Removable bucket spade

[dacoonz]

Does anyone have any experience with the removable tractor bucket spade available from Bucket Forks, Tractor Forks, Loader Forks by Bucket Solutions

Tractor Forks, Bucket Forks, Loader Forks

It looks like it might be very handy for removing some of my small trees and cactus, but the attachment looks like it could be a problem.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

It was last week when I saw the item in a ad. I would want to see it in use digging. In the ad the guy was setting trees I think.

 

[dacoonz]

The video on the website shows it digging in the open and lifting a rock. The part where they dig some plants isn't too clear. I've found others for $700 and up, but I like the price for this, just don't know if it will hold up.

 

[jeff9366]

Does anyone have any experience with the removable tractor bucket spade available from Bucket Forks, Tractor Forks, Loader Forks by Bucket Solutions

It looks like it might be very handy for removing some of my small trees and cactus, but the attachment looks like it could be a problem.

Bucket Solutions' Bucket Spade is a great tool, however my B3300SU / 33-hp / 1,900 pounds / 4-WD is about the lightest tractor/loader on which I think the Bucket Spade would be effective. I have written a good bit about my experiences with the Bucket Spade.

Here are links:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/258433-florida-planting-sand-pears-kubota.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/266341-trees-removed-roots-using-fel.html

 

[jeff9366]

The attachment looks like it could be a problem.

I have never had a problem with the part of the Spade which fits over the bucket. It is snug by design, independently of the clamps.

The design is near identical to that of Payne's Debris Forks, where it works equally well.

The screws take an 1-1/8" wrench and are fine thread, so you can crank the screws/pads down tight in a controlled manner.

The pads are 3"; they disburse screw force.

The only "problem" I encounter is with the small, allen head keeper screw, which runs through the pad and secures pad to the screw. It loosens occasionally and I have to tighten it or the pad will fall off when bolts are unscrewed. (Same "problem" with my clamp-on Payne's Debris Forks.)

I have used med-force "blue" Loctite on the keeper, but it has not held, probably because the female threads are dusty. I am going to try two-part metal epoxy next.

A minor but irritating assembly shortcoming. Keeper should have Loctitie applied at the factory to clean surfaces.

 

[dacoonz]

Thanks for the comment. It looks like an ideal tool for some of what I want to do. Pretty sure I'll be ordering one once the weather cools off. Not doing much in 100+ weather.

 

[k0ua]

If you are interested here is my build project, along similar lines. It works pretty well. It isn't a backhoe, but it will dig.:thumbsup:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/189604-shovel-ready-project.html

James K0UA

 

[ovrszd]

If your FEL has SSQA attached bucket I'd recommend something that uses that method to attach. Lot less problems with bracketry then. I built one using a 24" diameter steel pipe sliced to a point resembling a pointed shovel. I used it frequently until I built a hydraulic tree/post puller. Now I rarely use it. Mostly to spade up a rock or spade a hole to plant a tree in.

Takes a pretty good tractor to use a tool like this. Especially if it's clamped to the cutting edge of a bucket. Now the workforce point is WAYYY out ahead of the loader tilt/lift cylinders. You lose power quickly.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The chain on approach could have a plus based on our chain on forks. When the 'operator' miss judges they have some give.

 

[jeff9366]

Takes a pretty good tractor to use a tool like this. Especially if it's clamped to the cutting edge of a bucket. Now the workforce point is WAYYY out ahead of the loader tilt/lift cylinders. You lose power quickly.

In friable dirt you operate the Bucket Spade with the bucket hydraulics.

For heavier tasks you position the Bucket Spade at 45 degree angle, then one uses wheel power to drive the Bucket Spade into the dirt.

In either case, one uses wheel power to move tractor and loaded Bucket Spade to spoil pile.

My B3300SU is just heavy enough and powerful enough with 4-WD to use the potential in the design.

Bucket Spade is 110 pounds.....nothing flimsy about it.