way down.
It takes a bit of tinkering to get everything right, but once it is set it works very well.

 

[KYDan]

Nice job, My dealer included one with the loader at no charge. I like the one you built better as you can use it to identify the degree of the bucket. I may paint some markers on the stick one that I have. Thanks.

 

[Lou66]

John,, I have one,, it's just a 3/8 inch rod that run thru a 1/2 inch piece of pipe.. the 3/8 is welded to the back of the bucket and pipe in weld to the side of lifter,, when the bucket tiles the rod moves up and down,, I see it from the cab.. I will take a picture of it tomorrow for you.. simple device,, Lou

 

[KubotainNH]

Here's a mechanism that I built for my LA302. The link to the bucket rotates the Curved piece to indicate level.
The middle indicator is linked to the loader frame to indicate level at the current height.
The outer indicator is fixed to indicate level when all the way down.
It takes a bit of tinkering to get everything right, but once it is set it works very well.

That is a neat setup. Looks like you have 2 pointers and a rod heading toward the back of the tractor. That for when the bucket is in the air? I'd like to see more on how things are attached. Thanks!

 

[Mendonsy]

That is a neat setup. Looks like you have 2 pointers and a rod heading toward the back of the tractor. That for when the bucket is in the air? I'd like to see more on how things are attached. Thanks!

Kinda difficult to get a much better picture of it because the tractor is in the way.
The link going toward the rear attaches to the fixed loader frame and moves the middle pointer. That pointer indicates the bucket angle at the current loader height. The outer pointer is fixed to the lift frame and indicates the angle when the loader is at ground level. When the loader is at ground level the two pointers will line up.

 

[john_bud]

Many have a bent piece of metal strap welded to the top of the bucket so that when the strap is level the bottom of the bucket is level. Simple.

 

[madmax12]

Many have a bent piece of metal strap welded to the top of the bucket so that when the strap is level the bottom of the bucket is level. Simple.

Great idea!

 

[swick1]

I know lots of people like the indicators but they only work when it is on the ground. I took mine off because I do better by looking at the top of the bucket to tell if its level. This won't work if the top of your bucket isn't flat.

I use pallet forks a lot too, so I have plenty of experience.

 

[lreops]

Maybe I'm missing something here, but on my old FEL (and most other "Orange" that I have seen) there is a piece of steel flat stock welded on top of the bucket parallel with the bottom of the bucket showing you the angle of the bucket. Is that what the question is, knowing whether your bucket is flat with the ground, or somewhat level when in the air?


Ron

 

[Mendonsy]

I use pallet forks a lot too, so I have plenty of experience.

That's exactly why I added the second indicator to my setup. It makes it really easy to get the forks level when they are at a height where you can't see them (which seems to be more often than not).

 

[gwdixon]

I have an older L3650 with a LA650 loader that I like to have some type of a levelling aid so I know when my bucket is level. I was wondering if anyone has made or has an idea for this.
Thanks,
John

I had that exact tractor/loader combination.

On the top right side of the bucket is a 4" - 5" long piece of flat bar that is parallel to the bottom of the bucket. There should be (or used to be) a sticker on it that states it is the level indicator.

lreops has it right.

 

[john haylow]

I had that exact tractor/loader combination.

On the top right side of the bucket is a 4" - 5" long piece of flat bar that is parallel to the bottom of the bucket. There should be (or used to be) a sticker on it that states it is the level indicator.

lreops has it right.

Thanks for the replies. The bucket is not a Kubota. But I can see from all your replies a have a few options.
Thanks again,
John

 

[Lou66]

John,, This is the way mine is set up.. simple design,, you could paint the top of the tube stock,, but you will know when your bucket is level after about ten minute of use.. Lou

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[john haylow]

Thanks Lou,
John