Rock Bucket Attachment Idea - Thoughts?

[winesalot]

So I have been thinking about a way to pick up rocks for a while now. I have posted a few questions and have received some great answers. I truly believe that a rock (or skeleton) bucket is the right solution for me. I did some shopping and the best price light weight quality unit is from Tomahawk ( http://www.tomahawkattachments.com/order/tomahawk-rock-buckets/tomahawk-72-inch-rock-bucket/ ) but with shipping it's still almost $1200 and the cheapskate in me just can't pull the trigger.

So I have an idea I'd like to float your way and see what you think. My idea is to remove the bucket's bolt on cutting blade and replace it with an above the bucket and below the bucket piece of flat stock which would bolt on using the bucket's existing bolt holes. Then take a piece (actually many pieces ) of...say 1/4" x 3" flat stock and cut notches our of one end that would fit over the top and under the bottom piece of bolted on flat bar and weld in place.

I have attached a very poor sketch of what I am trying to describe....I promise I am a much better fabricator and welder than I am at sketching!!!!

What do you think?

 

[G.rid]

It sounds very feasible. But I'd go back and look at the specs of the rock buckets you were considering buying. I think you'll find their tines are 3/8" to 1/2" flat bar. It wouldn't take much of a rock to bend the 1/4" x 3.

Looking forward to pictures of you're progress!

 

[conropl]

I think you will have a lot of load cantilevered off the end of your bucket lip, which could distort you bucket lip, and you would definitely lose a lot of lift capacity out at the lip of your rock bucket portion.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[G.rid]

To minimize the concentrated load on the lip, you could add a turnbuckle from the outer upper edges of the bucket to 2/3s out on your forks.

Another concern would be visibility. The actual rock buckets are built see thru. Measure how far out you can see over your bucket, the tips my need to be too far to be practical.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It's just going to bend the bucket, they cant handle that kind of stress.

If you want to try a rock bucket, come on over and I'll loan you my bradco 3" spaced bucket.
Or maybe you could talk me into bring it to you, I could use a small road trip just to get away.

http://www.everythingattachments.co...id-Steer-p/br-rock-bucket-84-univ-3-16503.htm

 

[winesalot]

It's just going to bend the bucket, they cant handle that kind of stress.

If you want to try a rock bucket, come on over and I'll loan you my bradco 3" spaced bucket.
Or maybe you could talk me into bring it to you, I could use a small road trip just to get away.

http://www.everythingattachments.co...id-Steer-p/br-rock-bucket-84-univ-3-16503.htm

I may take you up on that offer. I have two kids in Spokane for college so we are over your way quite frequently. Do you like wine? I make some pretty good stuff. While it's not legal to barter with it.....

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Do you like wine? I make some pretty good stuff. While it's not legal to barter with it.....

Me drink...why I never... Oh wait yes I do, and Mrs. NIW really likes it!

I think you trying it out would be a better choice than just buying one, while mine is heavy it should still work for you.