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Stumped by receiver hitch install?
I wanted to add a hitch receiver to my loader so I could move my utility trailer around when needed. I was going to put it on the top of my loader bucket, but after looking at how thin the metal is there I did not like that option. I next considered my pallet fork frame, but did not really want to have to remove the forks each time. Then I looked at my stump bucket. 3/8′ steel and the hitch ball will be further out from the tractor, so it is “easier” to see from the seat. The bottom of this bucket is 9″ wide, plenty of room and the hitch pin can be installed and removed while mounted in the bucket. No drop bar needed, use a straight tow bar. The narrow stump bucket is less likely than the loader bucket to contact the trailer if you make a sharp turn.
I welded some 1/4′ thick 2″ flat stock to a cheap hitch sleeve to make it into a bolt on, but you could easily use a store-bought bolt on receiver. Drilled 4 holes in the bucket for 3/8″ bolts and bolted it on. I have the GWT stump bucket that has bolt on teeth. The hitch bar goes over that when inserted into the receiver once I put the middle tooth bar nut on the bottom. The whole tooth bar could be moved to the bottom if needed on this bucket. Other brands of stump buckets that have larger, welded on teeth may make it more difficult so keep that in mind. I may get some 3/8′ wing nuts to hold the receiver on to make it faster to take on and off. Obviously, you would not want to use the stump bucket with the receiver mounted.
I do not believe the 4 holes weaken the bucket.
Works well for me, maybe it will work for you?
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2 Replies
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That probably would be cool if they had the stump buckets predrilled and had an option to add a matching receiver when you order. Not sure what possible liabilities that would add when someone hooks up a heavy trailer and goes for a ride down a hill or something, but you do see receivers built into some pallet forks. I think it is better than a clamp on to the bucket lip style receiver, but admit I have never tried one of those.
