Skid device, loader bucket assembly, and method for attaching skid device to a loader bucket

Abstract

SOLUTION: To provide a skid device 20 and a loader bucket assembly 30 which include a skid device including a base plate having a ski shape, in which the skid device can be mounted on a front end of a loader bucket 10 including a plurality of fitting holes for fixing an accessory such as an edge plate and a tooth bar to a bottom side of a loader bucket at a front side thereof, a part of the accessory extends in front of a front edge of the loader bucket in a state where the accessory is mounted on the loader bucket, and the skid device can be mounted on the loader bucket also in a state where the accessory is not mounted.EFFECT: Two or more skid devices are mounted on a front end of a loading bucket, and can move a material on a ground surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] When using a loader bucket with a long, flat leading edge to move material such as snow on a gravel driveway, mulch on a lawn, or lifting cut timber, it is very easy to cut into the ground underneath when trying to lift or move the material, which can damage the lawn or cause piles of stones on the gravel driveway when trying to remove it.

[0002] The inventors have devised a unique skid device, the EDGE TAMER, that can be attached to a loader bucket. See U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599. The skid device has ski-shaped ends and can be easily attached with fasteners without requiring modification to the loader bucket. The skid device can also include replaceable wear members for improved sliding and extended life. The skid device disclosed in this patent is highly useful for pushing snow, moving mulch or soil on a lawn, moving cut timber, or similar materials with a tractor, skid loader, or other machine equipped with a loader bucket in situations where preserving the underlying surface is a priority. For example, it is desirable to leave stones on the roadway when pushing snow, avoid damaging the turf when lifting piles, mulch, or cut timber, or avoid damaging expansion joints in a concrete surface when removing soil or snow. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] While edge tamers are very convenient because they can be easily attached to a loader bucket without the need for loader bucket modifications, edge tamers use tension to secure the skid device to the loader bucket. However, tension securing is less practical for larger applications such as wheel loaders. There remains a need for an improved skid device that is easier and more economical to manufacture. The present development addresses this need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is a skid device attachable to a loader bucket, the skid device including a portion of the accessory extending forward of the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is attached to the loader bucket and including a plurality of attachment holes in front of the accessory for fastening the accessory to the bottom side of the loader bucket. The accessory may be an edge plate.

[0005] The skid device includes a base plate including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section includes a slot extending in a fore-aft direction of the base plate. The second section extends angularly outward and upward from the first section. The third section extends angularly outward and upward from the first section, with the second and third sections extending in opposite directions along the fore-aft direction from the first section.

[0006] The width of the slot is dimensioned to allow the threaded shaft of the fastener to pass through, and one of the multiple mounting holes in the loader bucket from the bottom side of the first part is located at one end of the threaded shaft to prevent the head of the fastener, which is dimensioned larger than the threaded shaft, from completely passing through the slot.

[0007] The skid device further includes a stop member disposed above the first portion adjacent one of the second or third portions and configured to abut against the tip of the loader bucket. When the skid device is attached to the loader bucket, the stop member abuts against the tip of the loader bucket regardless of whether an accessory attached to the loader bucket is attached. The skid device can be attached to a loader bucket having either the second or third portion extending forward of the tip of the loader bucket.

[0008] The length of the slot provides a fore-aft adjustment mechanism that allows the skid device to be attached to the loader bucket whether or not an accessory is attached, so that the stop member abuts the front edge of the loader bucket when no accessory is attached, or the front edge of the accessory extending forward of the front edge of the loader bucket when an accessory is attached to the loader bucket.

[0009] The base plate can be formed from monolithic aluminum or steel. The first section is thicker than each of the second and third sections. Alternatively, the reinforcing section can extend upward from the top side of the first section. The reinforcing section can have a slot narrower than the slot in the first section, allowing the fastener's threaded shank to extend therethrough but preventing the fastener's head from penetrating. The slot can be stepped or countersunk deeper than the thickness of the fastener's head, allowing the head to be at least flush with the bottom surface of the first section. A stop member can extend upward from the top side of either the first section or the reinforcing section.

[0010] The skid device may include a wear member removably secured to the underside of the base plate, configured complementary to the configuration of the base plate, and covering the bottom surface of the base plate.

[0011] The skid device may include an accessory mount extending from the first portion and the stop member. The auxiliary member is removably attachable to the accessory mount. The accessory mount includes a gusset plate having a notch that prevents the auxiliary member from pivoting upward while attached to the accessory mount.

[0012] Another aspect of the present development is a loader bucket assembly for moving material, the loader bucket assembly including a loader bucket as described above and at least two skid devices attached to the loader bucket, each skid device being configured as described above.

[0013] Another aspect of the present development is a method of mounting the above-described skid assembly to the above-described loader bucket, the method including providing the above-described skid assembly and positioning the skid assembly under the load bucket so that the first portion is under the load bucket and the stop member is positioned adjacent to or against a tip of the loader bucket, aligning the slot with the mounting hole, inserting a threaded shank of a fastener through the slot and into the mounting hole, and tightening a nut onto the threaded shank with the stop member against the tip to secure the skid assembly to the load bucket. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loader bucket assembly including a skid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present development attached near the left side of the loader bucket including an accessory in the form of an edge plate attached to the underside thereof using bolts extending through existing mounting holes in the loader bucket. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the loader bucket assembly, but with another skid arrangement installed in a different position (closer to the right side) of the loader bucket shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is yet another perspective view of the loader bucket assembly shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the skid device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the skid assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the skid assembly to better illustrate the relationship between the sizes of the overlapping slots of the skid assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a skid assembly including replaceable wear plates. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a replaceable wear plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an embodiment similar to that of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a skid assembly similar to the previously described embodiment, but with an accessory mount. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing accessories attached to the skid device of the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Generally, there are two types of loader buckets: those with a single cutting edge and those with a double cutting edge. Single-cutting edge loader buckets typically have a factory-welded cutting edge that is not easily replaceable (welding would be required to repair or replace the original cutting edge). Double-cutting edge loader buckets with bolt-on edge plates with double-sided edges are attached to the loader bucket using bolts that extend through existing through-holes in the loader bucket. Thus, the edge plate 12 is replaceable. The edge plate is one of many accessories available for loader buckets.

[0016] 1-3 illustrate a loader bucket assembly 30 including a double-sided cutting edge loader bucket 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "loader bucket") and at least two skid assemblies 20 (only one is shown in each figure) attached thereto. The loader bucket 10 may be of the type that incorporates mounting holes for receiving fasteners, i.e., bolts 12B and nuts 12N, that secure the edge plate 12 to the underside of the loader bucket. While the present development utilizes existing mounting holes to secure the skid assemblies 20 without requiring modification of the loader bucket, the skid assemblies 20 can be attached to a single-cutting edge loader bucket by drilling or using existing holes.

[0017] Loader buckets are typically configured to have an internal volume sufficient to hold loose materials such as dirt, sand, rocks, and even snow. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1-3, a loader bucket 10 typically includes a bottom 10a, left and right side sections 10b and 10c (as viewed from the driver), and a rear section 10d (see FIG. 3) all integrally held together to form a rigid structure with an internal volume sufficient to hold materials. Excavator buckets may even have teeth protruding from the edge plates 12, configured to break up materials. The loader bucket 10 also includes a coupling mechanism (not shown) for attachment to a tractor or the like. This coupling mechanism is also conventional.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the bottom 10a of the loader bucket is typically flat. The front portion of the underside of the bottom 10a is positioned above an accessory (edge plate) 12 and secured using fasteners, i.e., bolts 12B and nuts 12C (see FIGS. 1-3). The edge plate 12 is typically flat and includes two edges: a front edge 12fe and a back edge 12be (which may be symmetrical). The front edge 12fe of the edge plate 12 extends beyond the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10. While the illustrated embodiment shows only the front edge 12fe having a bevel 12bev, the back edge 12be can also include a symmetrical bevel, allowing the edge plate 12 to be installed in reverse with the back edge 12be facing forward relative to the front edge 10e of the loader bucket when the front edge 12fe wears.

[0019] 1, the front side of a loader bucket is typically thicker, i.e., reinforced, for increased strength and durability. The thicker portion may terminate abruptly or gradually, leaving a rear sidewall of some thickness (height) that forms the lip portion 10f. In other words, the rear side of the bottom portion 10a has a stepped configuration such that the distal side of the front end is higher than the proximal side of the lip portion 10f.

[0020] 4-7 illustrate the skid apparatus 20 itself (identified as an Edge Tamer II or Bolt-On Tamer) that is removably attachable to the loader bucket 10, with or without the edge plate 12. The skid apparatus 20 can be beneficially attached to the loader bucket 10 even without the edge plate 12 attached, such that the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10 is the leading edge. However, when the edge plate 12 is attached to the loader bucket 10, the edge 12fe or 12be of the edge plate 12 becomes the leading edge of the loader bucket 10.

[0021] The skid assembly 20 is provided with a universal fitment. Specifically, aligned slots 22s, 24s are provided to give the operator the flexibility to longitudinally slide the assembly in the fore-and-aft direction FA on the loader bucket 10, regardless of whether or not the loader bucket has an edge plate 12 installed that accommodates existing bolt holes and different dimensions. While the universal fitment arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599 utilizes a clamp-type fastener, the present skid assembly 20 utilizes a simpler direct bolt-on fitting, which is more reliable and economical to manufacture than the tension fitment arrangement shown in the skid assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599.

[0022] The skid assembly 20 has an improved attachment mechanism. Specifically, the universal fitment arrangement included in the skid assembly 20 can be installed on any loader bucket that has pre-drilled holes in its front edge to accommodate accessories, such as the edge plate 12, or in the form of a tooth bar (not shown). Specifically, the edge plate 12 can accept a tooth bar assembly or individual teeth can be secured thereto. This fitting arrangement can function as a primary or secondary edge attachment device to accommodate loader buckets without accessories installed, as well as various edges of various sizes. By attaching at least two skid assembly 20 to the tip of the loader bucket 10, the loader bucket can move material with minimal disturbance to the ground. Each skid assembly 20 can slide under the tip of the loader bucket (front edge 10e) if no edge plate is installed, or under the front edge 12fe of the edge plate 12 if installed (back edge 12be if installed inverted). By extending bolts through the skid assembly 20 and up through holes in the front of the loader bucket, the skid assembly 20 can be secured in place with fasteners, i.e., nuts threaded onto the bolts.

[0023] With particular reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the skid device 20 includes a base plate 22, a reinforcing plate (portion) 24, and a stop member .

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the base plate 22 has an elongated body with ski-shaped ends. Specifically, the base plate 22 includes a tip portion (second portion) 22a, a base portion (first portion) 22b, and a rear portion (third portion) 22c. Both the tip portion 22a and the rear portion 22c can be angled or bent at any suitable angle, such as 20 degrees, similar to the way the tip of a ski is lifted. However, the angle can vary depending on the application, such as a higher angle for soft ground and a lower angle for hard ground. That is, the angle can be less than or greater than 20 degrees. Furthermore, the angle and length of the tip and rear portions can be different from each other. The base portion 22b is the primary load-bearing area. In this regard, the base portion 22b can be reinforced with a reinforcing plate 24, which can be a separate plate fixed to the center or can be integrally or monolithically formed with the base portion 22b.

[0025] The base portion 22b that contacts the ground can be made from a single flat steel plate, such as 3 / 8 inch thick steel or stainless steel. The size of the base plate 22 can vary depending on the size of the loader bucket being used. By way of example, the base plate 22 can be approximately 12 inches long and approximately 3 inches wide, with both the leading end 22a and trailing end 22c angled or bent at approximately 20 degrees. Note that the above lengths refer to the lengths before the leading end 22a and trailing end 22c are angled / bent upward.

[0026] The base portion 22b includes slots 22s for receiving the bolts 12B. These slots are typically 1 / 2 inch, 5 / 8 inch, 3 / 4 inch, or 1 inch in diameter and are sized to seat the bolt heads and prevent the hex bolt or plow bolt head from rotating when a tightening or loosening torque is applied to the bolts by the nuts when securing or loosening the skid assembly 20 to the loader bucket 10. For example, the slots may be 3 / 4 inch wide, centrally located (both the width and length of the central portion 22b), and extending longitudinally from front to back to accommodate a 1 / 2 inch diameter bolt. The slots may have lengths ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches. The slots can be sized to accept the heads of the hex bolts or plow bolts, allowing the bolts to slide and fit properly on the underside of the loader bucket. The bolts are inserted through one of the holes in the loader bucket used to hold accessories, such as the edge plate 12 for a removable cutting edge. The base plate 22 is sized to fit under the loader bucket without the edge plates installed, as previously described.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the leading and trailing ends 22 a, 22 c may have symmetrical angles and lengths, allowing the skid device to be installed on either end and then reversed after extended use to extend its useful life. In this regard, the stop members 26 may be removably attached to either end of the reinforcing plate 24, such as by using bolts to the reinforcing plate 24.

[0028] A reinforcing plate 24 for reinforcing the base plate, particularly the base portion 22b (flat portion) of the base plate 22 that contacts the ground, can be attached to the upper surface of the base portion 22b extending between the sloped ends. A stop member 26 can be attached to the front end or upper side of the reinforcing plate 24 using bolts or by welding to the reinforcing plate 24 and / or base portion 22b. For example, the reinforcing plate 24 can be made of steel measuring 2 inches wide, 6 inches long, and 3 / 8 inches thick. The reinforcing plate 24 also includes slots 24s aligned with the slots 22s in the base portion 22b. For example, the slots can be 1 / 2 inch wide, narrower than the slots 22s, to allow the shank of the bolt to pass through while preventing the head from passing through. The reinforcing plate 24 and stop member 26 can be formed integrally with the base plate 22 by casting, forging, machining, or the like from a block of metal.

[0029] It should be noted that the combination of base plate 22 and reinforcing plate 24 can be achieved by milling a thicker plate base plate to form angled leading and trailing ends 22a and 22c, stop members 26, base portion 22b having the desired thickness, recessed surfaces on which the bolt heads rest, i.e., stepped slots with wider bottom openings (e.g., 3 / 4 inch) and narrower top openings (e.g., 1 / 2 inch). In this regard, the skid device can be formed of a single piece of steel or aluminum with the wear plate, which can be steel and / or a high-density synthetic material. See FIG. 7. Reinforcement refers to a separate plate or integral thick portion of base portion 22b.

[0030] The stop plate 26 can abut against the front edge 12fe of the edge 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10 for added security against rearward movement of the skid assembly 20 when the bolts loosen and to prevent twisting on the bucket. The stop member 26 can be formed, for example, from a steel rod, such as 3 / 8 inch by 3 / 8 inch by 3 inch, and can be secured, such as by bolts, to the top side of the stiffener plate 24, welded to the front and / or top surface of the stiffener plate 24, or formed integrally with the stiffener plate 24. It acts as a pressure point against the leading edge 10e, 12fe, or 12be of the loader bucket 20.

[0031] In use, the stop member 26 rests against the front of the loader bucket, ensuring that the entire unit remains aligned with the loader bucket and providing protection for the skid arrangement in the event that the operator hits an object during operation.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment that is essentially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, but includes a replaceable wear member or shoe 28 mounted on the base plate 22 of the skid assembly 20. The wear plate 28 is particularly desirable when the base plate 22 is made of a less durable material, such as aluminum. The aluminum base plate 22 itself can be reinforced with thin steel plates or shoes. Alternatively, the wear member 28 itself can be reinforced with steel plates to increase strength and wear resistance.

[0033] The wear member 28 is replaceable and is complementarily molded to the base plate 22 to cover the entire exposed bottom surface of the base plate 22, including the slots 22s, and is secured thereto using conventional fasteners 28f. In the illustrated embodiment, two holes are drilled and threaded at each end of the base plate 22 to accept screws 28f for securing the wear member 28. The wear member 28 allows the loader bucket to slide over sensitive surfaces such as grass or pavement and prevents potential contamination of concrete or paved surfaces by paint or rust sliding off the bottom of the base plate 22. In use, the bolt 12B would be inserted through the slot(s) 22s, 24s, and then the wear member 28 would be secured to the base plate 22. This would lock the bolt 12B in place, i.e., prevent the bolt from falling out while the bolt head can slide along the slot 22s.

[0034] The wear members 28 may be fabricated from any number of materials conventionally used for such applications, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PPTFE or Teflon®). The wear members may be cut to the same shape and dimensions as the base plate 22 to conform to it. In this regard, the wear members 28 may also be configured to cover both lateral side edges of the base member along their entire length, as well as the leading and trailing edges, for added protection.

[0035] Fasteners 28f are located on the angled portions near the leading and trailing ends 22a and 22c of the wear member 28. Two holes can be drilled into each end of the wear member 28. Corresponding portions of the base plate 22 can be drilled through the base plate 22 and threaded to receive screws 28f to secure the wear member 28 thereto. Each fastener hole can be countersunk in the wear member 28 so that fasteners, such as stainless steel screws, can be positioned flush with the wear member for additional protection or deeper within the wear member. Locating the fasteners 28f near the angled ends minimizes damage from the ground and allows the fasteners to be removed if the wear member becomes worn.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a wear member 28' similar to the wear member 28 shown in FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the wear member 28' is wider than the wear member 28 of FIG. 7 to accommodate front and rear mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb for securing the wear member 28' to the base plate 22. Instead of fasteners 28f engaging respective threaded holes in the base plate 28, the fasteners 28f are secured to threaded holes 29a formed in the front and rear mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb, respectively, at or near respective regions of the base plate 22, i.e., the front and rear ends. The mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb secured to the wear member 28' trap or sandwich the base plate 22 between them. In particular, mounting bracket 29fb and rear mounting bracket 29rb each include slots or recesses that are smaller than the thickness of wear member 28' to seat on the respective front and rear of base plate 22 and allow the front and rear mounting brackets to clamp to the front and rear of base plate 22. Each of front and rear mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb can be formed of a suitably strong material, such as steel or aluminum, that can maintain the wear member 28' fixed to the base plate. This configuration allows the wear member 28' to be attached to the skid plate without drilling holes in the base plate 22.

[0037] The embodiment of FIG. 9 is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 8 except for the configuration of mounting bracket 29fb. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, wear member 28' employs mounting brackets 29fb', 29rb. Mounting bracket 29fb' includes cutout 29c for accommodating different skid plates, including the skid plate disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, and includes a reinforcing gusset for mounting a support member. Cutout 29c can accommodate a gusset or similar structure. This skid plate 20 can also include a similar gusset 42 for mounting a similar support member 50, as shown in FIGS. 10-11.

[0038] Alternatively, other methods of securing the wear member 28 are contemplated. For example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,133,599, the bottom of the base plate 22 can have a dovetail recess or protrusion, or the like, and the top surface of the wear member 28 can have a complementary dovetail protrusion or recess that can be slid laterally (perpendicular to the fore-aft direction FA) to attach the wear member to the base plate and hold it in place with an interference fit. Screws can also be used to prevent the wear member from sliding laterally.

[0039] The embodiment shown in Figures 10-11 can be similar to the previously described embodiment. This embodiment can use an extension rod or accessory member 50 attached to the skid assembly 20A as a support member, similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,133,599. Specifically, the skid assembly 20A in this embodiment includes an accessory mount 40 that reinforces the leading end 22a, as well as the stop member 26. The accessory mount 40 can be formed, for example, from a 3 / 8-inch-thick metal plate or gusset 42. However, the thickness can vary depending on the size of the skid assembly 20A. The gusset 42 can be welded to the leading end 22a and the stop member 26, or can be integrally formed with the base plate 22 and the stop member 26, which in turn can be integral with the base plate 22. The gusset 42 not only strengthens the skid assembly but also prevents the leading end 22a from bending relative to the base portion 22b.

[0040] 10, gusset 42 includes holes 42a for receiving fasteners such as bolts 50B (see FIG. 11), and a notch 42b at the top of gusset 42 that functions as a stop to prevent accessory member 50 (see FIG. 11) from pivoting upward. Specifically, gusset 42 has an inclined wall 42c that mates with an upright wall 42d, forming notch 42b at the intersection. Upright wall 42d also functions as a stop against a wall formed between yoke arms 52a, as will be described further below.

[0041] At least one removable auxiliary member 50, which can serve as a support for large items longer than the width of the bucket or long items with holes, such as large pipes, can be attached to each skid device attached to the bucket, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, each auxiliary member 50 can be formed of steel, such as a 12-inch long, 1-inch square bar. The auxiliary members 50 can be connected via bolts 50B or the like extending through holes formed in the reinforcing member and secured with nuts (not shown). In this regard, the proximal end of the auxiliary member can have a yoke structure 52 that can straddle the accessory mount 40. The yoke structure has holes in each arm 52a thereof that allow for the insertion of fasteners, such as bolts 50B. Although the auxiliary members 50 are illustrated as rod-shaped in the drawings, they need not be rod-shaped. The auxiliary members 50 can have any desired configuration depending on the purpose of transporting items that expand the use of the loader bucket.

[0042] In use, at least two skid assemblies 20, 20A are installed at spaced intervals along the leading edge of the loader bucket 10 by sliding each skid assembly onto the leading edge of the loader bucket and inserting bolts 12B up through slots 22s and 24s from the bottom of each skid assembly 20, 20A, through edge plate 12, if used, and one of the mounting holes in the loader bucket 10, and securing with nuts 12N. The skid assemblies 20, 20A can be loosened on the loader bucket and adjusted fore and aft to ensure that the stop members 26 rest against the front edge f of the edge plate 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10. The stop members 26 ensure square alignment against the leading edge of the bucket, reducing the chance of damage to the loader bucket if the operator were to drive the tractor forward and strike an object with nuts 12N loose.

[0043] By using at least two skid devices 20, 20A mounted on the loader bucket 10, snow, mulch, and other such materials can be moved without significantly disturbing the underlying ground surface. For example, this development can be used to move snow on a gravel road or lift mulch or cut timber from a lawn.

[0044] In view of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments and modifications may exist within the scope and spirit of the present development. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by those skilled in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present development should be included as further embodiments of the present development. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A skid device attachable to a loader bucket, wherein when an accessory is attached to the loader bucket, a portion of the accessory extends forward of a front edge of the loader bucket, and the skid device includes a plurality of mounting holes for fixing the accessory to the front side of the bottom of the loader bucket, the skid device includes a base plate and a stop member; The base plate is a first portion having a slot extending in a front-to-rear direction of the base plate; a second section extending outwardly from the first section and angled upward; a third portion extending outwardly from the first portion and angled upward; the second portion and the third portion extend in opposite directions along the front-to-rear direction from the first portion; the stop member is disposed above the first portion adjacent to one of the second portion or the third portion and configured to abut against a tip portion of the loader bucket; a width of the slot is dimensioned such that a threaded shaft of a fastener passes through one of the mounting holes in the loader bucket from a bottom side of the first portion and prevents a head of the fastener, which is disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger than the threaded shaft, from passing completely through the slot; The length of the slot provides a fore-aft adjustment mechanism that allows the skid apparatus to be attached to the loader bucket regardless of whether the accessory is attached, so that the stop member abuts against the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is not attached to the loader bucket, or against a front edge of the accessory that extends forward of the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is attached to the loader bucket.

2. The skid apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the accessory is an edge plate.

3. the base plate is made of monolithic aluminum or steel; The skid apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first portion is thicker than each of the second portion and the third portion.

4. The skid apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a reinforcement portion extending upwardly from the first portion.

5. The skid device of claim 4 , wherein the stop member extends upwardly from the first portion or the reinforcement portion.

6. 2. The skid apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slot is stepped or countersunk to a depth greater than the thickness of the head of the fastener such that the head is at least flush with the bottom surface of the first portion.

7. 5. The skid apparatus of claim 4, wherein the reinforcement portion has a slot narrower than the slot in the first portion to allow the threaded shank of the fastener to extend therethrough but prevent the head of the fastener from penetrating therethrough.

8. The skid apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wear member removably secured to an underside of the base plate, the wear member having a configuration complementary to that of the base plate and covering a bottom surface of the base plate.

9. The skid unit of claim 5 , wherein the skid unit is mountable to the loader bucket with either the second portion or the third portion extending forward of the tip of the loader bucket.

10. an accessory mount extending from the first portion and the stop member; The skid apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a support member removably attachable to the accessory mount.

11. 11. The skid apparatus of claim 10, wherein the accessory mount includes a gazette plate having a notch that prevents the auxiliary member from pivoting upward when attached to the accessory mount.

12. A loader bucket having an accessory attached thereto, a portion of the accessory extending forward of a front edge thereof, the loader bucket including a plurality of mounting holes on the front side of the bottom thereof for securing the accessory; at least two skid devices each attached to the loader bucket via a fastener in one of the plurality of attachment holes in the loader bucket; each of the two skid devices includes a base plate and a stop member; The base plate is a first portion having a slot extending in a front-to-rear direction of the base plate; a second section extending outwardly from the first section and angled upward; a third portion extending outwardly from the first portion and angled upward; the second portion and the third portion extend in opposite directions along the front-to-rear direction from the first portion; the stop member is disposed above the first portion adjacent to one of the second portion or the third portion and configured to abut a tip portion of the loader bucket; a width of the slot is dimensioned to allow a threaded shaft of a fastener to pass through a bottom side of the first portion and one of the mounting holes in the loader bucket, and to prevent a head of a fastener disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger than the threaded shaft from passing completely through the slot; a length of the slot provides a fore-aft adjustment mechanism that allows the skid apparatus to be attached to the loader bucket regardless of whether the accessory is attached, such that the stop member abuts against the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is not attached to the loader bucket, or against the front edge of the accessory that extends forward of the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is attached to the loader bucket, the stop member abutting against the front edge of the accessory when the accessory is attached to the loader bucket.

13. The loader bucket assembly of claim 12 , wherein the accessory is an edge plate.

14. the base plate is made of monolithic aluminum or steel; The loader bucket assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first portion is thicker than each of the second portion and the third portion.

15. The loader bucket assembly of claim 12 further comprising a reinforcement portion extending upwardly from the first portion.

16. The loader bucket assembly of claim 15 , wherein the stop member extends upwardly from the first portion or the reinforcement portion.

17. 13. The loader bucket assembly of claim 12, wherein the slot is stepped or countersunk deeper than a thickness of the head of the fastener such that the head is at least flush with a bottom surface of the first portion.

18. 16. The loader bucket assembly of claim 15, wherein the reinforcement portion has a slot narrower than the slot in the first portion to allow the threaded shank of the fastener to extend therethrough but prevent the head of the fastener from penetrating therethrough.

19. The loader bucket assembly of claim 12 further comprising a wear member removably secured to an underside of the base plate, the wear member having a configuration complementary to that of the base plate and covering a bottom surface of the base plate.

20. A loader bucket assembly as described in claim 16, wherein the skid device is attachable to the loader bucket having the second part or the third part extending to the tip of the loader bucket.

21. 1. A method for attaching a skid device to a loader bucket, the method comprising the steps of: attaching an accessory to the loader bucket; a portion of the accessory extending forward of a front edge of the loader bucket; and attaching the accessory to a front side of a bottom side of the loader bucket; The method includes providing the skid device, the skid device including a base plate and a stop member; The base plate is a first portion having a slot extending in a front-to-rear direction of the base plate; a second section extending outwardly from the first section and angled upward; a third portion extending outwardly from the first portion and angled upward; the second portion and the third portion extend in opposite directions along the front-to-rear direction from the first portion; the stop member is disposed above the first portion adjacent to one of the second portion or the third portion and configured to abut a tip portion of the loader bucket; the width of the slot is dimensioned such that a threaded shaft of a fastener passes through one of the mounting holes of the loader bucket from the bottom side of the first portion and prevents a head of a fastener disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger than the threaded shaft from passing completely through the slot; the length of the slot provides a fore-aft adjustment mechanism that allows the skid device to be attached to the loader bucket regardless of whether the accessory is attached, so that the stop member abuts against a front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is not attached to the loader bucket, or a leading edge of the front edge of the accessory that extends forward of the front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is attached to the loader bucket; positioning the skid device under the loader bucket so that the first portion is under the loader bucket and the stop member is positioned adjacent to or abutting a tip of the loader bucket; aligning the slot with the mounting hole; Inserting the threaded shaft of the fastener through the slot and into the mounting hole; and fastening the skid device to the loader bucket by tightening a nut onto the threaded shaft with the stop member abutting the tip of the loader bucket.

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