Infinite height bucket level indicator

[BXHoosier]

I decided to try my hand at building a level indicator that would work at any height. I wanted it mainly for my hang-on pallet forks since they are impossible to see from the seat to know if they are level. Here is what I came up with. The linkage from the bucket rotates the white dial that is made from a piece of 4” PVC. It has two marks on it for the bucket and forks. The pointer is connected back to the loader frame just below the boom pivot point. The bucket linkage took some trial and error to get it to work but it all works great.

 

[st8yd]

Looks good, that was what I was originally wanting to do.
What happens when you tilt your bucket all the way down as if to dump it, it doesn't appear to have enough travel?

 

[BXHoosier]

It has just enough travel both directions. The bends in the rod are to allow it to clear the dial when the bucket is rolled back.

 

[st8yd]

Good job, I was concerned if I shortened the throw that much it wouldn't be accurate enough.

 

[AndyM]

Neat approach compared to the usual rod set up.

 

[mendonsy]

Looks a lot like the one I built several years ago. I added a second indicator to show both the current height and where it would be when at ground level.

 

[BXHoosier]

Good job, I was concerned if I shortened the throw that much it wouldn't be accurate enough.

I did not shorten the throw of the dial linkage. The distance from the dial center to the link connection is the same as the bucket pivot pin to link connection distance. That makes the total angle of the dial rotation the same as the bucket rotation angle. The link rod length is the same as the distance from the dial center to the bucket pivot pin. The pointer linkage is the same parallel setup. Any time the pointer is on the line, the bucket is level no matter what height it is at.

 

[BXHoosier]

Looks a lot like the one I built several years ago. I added a second indicator to show both the current height and where it would be when at ground level.

Your design was the inspiration for mine. I found the image searching the web for designs. Thank you!

 

[st8yd]

I did not shorten the throw of the dial linkage. The distance from the dial center to the link connection is the same as the bucket pivot pin to link connection distance. That makes the total angle of the dial rotation the same as the bucket rotation angle. The link rod length is the same as the distance from the dial center to the bucket pivot pin. The pointer linkage is the same parallel setup. Any time the pointer is on the line, the bucket is level no matter what height it is at.

Ya I saw that. Mine is 9.5" from pivot to link connection, so I would have had to shorten it substantially for it to work, the total throw on mine is about 18" as it sits.

For the bucket I really only need it "level" while grading, however I would like my forks to be level at any height so I am planning on doing a pendulum type indicator.
But I like what how you did yours and still may add that to the other side.
I had in mind to use a 4" test cap so a hole could be drilled in center to pivot on.

 

[BXHoosier]

Here is a simple pendulum style made for forklifts.