Front-End Loader FEL bucket longevity?

[Egon]

Sensible, general use should still allow the bucket to last for decades.

Any bucket used sensibly in granular material will wear out!

 

[some zilch]

I work on lots of skid steers used in quarry environments, many with 3500+ hours on non-stop abuse in aggregate. I have never seen one of these need their bucket replaced.

 

[dangerdoc]

Thanks to both of you. Yeah I do plan to have a couple hooks to the bucket- would use them frequently.
I will look up a toothbar- haven't heard that mentioned yet. And the float feature is great for what I did today.
And I had no idea the cutting edge was replaceable- that's GREAT!

I have found that with teeth on a bucket, I have not needed the hooks.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Oh, I know Egon...I was just trying to reduce paranoia.

 

[Egon]

Maybe we should note that all buckets are not created equally. They may be made from different material for different types of work environment.

But wear out they will!

 

[scott_vt]

Happy Thanksgiving Dirtslinger2,
I bought my Massey used from a guy that used it for loading mulch onto trucks at his nursery. Unfortunately he would leave mulch in the bucket and when it got wet it would rust and rot the bucket after time ! I have welded numerous plates and patches onto the FEL and it still has some daylight showing through ! So what Im saying is that with a bit of care they will last forever. My loader tractor is 22 years old, although I wouldnt mind getting a replacement at some point ! As others have said allready, some reinforcing and paint can add years to your FELs' longevity !

 

[dqdave1]

If you plan on digging into the ground alot; toothbar is required. If you do not plan on digging with your bucket and just "scooping up piles of things, backdragging etc. you will not need a toothbar. If your bucket does not have a bolted on wear bar on it; get one put on. It will last for some time and when it is worn down to where it is flush with bucket; reverse it and you have a new bucket wear strip which should last as long as the other side. Keep bucket empty when not in use. Don't allow water, leaves etc. to gather and set in bucket when not in use and keep a coat of paint on it to preserve its life. It will get a little more slop in bushings etc. but that is normal. All buckets have slop , even when new to reduce bind.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a 5' Markham toothbar, I think the price 2 years ago was 250 or so, It hooks on the cutting edge of the bucket and the 2 bolts keep it from sliding out. Once you put it in and use it a little it will seat onto the lip and is very stable and secure.
Depending on what I am doing, I can put it in or pull it out in a few minutes. You will be amazed at how much the tooth bar improves your digging ability.
Mark

Yes, a removeable toothbar is great to have for digging and clearing. It can, however damage the places where it interlocks with the edge of the bucket if you use it hard with a lot of tractor behind it. On my 7520 the edge became dimpled in several places and ultimately broke clean thru during a hi force push at one of the stress risers this caused.
larry

 

[Egon]

and keep a coat of paint on it to preserve its life.

How often should one paint???

 

[GinNB]

Around here, once every 40 years to prolong their lives. Oldest tractor is about 38, so no painting has been done yet.