Mounting on bucket.

[RidgeHiker]

I tried to find out in Attachments what was common but I will try to ask my question here a different way.
I am going to modify a snowplow to mount onto the bucket. The typical approach where the bottom of the bucket (the meat) is sandwiched between 2 mounts (the bread) with the plow held in place by chains/binders or ratchet straps.
The question is how much play should I leave between the 2 lips. Seems like too little space and it will be hard to slip in with the bucket. Too much and it may be loose or put odd forces on the lower bucket. I have never had or done anything like this. Any thoughts?

 

[Notforhire]

Most of the plow to bucket mounts I have seen are nothing but tabs welded to the bottom of the bucket. The arms of the snow plow mount are pinned in. The tabs are small enough that they don't interfere with the use of the bucket. Sometimes people bolt them in and remove them in the spring.
I take it that you don't have a quick attach bucket.

Bill

 

[GolfAddict]

I'm having a guy weld up a bracket for me to use on the bucket and attach a plow to that. For the tabs where the bottom of the bucket will slip in I'm having him weld the tabs at about a 30 degree angle. I'm thinking it will be easy to move the bucket onto the frame by driving forward into it and when I ratchet the bracket onto the bucket it will tighten up into that wedge opening.
/ _____
/_____ instead of |_____

with a steeper angle than that of course. Might be something to consider...

 

[RidgeHiker]

Most of the plow to bucket mounts I have seen are nothing but tabs welded to the bottom of the bucket. The arms of the snow plow mount are pinned in. The tabs are small enough that they don't interfere with the use of the bucket. Sometimes people bolt them in and remove them in the spring.
I take it that you don't have a quick attach bucket.

Bill

You are correct, I do not have a quick attach bucket. I will need to be able to use the bucket frequently to remove the large berms on the road which can get up to 6+ feet and move snow when I start running out of push room.

 

[RidgeHiker]

I'm having a guy weld up a bracket for me to use on the bucket and attach a plow to that. For the tabs where the bottom of the bucket will slip in I'm having him weld the tabs at about a 30 degree angle. I'm thinking it will be easy to move the bucket onto the frame by driving forward into it and when I ratchet the bracket onto the bucket it will tighten up into that wedge opening.
/ _____
/_____ instead of |_____

with a steeper angle than that of course. Might be something to consider...

That sounds like a good idea.

Are you going to use chains and binders to cinch it up?

 

[GolfAddict]

I was planning to use ratchet straps. I'm having a chain link welded onto the top of the angled tabs, and another pair back on the bracket frame behind where the loader bucket ends. I'll strap from the link on the tabs up across the bucket to the bucket lip in back. From the pair in back also up to the bucket back, so the bracket frame will be strapped solidly to the bottom of the bucket.

I guess if it doesn't hold tightly enough with ratchet straps I may have to go to chains/binders, but think straps should be enough.

 

[Thomas]

I've useing this type setup since 1995..yet to have problem.
Pull one pin plow free from bucket.

 

[Notforhire]

Thomas has the set up that I was trying to describe to you.
Your most likely in too deep to change now, but I do recommend putting in a QA system. I had a pin on bucket and converted it. Cost was $550 for the attachment system from NH, and $130 for the plate delivered. It is an expensive conversion but is well worthwhile. I have four attachments that I can change out in minutes. I am thinking of doing a snow plow set up, that would also be QA.

 

[jonnyc1999]

I've useing this type setup since 1995..yet to have problem.
Pull one pin plow free from bucket.

Thomas, did you build that plow setup yourself, or did you have it done? I was thinking of doing something VERY similar to mine, converting and extending my craftsman plow into something I can use on my CT122. I'm not a fan of the $1900 price tag Bobcat wants for their plow setup!

 

[Thomas]

Jonnyc...I built it myself.
When plow set at 45 degrees..both angles..plow should touch bucket for more pushing support.

Theres times the old way still the best way,beside gives one chance to loosen the legs when switching angles.