Another Bucket Level Indicator Thread

[Kirt]

Hi all, newbie here...

I've searched the forums and there are several threads about bucket level indicators for various flavors of Kubota (I have a BX23s). While I would love to be one of you handy-dandies who use your machine so much you have an innate feel for bucket tilt, that's really not in my future. The factory solution doesn't meet one of my desired features (any height), which is why I started digging around in the first place.

I'm an old engineer, so I've been making a wish list of features I'd like to see in a bucket level indicator. Before I get too carried away with this, I'd like to share my list and see if anyone has any additions to it, or knows of a good, existing solution that meets the feature list:

1. Shows the tilt of the bucket relative to the ground at any height.
2. Can either stay attached somehow and work with, or be easily moved to other attachments (forks, etc.).
3. Must be easily visible from the seat.
4. Doesn't cost more than, say, $100, (would prefer it be around $75 or less).

I have a couple of ideas that could meet my criteria, but is there anything else I missed?
Thanks,
Kirt

 

[jimh406]

I said no, but mainly because my indicator is good enough for me.

I'm not sure if you could make enough to be worth the effort, but that's your time you would be spending.

 

[Paul Allwood]

It's no for me. I wouldn't buy it - I would make it myself.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I hate to be a "Debbi Downer" but I also voted "no".

My bucket indicator fell off about a year ago, and I have not missed it enough to put it back on.

Also, like @Paul Allwood , if I wanted one, I would copy yours, and make it myself.

I do however, wish you luck and hope it works out for you sir!

 

[GeoHorn]

I will voluntarily fore-go my usual “Beta-testing” fees …and, in an effort to promote entrepreneurship… will accept your shipment of the “universal-fit-for-all-makes/models-of-tractors” bucket-levelling device.
I hope it will clear and not interfere with the Forks, Grapples, and various “quick-mounts” in the market such as SSQA, JD, Kubota, and Euro style loaders as well as traditional “pin on” attachments.

Until I receive it, I will continue to utilize the original “extending-rod” indicator that came with my Kubota FEL, which I modified by simply relocating the attachment point from the bucket itself…to the lower cylinder brackets so it now works with all my FEL attachments.

Will you also require U.S. Patent Office and research assistance…?? (to avoid patent infringement law suits from existing suppliers)

PS: I can also assist with engineering expertise to meet the unique leveling requirements of Southern-Hemispheric operators, as well as left-hand-drive regions. Please use the PM feature for confidential reply.

 

[Spam Bot]

I have a spare in the garage that I picked up at a garage sale, new, never used, and I don't think that it was worth what I paid for it. Never use it because it isn't accurate enough for me. What I would like is for the bucket to self-level as it rises, so I can override it.

 

[NCL4701]

When I first got my L, the dealer left off the bucket level indicator they were supposed to install pre-delivery. Dealer admitted they left it off and agreed to give me one if I still wanted it after a few hours seat time. I tried getting used to running the bucket without an indicator, and kind of figured I’d figure it out if I used the bucket all day 5 days a week for a couple weeks, but I use the grapple way more than the bucket and I’m not running anything 40+ hours a week so I freely admit my need to “keep the training wheels”.

My bucket level indicator is the sliding rod type. It attaches to one of the upper pins behind the SSQA plate, so it stays on the loader regardless whether I’m using the bucket, forks, or grapple. There’s a bend in the rod that lines up with the upper rod guide when the bucket is level when on the ground.

The level on ground point on the rod is a bit different for the forks and grapple. Level at ground for the grapple is pretty much useless knowledge, but it’s quite useful for forks. In the past, I’ve considered putting some sort of mark on the rod to mark where the level point is for the forks. Adjusting the rod every time I switch between bucket and forks is possible, but it’s just not something I’m willing to do as I’m switching back and forth pretty often. However, I do now know level at ground for the forks is with the bend in the rod 1.25” above the upper guide.

Beyond the “level at ground” information provided by the level indicator rod, it also provides a sort of reference point for curl position at other heights. Kind of like taking a 250 yard rifle shot with a red dot sight zeroed at 100 yards: not precise, but you know about how much to hold over. For my uses, level above ground isn’t something I need to know precisely.

So I’m pretty happy with what I have.

 

[William1]

'Level' is a relative concept. If the tractor is on an incline, level is the incline. At the top of the incline, level needs the bucket tilted down. If approaching an incline and you want to say, smooth the bottom, 'level' changes and why there is a 'float'.
My little BX, has a bracket that is parallel to the bottom of the bucket, giving me an idea of 'Tilted up', 'Tilted down' or 'level with the seat of my puckered pants'.
Like a drunk cousin, its' all relative.

 

[Blue2Orange]

No vote. Stock level indicator on the BX is the similar design I had for ~25years on the NH. Simple and functional.

 

[Kirt]

Hey, I’ve got nothing against “roll your own” solutions at all. And if there’s no interest, I’ll just make one for myself and no hard feelings whatsoever.
As for offering beta services for free (pretty sure it was intended tongue in cheek), the one thing I’ve learned from doing woodworking accessories is that if both parties don’t have skin in the game, the chances of me getting useful feedback are slim to none.

 

[Kirt]

'Level' is a relative concept. If the tractor is on an incline, level is the incline. At the top of the incline, level needs the bucket tilted down. If approaching an incline and you want to say, smooth the bottom, 'level' changes and why there is a 'float'.
My little BX, has a bracket that is parallel to the bottom of the bucket, giving me an idea of 'Tilted up', 'Tilted down' or 'level with the seat of my puckered pants'.
Like a drunk cousin, its' all relative.

Agree that inclines and such are yet another element in the problem. I do think it’s possible to indicate both with the same device, if that matters to anyone.
I completely agree that if you use your loader a ton, you will develop a feel for it.

 

[hedgerow]

I voted no. I have run loaders on and off since I was a kid. I have had a few with the rod type indicator and I never use them. I have had a couple of loaders with the self leveling and I always turn them off. A little seat time and your good to go. I hope your idea works out.

 

[lynnmor]

My bucket level indicator is the sliding rod type. It attaches to one of the upper pins behind the SSQA plate, so it stays on the loader regardless whether I’m using the bucket, forks, or grapple. There’s a bend in the rod that lines up with the upper rod guide when the bucket is level when on the ground.

The level on ground point on the rod is a bit different for the forks and grapple. Level at ground for the grapple is pretty much useless knowledge, but it’s quite useful for forks. In the past, I’ve considered putting some sort of mark on the rod to mark where the level point is for the forks. Adjusting the rod every time I switch between bucket and forks is possible, but it’s just not something I’m willing to do as I’m switching back and forth pretty often. However, I do now know level at ground for the forks is with the bend in the rod 1.25” above the upper guide.

When I installed the rod type level, I installed each of my four implements and marked the level position while on a level floor. I used a different color paint for each and put a dab of that paint on the implement. It likely was overkill because all of them were well within 1-1/4", but I didn't know that till each were checked.

 

[Kirt]

I voted no. I have run loaders on and off since I was a kid. I have had a few with the rod type indicator and I never use them. I have had a couple of loaders with the self leveling and I always turn them off. A little seat time and your good to go. I hope your idea works out.

I’d love to have the experience, or even have enough and frequent work to develop the skill, which I want to make clear I respect.
I even have some degree of experience from my own childhood. Our family business was a tractor salvage. Most of my loader usage was chaining things up and lifting them. All this leveling stuff is new.

 

[Caden]

My loader tractor is an old Yanmar. They make the top flange of the bucket parallel to the bottom. Therefore, it is a level indicator. Works great but I don't pay much attention to it anymore.

I can't imagine why you'd need a level indicator on a grapple since most time you don't want it flat anyway.

Don't mean to discourage your build. By all means do it, but its a no for me.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

OP if I f you want it, do it.

Personally I would not pay extra to have a level indicator period on my machine. I’d be more likely to pay to have it left off or removed though. (I’ve also damaged a hood from firewood falling of off the bucket 🫣…it wasn’t because of having/not having a bucket level indicator (I did have one)…it was operator error pure and simple.)

I have to ask though do you have a level indicator of some sort for the machine itself? (If not what does the level indicator on the bucket solve?)

I have not seen benefit in the indicators on my machine, I am sure more experienced operators maybe know how to use them better then me, but I really don’t know that they solve a problem for me. I honestly think I am more likely to trip or lose balance greasing my machine and impale myself with mine than actually use it properly. I typically look where I am going (honestly I am more worried about a hole or a stump…where my wheels and implement are…and where the bucket rather than is it level enough)

anyway I commend anyone who solves their own problem and can make/sell from their own creation. That’s craftsmanship/enterprenuership and I think that is benchmark. Good luck and share some pics back if you other with it.

 

[Kirt]

OP if I f you want it, do it.

Personally I would not pay extra to have a level indicator period on my machine. I’d be more likely to pay to have it left off or removed though. (I’ve also damaged a hood from firewood falling of off the bucket 🫣…it wasn’t because of having/not having a bucket level indicator (I did have one)…it was operator error pure and simple.)

I have to ask though do you have a level indicator of some sort for the machine itself? (If not what does the level indicator on the bucket solve?)

I have not seen benefit in the indicators on my machine, I am sure more experienced operators maybe know how to use them better then me, but I really don’t know that they solve a problem for me. I honestly think I am more likely to trip or lose balance greasing my machine and impale myself with mine than actually use it properly. I typically look where I am going (honestly I am more worried about a hole or a stump…where my wheels and implement are…and where the bucket rather than is it level enough)

anyway I commend anyone who solves their own problem and can make/sell from their own creation. That’s craftsmanship/enterprenuership and I think that is benchmark. Good luck and share some pics back if you other with it.

Oh yeah, I’m definitely not suggesting this has anything to do with safety. It’s also fair to say that me owning a tractor of any kind is more likely to shorten my life than extend it.
My personal bucket level issue has to do with digging/scooping material and leveling it after moving it. A secondary one is related to using my fork attachment when I’m trying to get something out of a truck. My bucket does have the flat “level indicator” and with enough experience I’d probably have an innate feel for how it looks for a range of orientations.
I mean, I eventually get it done, and like I’ve said, if it were an every day occurrence, I’d develop a feel for it. But for at least some of the former and all of the latter issue, the rod mechanism would be useless for me.
I have no illusions about getting rich from this. That’s not my motivation. I also make dust ports for old woodworking machines because it brings in a little toy money and I like helping people solve problems.
I sincerely appreciate everyone who has chimed in, regardless of whether you think it’s a useful thing or not.

 

[lynnmor]

I can't imagine why you'd need a level indicator on a grapple since most time you don't want it flat anyway.

Two things; parking and disconnecting my grapple requires it to be level so that it stays on the small flat bottom and not fall over, the other thing is that I know if the points will dig in or ride on the surface.

 

[Caden]

Two things; parking and disconnecting my grapple requires it to be level so that it stays on the small flat bottom and not fall over, the other thing is that I know if the points will dig in or ride on the surface.

Fair enough.

To me, I can do that either by looking a the grapple around the hood, or by feel. For my points to smoothly ride the ground, it has to be tilted far forward anyway since they curve upward.