Moving trailers with FEL Bucket or Forks

[GeoHorn]

An acquaintance drilled a 1” hole in the lip of his bucket and when he moves a trailer he screws a hitch-ball into the hole.

I’m reluctant to do that…and don’t know why…. Anybody got any Pros or Cons…??

Then there‘s the pallet-forks…. I’ve ordered one of these red-adapters in the pic because for the same reason I’m reluctant to drill a hole in a fork…. and don’t know why.

I think it may be due to the fact my 4 trailers have different ball-sizes…. For example, my dump trailer requires a 2-5/16 ball…and that requires a 1-1/4” hole for the shank… while two of my trailers use 2“ ball with a 1” hole for the shank…and one uses a 1-7/8” ball with a 3/4” shank.

However, If I can find a way to use a receiver-hitch I can use a 3-way ball I already own such as in this picture…. the only problem being how to use one with both a bucket and a fork.

 

[Henro]

I drilled a couple holes in my bucket to use something similar to the black one in your photo. Works perfectly and I never notice the holes.

Absolutely no complaints here. The trailer ball thingee goes on and off in an instant. Maybe a minute in real time.

Edit: I have clamp on bucket forks so cannot address pallet forks that are used in place of the bucket.

 

[imnukensc]

If you get over your hole drilling phobia, you can use one of these:

Convert-A-Ball hitch systems products, hitchballs and towing accessories

CONVERT-A-BALL¨ Hitch System Products are your answer to multi-need trailer connections. No more wrenches, no more busted knuckles. Three interchangeable balls (1 7/8

www.convert-a-ball.com

or one of these:

Switch Ball Trailer Ball Set (1-7/8", 2" & 2-5/16" Balls, 1" x 2-1/4" Shank)

CURT Switch Ball trailer balls are a breakthrough in trailer ball technology. As a result of CURT innovation and engineering genius, Switch Balls offer the ultimate in convenience and reliability for a variety of light-duty and medium-duty towing applications. Essentially, a CURT Switch Ball is...

www.curtmfg.com

 

[skeets]

I guess in some cases you might be able to twist and bend the arms some

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

Built this at work. We have mostly pintle, and only a few ball hitches. Scrap I had laying around.

 

[B737]

I welded a receiver to the bucket. It is a HUGE time saver. I use it all the time to move 20’ tandem trailer.
(i should add, this is for empty trailer only! )

 

[dirtydeed]

I used to have one of these until I got pallet fork frame with built in reciever....it worked well.

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Receiver-Bobcat-Tractor-Bucket/dp/B06XCSTKCP/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1PFNA95B8OSAE&dchild=1&keywords=titan+clamp+on+trailer+hitch&qid=1634252935&sr=8-13

 

[Jared 756]

I'm used to having holes in pallet forks for such uses so I would probably go that route. Don't know if I could bring myself to put a hole in the bucket.

 

[hagrid]

Using Flipster approved fabrication methods I made THIS! That trailer weighs 3600# with a 480# tongue weight.

 

[Lil Foot]

I made this:

 

[GeoHorn]

I like what you did Lil Foot…. as long as there’s a safety chain used also.

I considered B737s’ solution… until I realized it would limit how low the trailer tongue might be limited. The use of the drop-receiver certainly helps in that regard.

I think I’m leaning toward getting over my fear of a 1” hole in a bucket or fork-tine and using a convert-a-ball…

 

[Jim L.]

What's the argument against an A-frame with ball on the back three-point hitch?

 

[B737]

What's the argument against an A-frame with ball on the back three-point hitch?

none, but if you already have an attachment on the back its annoying to have to switch to move the trailer. The FEL is always on.

I considered B737s’ solution… until I realized it would limit how low the trailer tongue might be limited. The use of the drop-receiver certainly helps in that regard.

I agree George, it's limited by the distance to the bottom of the bucket. thats the drawback. The workaround for me was to use one of those drop hitches but they are expensive.

I tried the type that attaches to the cutting edge on the B2601 but it moved the point of leverage so far out it felt really weird on the tractor. Having the tongue weight inside the bucket helped stability. Your machine is so big it probably doesnt matter on M4700.

 

[fruitcakesa]

none, but if you already have an attachment on the back its annoying to have to switch to move the trailer. The FEL is always on.


I agree George, it's limited by the distance to the bottom of the bucket. thats the drawback. The workaround for me was to use one of those drop hitches but they are expensive.

I tried the type that attaches to the cutting edge on the B2601 but it moved the point of leverage so far out it felt really weird on the tractor. Having the tongue weight closer inside the bucket will helped stability. Your machine is so big it probably doesnt matter on M4700.

I found that out and sprung for the drop hitch. Works fine now.

 

[Donystoy]

I regularly move my 5 x 12 heavy duty tandem trailer with the fel. The most I put in the trailer though is brush so not too much weight. I also tow the trailer attached to a ball on the bottom plate of my log splitter that is attached to my 3ph. Can get a bit sketchy though with a full load of wood coming out of the woods. Helps to have the fel loaded as well.

 

[Bmyers]

We use the 3-pt attachment method.

 

[torch]

What's the argument against an A-frame with ball on the back three-point hitch?

I have that and a SSQA one on the front. The 3ph is handy when the backhoe is not mounted and trailers tow as normal.

But a ball on the front makes positioning the trailer in a tight spot a dream. There is so much greater control over exactly where the trailer is going and it's right there in front of you.

 

[nbryan]

I have a 3-point hitch receiver and also a hole in the tip of my ssqa pallet forks. Some days they're both in action. Haul the dumper trailer in empty, and out loaded, with firewood from the bush, with the 3-point.
Once there I can take it off the 3-point and pop it place to place in the saw clearing as needed with the forks.
And as the forks are usually on the front, when the BH or chipper or box blade are on back the forks take care of trailer business quite well. But I wouldn't want to pull a loaded trailer with them very far except for minor level ground movements.

 

[Nicksacco]

These are all really good ideas. I have been thinking of what do do as well for moving a boat and utility trailer.

I have a question for Lilfoot: Guessing on dimensions 10 x 10" using 1/2 plate?
Also, on the bolts that engage under the FEL blade, are those some kind of bushings that fit over the threads?

 

[lugbolt]

I had a clamp on in the bucket. Can't see it to hook trailer, have to get off and on constantly. I don't have forks, but do have a forklift. Forklifts don't do well in any terrain other than pavement though. SO I built an a-frame. Best route to go with, IMO. I never get off the tractor, just back up, under the hitch, raise, drive off. If you have any weight on the tongue it won't go nowhere as long as you're using your noggin.