Toothbar tolerance

[Briarwood]

After reading the number of posts here on the advantages of a toothbar for my FEL, I ordered one giving my dealer the exact inside dimensions of the LA402 bucket on my B2710. When I got the custom made toothbar home to drill the holes to install it on my bucket, I found that I had a gap/space of 1/2" on each side between the bracket on the toothbar and the inside of the bucket. I expected the toothbar to have a tighter fit, closer tolerance. The overall length is 1" less than the length I gave the dealer. I have not been able to call the dealer to discuss it with him since it is the weekend, so I thought I would ask here first if I should have expected a closer fit. Should I just add a lot of washers or have some kind of spacer made or expect the dealer to replace the toothbar with one that has a closer fit? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Thought I would get some input before I call the dealer on Monday. I don't want to be unreasonable but I don't know what I should expect.
Your advice, please.
Briarwood

 

[Henro]

Mine is not a tight fit, but I bet there is less than a quarter inch space at each side...A half inch sounds excessive to me.

Mine has a little space on each side, but that pulls up tight when I tighten the bolts. You want some space on each side so you can slip it in and remove it easily.

I've attached a photo which may give you an idea of how a properly sized toothbar should fit. I have absolutely no problem taking it off and putting it back on. And there certainly is not a half inch space at each end.

Hope this helps...

 

[GaryM]

I have a Woods tooth bar an my JD 54" bucket. I gave the dealer the dimensions and the bar I got was within 1/4" of the size required. You're probably OK if you can sime the brackets to fit. If your bar fits tight over your bucket edge, the bolts are only for stability. most of the stress should be on the bucket edge.

Here's a picture of mine.

 

[Briarwood]

My toothbar looks exactly like GaryM's, but with 1/2" space on each side. Should I expect the dealer to oder another one with closer tolerance or should I be satisfied with what I have? What would any of you do?

 

[Hoeman00]

???? the dealer but some companies make them by the " so the round down to the next size.
A 1/4" too long will be a pain to install.
If u have to keep this one get some 1/2 CR strap and make single spacer blocks and weld on to the bar ,u might get dealer to do this for u, I know I would.

 

[Bird]

If it were me, I'd tell the dealer about it, but I wouldn't worry about it too much; I'd just put some thick washers for spacers on either side.

 

[JerryG]

Like Bird said, I would put some washers on it. It is better to have those two points loose than to have them to tight. If it gets rocks in it or the bucket gets warped, you can still get it on and off. If it was to tight you would be in a real jam.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Mine has about a 6-8 washer tolerance. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'd guess it to be somewhere between 1/2" and 3/4" and it's fine. If mine were an inch or longer I'd just use some more washers. It's no big deal, really. The only thing those bolts do is keep your toothbar from coming off. They don't endure any stress or torque in normal use.

One thing I'll suggest you do when you install your toothbar is to install the bolts from the outside of your bucket inward. You'll have less to catch your ankle on when you walk around your bucket that way. If your nut doesn't completely cover your bolt threads put a second nut on so they're covered. That way your threads won't get damaged and you can easily remove and reinstall your toothbar when you choose. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Junkman]

I always use Neversieze on all bolts and I know that they will come off the next time. The double nutting is also good way to protect the exposed threads. On bolts that are not exposed to abrasion, I spray them with Cosmoline to keep them from rusting. I spray all natural finished lines with it also, especially at the end where the nuts are located. It is a bear to remove a rusted tubing nut and this solves the problem. It also protects them from the corrosive effects of the elements of winter........ SALT!!!!

 

[bher]

No problem, yours is exactly like mine. My bucket is 60" and the toothbar is 59" I added washers.