Front Bucket for GT 14

[Sailman 1,291]

Have been toying with the idea of a FEL for my GT 14. Closest thing I found was going to run into $$ and being as old as it is I really didn't want all the potential for hydraulic  problems (valves, leaking rams, etc). Plus if I need an actual FEL it would have to be a 4 wheel drive Kubota or something similar based on my terrain. Wanted a simple bucket to handle moving some dirt, topsoil, mulch, etc. so I fabricated a used ATV bucket coupled with a 1000# linear actuator. Added 200# concrete rear end weight with a converted 200 amp service box attached to the 3 point hitch. Simple, works like a charm and total cost around $1000! Yes I know its not an FEL, never claimed to be....BUT it beats a shovel and wheel barrow!

[SylvanLakeWH 25,602]

Nice!!! 

 

Maybe some close ups on the linkage / actuator? Perhaps a video of it working up / down?

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,326]

 Some close ups of how you attached etc would be great.

[Sailman 1,291]

Here are some close ups and video. Used 3/8 steel for rails bolted to the frame and 3/8 steel for front bracket and angle iron under actuator. Video was hard due to installing rocker switch on the tower. Battery is old so will be replacing it and have more power. bucket will lift 200-300# which is all I need to handle at a time.

[Pullstart 62,916]

Very cool!

[953 nut 55,324]

         Looks like it is very well built and should save your back. I like the way you repurposed the electrical panel as a weight box.     

[Sailman 1,291]

The plan is to see how well the bucket works this spring adding dirt and topsoil to the yard at a rental property. I expect it to do just fine. If all goes well I will eventually add an actuator to the release mechanism on the bucket instead of the trip line. Will allow me to position the angle of the bucket like an FEL.