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Swisher ATV bucket conversion


SmilinSam

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A few weeks ago I bought a 44" Swisher ATV bucket on clearance from tractor supply for $300. Bought it with the intention of cutting it up and rewelding it to fit my Sovereign class tractors. Well, I just finished up with the project tonight. Here is the finished work..
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture006.jpg?t=1238378059[/img]
The original design is hinged at the back, but this configuration wouldnt allow the bucket to dump hardly at all. So the ends were cut off the mount and the mount bar was widened about 10" on each end and a 2" x3/8" flat about 10" long welded on the ends to catch the bucket along the sides. I also welded stops to keep the bucket from turning clear upside down when tripped.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture005.jpg?t=1238378302[/img]
The hitch was adapted to the tractor using a old snowblower hitch acquired from another club member. I cut off the original front mount tabs for the blower unit and welded on heaver pieces and welded a pipe brace between. A 3/4" rod then slides through both hitch pieces forming a hinge. I also welded the lift arm bracket and brace from the Blade hitch I cut up to make my grader blade( which is still needing a few mods before I post about it.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture003.jpg?t=1238378393[/img]
Then I rewelded the trip mechanism back in its new slightly higher location close to where it was originally. I also grond the welds and removed the hinge brace that was like this on the right side. That cured a small weight problem I had with the bucket wanting to roll back instead of forward when tripped.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture004.jpg?t=1238378672[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture002.jpg?t=1238378764[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/Picture001.jpg?t=1238378931[/img]
Seems to work ok. Only thing that might be improved on could be if it attached to the axle like a snowblade or mower deck. Might give it more travel and heighth, but it seems to work OK. Will be testing it on a load of road mix gravel soon.. wish me luck8D
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Nice!8D $300 was one good deal, saved a lot of fabrication time starting wth that one compared to scratch building. I haven't seen any of those at local stores to drool over, but I'll keep looking!;)
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Awesome fabrication job there Sam. I need to post pictures of mine. I still need the spring trip. jh
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Thanks for all the compliments. I should also point out that the swaishers come with teeth attached to the wear plate. I had to cut them off for clearance in the dump. The way I mounted it to the tractor I needed the extra 1 1/2" for the bucket to tip completely up so I can use it in the vertical position scraping or pushing material. I also welded a plate inside the bucket where the hinge pins go through on the sides for reinforcement.
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Looking good Sam, waiting for action shots. I like the way you have it mounted on the snowblower hitch as it should take some stress off the mower/blade mounts, though I see where you lose a little lift.
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