I wonder why those 'pond scoops' stayed the same size all this time?
Most pond scoops are sold for compact tractors without loaders. Today 90% of compact tractors are sold with Loaders, which have been greatly improved during the last twenty years. Therefore the pond scoop market is mostly for tractors at least fifteen years old.
The old Fords and old Massey-Fergusons without power steering are gradually being retired, so decreasing pond scoop demand every year. Thirty-inch pond scoops are all 2-WD tractors could reasonably manage.
Everything Attachments has discontinued pond scoops.
I understand the concept of a 30" bucket fitting the 3pt lift capacity of tractors in the 1940s and early days of 3pts in general.. but i've never even SEEN one bigger than 30/31" which makes me wonder if there's some other factor i'm not thinking of to why they all stayed the same size for 70 years?
Not enough consumer demand. Owners of Utility Class tractors with a bare weight of 7,000 to 10,000 pounds, equipped with a Category II Three Point Hitch, often own a Skid Steer, Compact Tractor Loader or a Bulldozer in addition to a Utility Tractor.
"The 3pt scoop was particularly handy for older utility tractors that didn't have power steering. Without power steering those tractors were poor candidates for a front end loader, but a 3pt scoop could easily carry any weight you could get on it and at the same time it eased the steering effort."
If someone still sold a ~40" trip bucket that would go on a 3pt for <$300 I would say that would be better than a carry-all for a lot of people.
Less than $300? With new tooling? $1,400 is more realistic for a pond scoop engineered for a Category II Three Point Hitch.
Note that USA produced King Kutter 30" pond scoops are now priced at $800 each, plus sales tax.
The least complicated new Category I tractor implements cost $3.00 per pound today. Slightly more complex tractor implements cost $4.00 per pound today.
