Which bucket (yet again)?

tracdoc · Oct 30, 2005

( The large bucket is much wider... )

Hmmm... My 4n1 measures 45" wide, and my LM bucket measures only 47 1/4" wide. I dig with both, and I cannot appreciate any significant leverage/stress differences with only a 2" variance in bucket widths. (both buckets use 5-tooth Markham toothbars.). The LMB looks so much wider, but it is the depth of its floor and the height of its walls that give it its double volume capacity.

I agree with stray, BAGTIC and others on the limited utility of the RB. If one is purchasing a single bucket on a close budget and doesn't immediately require the special capabilities of a 4n1 or grapple, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the LMB with an aftermarket toothbar. LMB + Markham bar will run ~$620 (that's less than half the price of the 4n1 or grapple, and only $70 more than the RB + Markham). That set up makes for an excellent "multi-tasker," and digs just as well as the RB and the other small volume buckets. Just exercise good judgment in filling, depending on the density of the load. As BAGTIC put it well, you then have the option of carryng 10 cu ft or anything less than 10 cu ft. That's worth $70.

stray · Oct 30, 2005

I'll have to say that when I carry rocks, gravel or dirt I carry all I can get in the LM bucket. Maybe just maybe you could over load the LM with sand. Just my opinion. Notice with this full load of wood in BRB (big red bucket) that even with no driver, some turn and very little fuel in the tank there is no pucker.

stray · Oct 31, 2005

All is not lost with the RB. I made a grapple out of mine. Wonder when Moss is going to finish this. He has a nice start.

MossRoad · Oct 31, 2005

Wonder when Moss is going to finish this. 

When I really need it, I bet it gets finished in a day. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

toolz_not_toyz · Oct 31, 2005

Hey, Stray, aren't the treads on those rear wheels pointed the wrong way??

Anyway, I have an update. Due to the excruciating shipping charges that Kristie has quoted me, I'm going to try and get everything I had planned to get at once. Originally, I thought I'd place a second order in the Spring, after I had some seat time, so I could order stuff I needed then and any other stuff that wasn't on my list but experience then told me to get.

With that said, I'll probably be going with the 4n1 and an LM. I'll get those Markham toothbars later.

I'm still awaiting one more shipping quote and the CFO has been aprised of the situation. I think in shipping I'll probably be paying the difference between a PowerTrac and a Kubota BX23...but then the BX isn't as versatile.

stray · Oct 31, 2005

( Hey, Stray, aren't the treads on those rear wheels pointed the wrong way?? )

Yes but I can lift more with them in that direction. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Good luck with getting the attachments you end up with that you really want. The way I see it, it doesn't matter weather you get the ones you need or not as long as you get the ones you want.
I bought my PT because I wanted it, not necessarily because I needed it.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

toolz_not_toyz · Oct 31, 2005

( I bought my PT because I wanted it, not necessarily because I needed it.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

I definitely need it. This place is a mess and labor is $$$. I think it runs at 50% of the total cost of a job where the rest of the amount comes from overpriced materials that help offset the low(?) labor rate. Go figure.

After I made that last post I actually went and checked what the cost of a BX23 is. That's the little Kubota that comes with loader and back hoe included. It's very competitive when you consider you are getting a Kubota with a dealer network, etc. Check it out...

Online Kubota Pricing

PT is quoting me $5000 for door-to-door delivery (my translation: no one really wants to travel that far). Waiting on the Overnite quote. But a frame of reference for me is that I shipped 3 (three!) cars door-to-door from Virginia to Washington in June for slightly less than that.

Phils · Oct 31, 2005

A year ago Overnite cost me $1200 for the PT, lg bucket, hoe, stump grinder, brushhog and ramps -- Tazewell to Northern California. I'm sure freight has gone up some along with fuel prices.

Last Friday Overnite delivered my box bucket and grapple bucket and shipping was about $400 for that pallet's worth.

I would think you'd have it all for less than two grand shipping. Less than a dealer's markup, and a dealer would've had to pay shipping too.

Phil

MossRoad · Nov 1, 2005

Wow! That's outrageous shipping. I would definately check with some other shipping companies, not a private hauler. It was only $500 to South Bend, IN 4 years ago, using Overnight.

I had a fiberglass Landcruiser body shipped here from L.A. and that was only $550.

tracdoc · Nov 1, 2005

( I had a fiberglass Landcruiser body shipped here from L.A. and that was only $550 )

ohhhh /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif is that a project, MR, perhaps an FJ 40??