Trailer ball

[RandyinTN]

Anyone drill a hole in the FEL and install a trailer ball? I have a backhoe attached and don't like removing it unless absolutely necessary.
Good or bad idea?

 

[newbury]

I bought a clamp on 2" receiver from Titan. I've also used it on my BH bucket. And both tractors.

 

[Diggin It]

Somebody posted one that could be clamped on when needed and removed easily. No tools required as I recall.

 

[John_Mc]

My neighbor drilled a hole in his bucket for a ball, and it works fine for him. He is always shuffling trailers around with his tractor, and most of the time, it's with the ball on the bucket. He might have considered the clamp-on receiver hitch, but the first time he needed to move something with the bucket, he had a spare ball and a drill handy, so that's what he did. He has never felt the need to change it.

I've debated buying a clamp-on myself, but just never had much need for it. I've added a receiver to my logging winch, and have another one ready to add to my box blade (I just haven't gotten around to it... for about 5 years now). I have one of those draw bars that goes between your lower 3 Pt hitch arms with a ball that stays on it all the time. It hasn't been used much since I broke down and bought one of those triangular gizmos that go on the 3 Pt hitch with a receiver on it. I don't use my backhoe all that much. If I did, I would definitely either drill my bucket of buy a clamp-on receiver.

 

[Deere Dude]

I hardly ever use the ball on the front bucket because I have a tough time seeing over the hood to hook it up. Plus, the top of the bucket where it is located is to tall to go under trailer hitches. It does work great for GN trailers though. It is close to the FEL pivot point so it is sturdy.

For moving trailers what works best is a sleeve that slides over front forks, Easy to see and aim from the seat but that is still not as sturdy as the bucket for moving a heavy GN around.

 

[Diggin It]

I've also used it on my BH bucket.

I was wondering about that too. Any trailer type thing I would tow is pretty light overall and shouldn't harm the boom. Just not sure how to mount a ball there.

 

[bcp]

For a lightweight trailer.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ailer-hitch-ball-post1612142.html#post1612142

You could add a strap around the bucket fort more security.

Bruce

 

[sixdogs]

Holes in the bucket have never worked for me and I see other guys welding them shut and getting one of the clamp-on brackets mentioned earlier. That's what I have and it works great by extending the hitch out a foot or so and that makes it easier to see when hooking up.

Here's a pic of a typical clamp-on one from the internet.

 

[PILOON]

Clamp on is the way to go!
Buddy had drilled to accept a ball in his FEL and it damaged all the trailers as his cutting edge would interfere.
I welded him up a clamp on hitch and all the problems went away.
He operates a storage facility and moving trailers are a near daily occurrence.
If U can't weld one up there are many sources on the net at affordable prices.

 

[RandyinTN]

Clamp on it is! I didnt even realize they made one. Appreciate the info.