New member looking for bucket feedback

[lacrosse50]

I'm getting ready to purchase a 2650 with a FEL and MMM. For a bucket I'm leaning towards getting a 54" rather than a 60", but I wanted to break down my reasoning and see what the enlightened folks here thought!

My property is 22ac and includes 5ac cleared, 2ac overgrown field, and the rest is heavily wooded. And all with a large creek running through...large as in 60ft wide with plenty of large rocks.

My thinking is between the heavy woods and heavy rocks (some of which I have plans to rearrange) a slightly smaller bucket will be easier to maneuver. That all said, what's the internet opinion on smaller vs larger loader buckets? Am I going to kick myself later over the extra 6" (Corrected my math here)?

 

[jpf]

I went with the 54" bucket and the 54" mmm for the same reasons.
same lift capacity on the bucket slightly easier to get around the trees.
slightly less cutting width again easier to get around.
works for me.

 

[85Hokie]

That all said, what's the internet opinion on smaller vs larger loader buckets? Am I going to kick myself later over the extra 8"?

I would go with the 54" also ...... yes the 60" is BIGGER - but it is rated as a "light duty" bucket. Great for getting more mulch in it, great for heaping pile of dirt, great for a little more gravel, but it does and will hang out there when running through the woods.

Those LARGER rocks and boulders will fit better in the bigger bucket...but then again, it will place more strain on the entire works too - bigger aint always better! I have a 48" bucket ....and 6" more inches would be nice ...SoMeTiMeS......but I'll stick with the 48 in my case.

 

[dirtydeed]

60" for me, no question. Same construction, just wider. If you feel you need to stiffen it, get a tooth bar or cutting edge. I have an ATI toothbar and have no issue with large rocks/stumps. Most of the attachments purchased for a B2650 will be in the 5 foot range anyway....very difficult to find them in 54" width.

I had a BX23 (2006) model for a dozen years...hated the 4 foot bucket for anything but passing between fence posts.

My advice, get the 60".

also, don't know how you guys come up with 8" difference. My math tells me the difference is only 6" (60-54=6)

 

[Ramos]

Just make sure the bucket fully covers the overall width of your tires.

 

[greeno]

Just make sure the bucket fully covers the overall width of your tires.

Curious as to why?


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[skeets]

Bigger aint always better

 

[lacrosse50]

Thanks for all the replys so far, lots to think about! And dirtydeed you are correct sir, not sure what silly math I was using...but I corrected the first post so thanks for the catch.

 

[dirtydeed]

Curious as to why?


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the width of your implements (bucket included) should be greater than or equal to your max tread width....helps when finish grading or pushing snow/dirt.

The bucket is also used to see if you can "fit" between obstacles. Generally, if the bucket fits thru, your tractor should as well. That is until you try to turn.

 

[mbu]

Just make sure the bucket fully covers the overall width of your tires.

I agree with Ramos to buy one that the bucket or mower fully covers the overall width of your tires. When one is using the mower, or bucket, next to a fence or wall this will save a lot of handwork. If you are worried about power of the mower or weight of a full bucket, just take a smaller swath or a smaller load.

Another thing, if one side of the tractor is higher than the other, which will be caused by a bucked that is shorter than the wheel base, it will be hard to keep a level ground surface on successive passes. The loader has no means of a cross-adjustment for this.

 

[Ramos]

Curious as to why?


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Keeps the tires running at the same level as the bucket on longer, single run passes. Also, it will prevent you from leaving an undisturbed edge on your deeper cuts.


On Edit: Really does not matter if all you are doing is scooping from a pile.

On Edit, Edit: Got sidetracked before posting. I see the question was answered multiple times...LOL.

 

[85Hokie]

the width of your implements (bucket included) should be greater than or equal to your max tread width....helps when finish grading or pushing snow/dirt.

The bucket is also used to see if you can "fit" between obstacles. Generally, if the bucket fits thru, your tractor should as well. That is until you try to turn. :d

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ what he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[wgator]

You asked "Am I going to kick myself later over the extra 6"?" If you get the optional MECH 2 LVR QUICK COUPLER on FEL why not get both buckets, only takes a couple minutes to swap and would have no reason to kick yourself.