How Do I Know When My Bucket is Level?

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How Do I Know When My Bucket is Level?

Рет қаралды 32,879

Күн бұрын

If you're running a front end loader, how do you know if it's level? That's tough when you're first learning to drive a tractor. In today's Q & A I give a couple of pieces of advice.
First, on a few select loader buckets, the top is parallel with the bottom. That makes it real easy to know when you're level, you just watch the top. Unfortunately, a lot of loader buckets are not that way.
There's a device that's call a "bucket level indicator" that comes standard on many front end loaders. That's a rod that attaches to the bucket mount with a bracket that attaches to the mainframe of the loader. By watching the rod go up and down, you can tell from the tractor seat when the loader is level. Many times, those rods get ripped off the tractor, or bent, and no one bothers to replace one.
If you can find out who made your loader, you might be able to order a replacement bucket level indicator. The problem is, most of the tractor manufacturers don't make the loaders, they buy them from another company who specializes in building loaders. Sometimes, on older tractors, to get parts for the loader you have to go to a dealer for the company that made it for the tractor manufacturer. So that can get a little tricky.
I know a lot of people make their own bucket level indicators. See the comments for some ideas.
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Пікірлер: 37

@HamiltonvilleFarm 5 жыл бұрын

Once you get used to using that level indicator rod, it makes life so much easier! Good video Mike. Simple, quick.

@ThePlowGuys 5 жыл бұрын

We took the plunge and bought a tractor to replace our plow truck. We have been enjoying to no end. The things you can do with a tractor even a Subcompact like ours is endless. The loader on our Kubota has a flat spot to use a level indicator. Haven't used the bucket much so I can't say if it good or not. Thanks for the video Mike.

@HarryHound1 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike I have recently removed my indicator rod from my compact Kubota because it was not very accurate, but my previous Kubota had a blade on the bucket as you mentioned and I am planning to make one up and weld it onto my bucket as I found that to be more accurate and it will be cheap to make. Thanks Michael

@Formulabruce 5 жыл бұрын

Cut the rod, thread one side RH thread, other a LH thread and put a coupler on it so you can adjust it.

@j.hankinson7803 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike. Thanks for posting the video. I have a JD 3038E which did not come with a rod as you describe. I made one with a short piece of pipe on a pivot near the upper hydraulic arm as in your video and ran a 4 ft yellow fibreglass rod through it supported with an eyebolt further up the loader arm. I mark the varying heights I need with a marker on the rod where it meets the upper eyebolt support. Works really well. Cost about 5 bucks all in.

@coypatton3160 5 жыл бұрын

Mike my bucket has a upper flat section that goes all the way across the top. Which I like a lot. It is a koyker loader. Another style indicator I have seen is an upside down wide (3” or more) L shape piece welded onto the bucket usually a few inches from one side of the loader on the top of the bucket. Unfortunately, owners often do not realize what these are either as I have seen them cut off, beaten up or even a hook mounted to one. They ate usually light enough steel that they like the rods are easily damaged. If you mentioned this style, I missed it and apologize for the duplication. Have a great day!

@kevinbrookhart1050 5 жыл бұрын

If you’re crafty or have a good weld shop nearby I’m sure one could be made like that for almost any older, it’s a crude design but works well! Also worth noting there’s other designs out there, but John Deere 5500 with 540 loader has a rod inside a tube that goes in and out and when the end of the tube and rod are together the bucket is level

@woodyholland9437 5 жыл бұрын

Why not make your own? I did it out of all thread rod and a clevis adapter from Grainger. New Holland wanted almost $100 for the one painted blue. I think my total spent was under $15. Work great.

@Formulabruce 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent!! I often look for the Oldest person in a parts room too..

@kirkbarley4999 5 жыл бұрын

My JD 300 loader has a good indicator, but I use a WR Long 4:1 bucket. Guess I need to do some homework and mark it or do some other adjustment to make it work for my primary bucket. Thanks for the topic, spurs me to work on an issue that I’ve been putting off.

@alanross3435 5 жыл бұрын

Good morning Mike, Your video came at a perfect time! I have a a kioti with a Rhino bucket been thinking about a indicator for awhile now, I'm going to call them today to see if one is available.👍🏻✌🏻️

@kreisenmenger 5 жыл бұрын

Mike. Just a tip to kill two birds with one stone. I noticed on my Branson that when I put the Titan Pallet Forks on, they were nowhere near level when the bucket lever rod was at the top of the arch. I leveled the forks at ground hight and then used a sharpie to mark the rod at the pass thru. Now I have a way of knowing when my forks are level without having to stand up.

@ralphbailey8234 5 жыл бұрын

So if the rod is not available......... then have the wife/ mate let you know LoL..... Always great to see your videos !

@BlackAnniversaryDrum 5 жыл бұрын

Planning on buying a 1989 Ford 8210. I figure you would be the guy to ask about backhoe attachment for the tractor. What to look for when buying and also how to install correctly. Thanks man, I'm learning a lot from you!

@TractorMike 5 жыл бұрын

Nick, on a tractor that size you'll be fine with a three point backhoe, they can be tough on the frames of smaller tractors. I'd consider a PTO pump for hydraulics, it's a lot more money but less wear and tear on the tractor hydraulic system and a replacement tractor pump would cost about as much as the PTO pump. Backhoes are rated by how deep they dig, the deeper they go the heavier they'll be. You probably have enough horsepower for the biggest one they make. I'd consider getting a "thumb" which is just what it sounds like, an appendage controlled by hydraulics that helps pick up stuff that you want to move without getting off the seat. Then just decide how big a bucket you need, 12" is probably the most common but that varies depending on what you want to do. There are many good brands out there, I'd shop around. Good luck!

@Kcender57 5 жыл бұрын

I think a lot of people with moderate skills could make a level indicator rod setup. I have made one for a couple of my tractors. My Kubota B2650 came with an overly complicated level indicator. I removed it and made a simple one that I find more useful.

@semco72057 5 жыл бұрын

I have a John Deere 3032E tractor and it don't have a an indicator on it, but a label on the right side of the bucket which is suppose to help the operator in leveling the bucket. I have had my tractor since 2016 new and it is nice, but the label have not helped me. Right after getting the tractor I helped my neighbors move soil back into holes to level their yard a soil test was done. My neighbor had to help me in making sure the bucket was level when picking up the soil and this was done after first receiving the tractor and bucket and I am still having problems with this.

@eosjoe565 5 жыл бұрын

My bucket top surface is parallel with the bottom. I attached a large RV-style center bubble level to the top surface of my bucket. The unit is about 2" square and the bubble is in the center so it shows level in all directions. It is very easy to see from the operators seat and while it just sticks on it has been on there for over 5 years and still going strong.

@TractorMike 5 жыл бұрын

What a great idea. If you get a chance can you send a picture to me at mike@asktractormike.com? That may be the easiest fix yet.

@eosjoe565 5 жыл бұрын

@@TractorMike Sent

@johncollado1151 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike.... next best thing is to just make one, they're not that difficult or involved.

@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin 5 жыл бұрын

Lol... Had one on my skid steer thirty years ago.. got my shirt caught in it, fell on my face and took it off.. never knew exactly how it was supposed to work. I'm old school... I do it all by feel.

@peterk1584 5 жыл бұрын

Bucket level indicator works really well, EXCEPT it's useless for determining level on my pallet forks, as the geometry of the fork/frame is different to account for the backward tilt of a pallet load. Since I can't see the tips of the forks from the seat, I'm constantly either digging them into the ground or hitting the stuff on the pallet when trying to get them inside the openings - even after more than six months of "learning experience" I haven't yet gotten the hang of it. I can't attach anything to mark the fork-level point to the level indicator rod as it slides inside a sleeve and bucket-level is indicated when the tip of the rod doesn't protrude from the sleeve (the sleeve would probably rub off any paint mark indicating pallet-fork-level, anyway). Any suggestions?

@Antiquetractorsetc 5 жыл бұрын

I don’t know how people can’t tell. I thought most loader buckets are flat on the top so it’s parallel to the bottom of the bucket. I know some have a rod indicator but they get bent and out of adjustment. I don’t ever have problems looking at the top of the bucket and I can also see the sides of the bucket too but I’ve also been operating all kinds of equipment for years so

@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe6724 5 жыл бұрын

Copied mine off a JD 310 commercial loader backhoe it has a tube on loader arm that the rod from bucket slides in, when end of rod is even with end of tube your bucket is level, no guessing.

@kyleolle3557 5 жыл бұрын

Mike, My question is in regards to hyduli9 fluids.. Across all of the brands if I purchase a JD, Kubota or etc. Hydraulic implement do I need to flush the oils?

@45SIG58 5 жыл бұрын

With a rod like shown in the video, doesn’t the position of the rod when the bucket is level vary with the how far Off the ground the loader is?

@TractorMike 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it does, you want to know where the rod is when it's dead flat on the ground. You can change it by moving the bracket.

@kyleolle3557 5 жыл бұрын

Mike, This a question totally off everything you have covered. If I have a Jd or new How Holand or etc and purchase another brand with hydraulics do I need to purge the system to prevent fluid contamination?

@TractorMike 5 жыл бұрын

Kyle, you mean you've purchased an implement and you don't want the oil in the hydraulic system to get into your tractor? Great question! Hydraulic systems are pretty tough, if it were me, I might run it a day and change my hydraulic filter and then you'd probably be fine. I don't think there's enough oil in most implements to worry about that, if it looks awful and like it's never been maintained and the guy let the hydraulic lines drag in the dirt before plugging them in I'd be a little more worried. If it's been decently maintained I don't think that's a problem. That would make a good video, stay tuned...

@mdd770 2 жыл бұрын

But how do you read the thing?

@RustyZipper 5 жыл бұрын

Wouldn’t it be cheaper and easier to have a welding guy fabricate one? I’ve done my share of sourcing parts for lawnmowers and it’s often 2x or 3x the price of a current model part unless I stumble upon an eBay deal

@721topdog 5 жыл бұрын

My 2003 mahindra 6000 hydraulic's quit working. What could be wrong. It started to work really slow and after a replaced the hydraulic filter the loader don't work and the 3 point work but super slow...

@TractorMike 5 жыл бұрын

If it's three point only that's slow, there's a valve that's usually right below the tractor seat between your ankles when you're seated that adjusts the flow of oil to the three point. Make sure that's not turned all the way in. Sometimes people twist the knob on that valve thinking they're adjusting the seat pressure and accidentally turn off their three point.

@721topdog 5 жыл бұрын

@@TractorMike I will check it out this weekend, but it's both PTO and loader. It completly quit working after I changed the hydraulic filter. I want to see if I can do some with it before taking it to the dealer.

@solidwoods6999 5 жыл бұрын

I can tell my bucket is not level when I sit on a seat and I slide off :)I'd tell how I can see how my Wife's bucket is level or not but she would hit me again :) :)