4-in-1 teeth on 4in1 or GP bucket

[Builder]

Ready to buy 4 in 1. Already have GP bucket. One bucket has to have teeth.

Can't decide which one, but I'm leaning towards the GP bucket think it's less apt to bend in rough digging and less expensive to repair if it does.

Thoughts? Opinions? Previous experiences?

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with your logic. Put it on the standard bucket.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Put them on your gp bucket, but reinforce that bucket before you go digging.

 

[CurlyDave]

What machine are you going to put the 4-n-1 on?

I have a similar problem in that I have a 4-n-1 now, and would really like a bucket with teeth. I keep waffling between getting a GP bucket with teeth, or getting a toothbar for my 4-n-1.

I have just about talked myself into getting the toothbar for the 4-n-1.

There has been only one job (carrying a bucket of wet concrete) where a GP bucket would have been better than the 4-n-1. But, there have been dozens of times when I was happy to have the 4-n-1. And, the big issue is that a lot of times I didn't know ahead of time that I would need the 4-n-1 capability when I started the job.

What you will find is that once you get used to the 4-n-1 you will want to have it on almost 100% of the time.

The only problem with that is if your loader is not strong enough and the extra weight of the 4-n-1 limits your ability to lift & carry a full bucket. My loader is strong enough that I can lift any load that will fit in the bucket, so there is almost no reason to ever put a GP bucket on the loader.

 

[Builder]

Curly Dave,

It's my Challenger MT285B. It's 47HP and has filled rear tires and remote 3rd function out front.

I'm finding most 4/1 buckets are 550-850 lbs.

 

[dangerdoc]

Ready to buy 4 in 1. Already have GP bucket. One bucket has to have teeth.

Can't decide which one, but I'm leaning towards the GP bucket think it's less apt to bend in rough digging and less expensive to repair if it does.

Thoughts? Opinions? Previous experiences?

I converted my tractor to quick attach and bought a 4n1 bucket with teeth. I have the original bucket and an adapter to weld to it to make it quick attach also. I have not found a reason to use the old smooth bucket yet.

I would put the teeth on the bucket you will use the most. Make sure you buy a 4n1 that is strong enough for your tractor and your tasks and I don't think you will need to worry about hurting it when you dig. My 4n1 is built better and stronger than my smooth bucket anyway.

Looking back, I don't know how I got along without teeth on the bucket. In addition to digging, it is a great place to attach a chain and lets my carry more firewood per load.

Hope that helps.

 

[TomOfTarsus]

Interloper here! What's the difference between a GP (I take it "general purpose") and a 4-n-1? My little 18 HP could still make use of teeth, so I've been thinking of a toothbar, but when I saw Curly Dave & dangerdoc mention the extra capacity and versatility of a 4-n-1 I wondered what the deal was, and would I end up with the same dilemma as Builder? I sure can't put much firewood in my bucket...

Thanks for indulging me.

Tom

 

[dfkrug]

I have a similar problem in that I have a 4-n-1 now, and would really like a bucket with teeth. I keep waffling between getting a GP bucket with teeth, or getting a toothbar for my 4-n-1.

I have just about talked myself into getting the toothbar for the 4-n-1.

There has been only one job (carrying a bucket of wet concrete) where a GP bucket would have been better than the 4-n-1. But, there have been dozens of times when I was happy to have the 4-n-1. And, the big issue is that a lot of times I didn't know ahead of time that I would need the 4-n-1 capability when I started the job.

What you will find is that once you get used to the 4-n-1 you will want to have it on almost 100% of the time.

The only problem with that is if your loader is not strong enough and the extra weight of the 4-n-1 limits your ability to lift & carry a full bucket. My loader is strong enough that I can lift any load that will fit in the bucket, so there is almost no reason to ever put a GP bucket on the loader.

Dave, you might also consider welding shanks right on your bucket, rather
than using a toothbar. If you add a toothbar, you have to drill holes, which
is tough.

It seems to me that the reason NOT to have teeth on a bkt is so you can
scrape a smooth surface when you need to. But a 4-in-1 can do that with
the dozer function, so adding teeth to the other edge of a 4-in-1 is a big
plus, with few trade-offs.

I will bet that once you have a 4-in-1 bkt, you will never put that GP bkt
back on. Same with a toothbar.

 

[dangerdoc]

Interloper here! What's the difference between a GP (I take it "general purpose") and a 4-n-1? My little 18 HP could still make use of teeth, so I've been thinking of a toothbar, but when I saw Curly Dave & dangerdoc mention the extra capacity and versatility of a 4-n-1 I wondered what the deal was, and would I end up with the same dilemma as Builder? I sure can't put much firewood in my bucket...

Thanks for indulging me.

Tom

4n1 may be more familiar to you as a clamshell bucket, if not google up some pictures, much easier to see than describe.

With the size of your tractor, a 4n1 would probably not be that usefull because of the added weight. A tooth bar would definately help you with any digging activities. At far as firewood goes, see if you can find a small wagon, I have one that I use with a smaller tractor, it is great for moving firewood.

 

[TomOfTarsus]

Thanks, dangerdoc, will do. Actually, over on the "I bought the ubiquitous TSC Carry-all" thread, I've been gathering ideas for a box to build on the 3PH. My ground is steep and I figure with filled tires, a Carry-all , and a bucket full of wood, I have a lot of built-in stopping power on the way down the hill - drop one or both & drag PRN. Most of the wood is up the hill, BTW.

Tom