Root/rock Bucket

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( the rock bucket JINMAN bought is a good one. I have researched them & that is a real good one.
If I am not prying, what did that set you back JinMAN?
)</font>

Zipp, I don't want to hijack Dana's thread, but this info will probably strengthen his point that making one of these buckets is a whole lot cheaper than buying one. His construction materials cost was less than 1/6 of what this bucket normally costs. The 6' rock bucket from Houle Fab. is about $1850 with the skidsteer bracket included.

Dana's L5030 is stronger than my TC45. I didn't want a 6' rock bucket because of the extra power required and I have a lot of work to do in tight spaces. Originally, I was thinking of a 4' model, but ended up buying a 5' demo bucket. The demo bucket had the paint worn off it's tips. If I hadn't been told it was a demo, I'd have bought it as new. My price was $1350 with the quick-attach bracket included. The "new" price for the 5' is $1695 and the 4' bucket is $1500.

As I mentioned, I did not want a bucket that is too big for my job and too heavy for my tractor. The 5' bucket weighs 520#. The normal weight of my 6' loader bucket is about 350#, so the rock bucket is only about 200# more. That will allow me to lift 1,200# to 1,500# of rocks maximum, depending on how far back into the bucket the rock load sits. The lift capacity of my loader at the pins is just over 2000#. I'm not sure, but I think Dana's L5030 may be 500# above that weight in lift capacity.

So there you have it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Dana has saved himself a bunch of $$$ and has a great working tool that does exactly what he needs. One of these days when I learn to weld better, I hope to be able to do similar projects. In the meantime, I'll just have to be a little envious. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Jim are you going to add a grapple to that rock bucket? That would be a nice project. )</font>

Mike, you gotta stop reading my mind... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think I can adapt an ATI grapple to the rock bucket and save myself lots of money. That will make this a great tool for brush as well as rocks. I'm sure Dana could put an ATI grapple on his bucket, but he may just make one of his own. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[slydog]

GREAT JOB DDT! What did you use to do all of your cutting?

Ken

 

[AndyMA]

Great looking bucket. I have a factory build one with 1" solid tempered steel pins sticking out and I keep bending them. I think the idea of the edge at the front is a good one.
The only other problem with my bucket is that it doesn't roll back enough sometimes to keep the rocks in.
Andy

 

[Scozz]

DDT ... that bucket "ROCKS"! ... Scozz

 

[DDT]

I used a Grizzley band saw for all the cutting, since I got it I have only used my cut off saw once when I ran out of blades. No sparks and a prefect cut.
The back to bottom angle was cut at 52 degress. This seem to match up to skid steer bucket angle.
I Have built a grapple for a skid steer bucket. If needed I can pull some pins and put it on the rock bucket. I hauled off all that concrete today, I had 7 -5 ton loads. I loaded it with the rock bucket, I really did not need the grapple. Since the bottom of the rock bucket is 3' deep I was able to scop up 4' chucks into it with no problem.
Here is a pic of my grapple bucket.
Jeager, You can use it But it might be a quick trip to Kansas. I used it hard today and no welds broke, still straight. It will even dig. Thanks for all the compliments.