Mini Loader over sized snow bucket pics.

[Waldon52]

Snow bucket update- I have used the new larger snow bucket now 6 times . The very first scoop of snow was like day and night difference. It now lifts almost twice as much snow each pass. Before much of the snow would fall out as it was being tilted back. But now it picks it up and holds it so nice. I used it in light fluffy snow and it handles it with no issues. But 2 storms the snow was heavy and wet . It handled it very nice but the rear of the machine felt very light . The back wheels did not leave the ground but I probably could have lifted them with my two hands, lol.
So overall I am so pleased with the new larger bucket. Another one of those projects that I thought about for several years. So glad I finally did it.

 

[atsah]

That's a nice little loader..

 

[ruffdog]

Yeah, the loader is cool. It looks like the bucket is made thick enough...alone, what does it weigh? Most snow buckets I see are thinner metal.

 

[Waldon52]

Thanks , its a very old machine but fun to play in the snow with and move stuff around in the summer with the forks. I had two of them and sold one for $5,000.00 . I used the little loader to move about 15 buckets of snow from the front to the back yard so I can see pulling out my driveway. The snowbanks by the road are now 5 feet tall.

 

[Waldon52]

The bucket started out as a rear blade that I had built many years ago. I never used it and thought it might be possible to convert it into a bucket. The blade was 1/4" steel . The floor and sides were 1/8" steel with some reinforcement . The extension project was a tube frame with 18 ga. sheet metal welded to it. So far it is holding up great. I rammed some very hard snowbanks today and broke it loose curling the bucket back. So far it is is still holding up. Not sure on the weight ?, a few hundred lbs. ??

 

[civilian]

I recognize the location of your first picture. When I drive by, I always look to see if one of your toys are out being used. Haven't aught any yet. Keep the projects flowing for inspiration to others. Thanks, Jon (otside of TreeTops North)

 

[MossRoad]

It's neat how it looks like a huge machine until you see the picture with a human for scale. Very nice. :thumbsup:

Any info about the machine as like your other projects, did it start out as something else, or completely scratch built? What's powering it? How are the hydraulics done, drive system, etc...?

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a video of one:

 

[Waldon52]

Hi Jon, thanks for the kind words. Swing on in after the snow melts and I'll give you a tour of all my little projects.

 

[Waldon52]

Waldon Mini-Wheel Loaders are built out west. They are built like tanks. I put larger tires on it, and built the cab and built the bucket. They still build them today . Too small for many companies. I bought two of them, one to cut up for a mini articulating tractor project. They both worked so good I could not cut either one up. Hydrostatic drive , 4 cyl. gas engine. Perfect for my needs.