Frequently Asked Questions - 4-in-1 Loaders

What is a 4-in-1 bucket?

A 4-in-1 bucket is a 2-piece bucket with a hinge operated by an extra hydraulic cylinder enabling it operate as a bucket or a grab. It has two hardened edges (called cutting edges) and sometimes serrated edges on the sidewalls to aid grabbing. It does the job of four different loader implements. It has a conventional bucket scoop, plus it can grab, push and level.

What can you do with a 4-in-1 bucket?

Conventional bucket scoop – loading, unloading, digging drains, trenches and holes, moving soil, gravel and other loose material.
Grab – grappling green waste, carrying logs or other bulky material, such as rocks, small bales or debris.
Blade – pushing material and debris around.
Back blade – precise grading work, leveling, spreading loose material to even out the ground or create smooth gradients.

What are the advantages of a 4-in-1 bucket?

• Multi-use versatility for a wide range of applications.
• Saves time as no need to detach/reattach different implements.
• Saves money with fewer implements to buy, maintain and store.
• Opening and closing bucket allows more precise work.
• The grab function reduces the risk of injury when moving heavy objects.

Are 4-in-1 loaders easy to operate?

If you are familiar with loader operation, a 4-in-1 bucket will be straight forward for you to use. Typically, an additional button switch is incorporated into the loader joystick. This switch is what enables the so called ‘hydraulic third function’.  It switches the normal crowd-dump loader operation into the open-close operation of the 4-in-1 bucket. That is, moving the joystick left-right, along with pressing the button, operates the 4-in-1 open-close function. A trigger style button on the joystick is much more ergonomic to use, however, some manufacturers provide a thumb operated button which in an unnatural grip and can be very tiring when operated for long periods.

What size loader do I need?

Loaders are designed to match individual model tractors. The lift capacity, lift height and bucket size of the loader is all constrained by the tractor specifications, and so, loader size is really determined by the size and model of the tractor.

How do I maintain my 4-in-1 loader?

Regular maintenance includes:

• Ensuring all loader mounting bolts are tight;  this is the most common cause of damage or failure.
• Ensure there is no movement between the mounting bracket and the tractor structure – this indicative of loose mounting bolts.
• Check hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks and damage - Damaged hoses are dangerous and should be replaced promptly. Ejected high pressure oil is dangerous.
• Grease all pins, pivots and joints.
• Ensure front tyre pressures are suitable for the loading to be undertaken.
• Check hydraulic oil level in the tractor. Connecting and disconnecting hydraulic implements to your tractor can cause accumulative oil loss. If hydraulic oil becomes low, loader use causes pump cavitation resulting in dysfunctional operation, oil overheating and pump failure.
• After any accidental collision or unexpected incident, stop to take time to check for damage such as bent frame, attachments, components, broken bolts, damaged hoses.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s manual for best practices!

What type of maintenance is required for the hydraulic system?

The hydraulic system should be regularly checked for leaks, proper fluid levels, and smooth operation. Keep the hydraulic hoses clean and inspect for wear to avoid any issues. See above for more detail.

How does the 4-in-1 loader compare to other machines?

Unlike traditional single-function loaders, a 4-in-1 loader gives you the flexibility to perform a variety of tasks with just one attachment, saving you time, space, and money.

What is Euro-hitch?

A Euro-hitch is a standardised loader implement hitch system, originally used in Europe and very popular in Australia. It consists of a pair or hooks at the top of the hitch, and a pair of locking pins at the bottom. The operation of the locking pins is often by means of a lever. It allows for quick and secure attachment and detachment of various implements (such as buckets, forks, grapples, or other tools) to the loader without the need for tools, making it highly efficient

Do I need any changes on my tractor or loader to suit a 4-in-1 bucket?

Your loader needs a compatible implement hitch and a so called “hydraulic third function” which operates the 4-in-1 bucket cylinder. Your tractor’s loader joystick needs the ‘third function’ button wired up to operate the hydraulic function on the loader.

Overall, the versatility of a 4-in-1 loader bucket makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications in property maintenance, landscaping, farming, construction and many others.

Choose your next tractor with 4-in-1 loader from the range below:

	TS25 Front End Loader TS25 24hp hydrostatic transmission compact tractor with 4-in-1 loader
	T265 Front End Loader T265 24.5hp continuously-variable Hydrostatic 4WD compact tractor with front-end loader
	T413 Front End Loader T413 39hp ROPS or Cabin utility tractor with HST continuously-variable Hydrostatic transmission with front-end loader
	T503 Front End Loader T503 50hp 16/16 Manual transmission open platform ROPS 4WD tractor with front-end loader
	T613 Front End Loader T613 60hp utility ROPS tractor with synchro transmission and a new smooth and quiet TYM 4 cylinder diesel engine. with front-end loader
	T1003 Front End Loader T1003 100hp Manual transmission with Power-Shift and Power-Shuttle 4WD tractor with air-conditioned cabin with front-end loader