72" Piranha Tooth Bar Install and Review!

[PapaPerk]

Well I finally got around to installing my new BXPanded Piranha tooth bar on my Kubota L3830 with 6' bucket. I'm including pics of the install.

Install was fairly simple. I put the bar on the bucket, traced the hole with a scratch awl and then center punched for drilling. I drill pilot hole with 3/16" twist drill. Cut like butter. Then drilled 3/4" hole with a hole saw I had laying around. Worked well too.

The only issue I had with install was the bolt holes were very close to the reinforced corners of the bucket. Luckily I only had to trim a small amount of weld and metal to allow for the bolt head clearance.

I also tried to install my rachet rake over the tooth bar. Did not work. To use the RR I'll have to remove the tooth bar.

Here's the pics!

 

[PapaPerk]

I tested the Piranha out on a dirt pile. Really digs in! I can run in 2wd and still get a full bucket. It's slices into the pile.

Also tested removing honeysuckle bushes. I was very impressed how the bar grabs the bushes and rips them out by the roots. Makes quick work of the invasive beasts!

I've not had much time with the bar to do much testing. However I'm impressed with fit and finish of bar and overall rugged build. And company was great to deal with! So far I highly recommend the bar. I think is superior over a standard tooth bar with points. At least in dirt, sod, and brush.

 

[square1]

Please excuse a dumb question from a rookie land clearer. What advantage is there to mounting a Piranha AND Ratchet Rake. I thought Ratchet Rake was like two Piranhas at 90 degree angles (one out, the other down) to each other Mind you, I've seen neither in real life

 

[MESSMAKER]

Please excuse a dumb question from a rookie land clearer. What advantage is there to mounting a Piranha AND Ratchet Rake. I thought Ratchet Rake was like two Piranhas at 90 degree angles (one out, the other down) to each other Mind you, I've seen neither in real life

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[PapaPerk]

Please excuse a dumb question from a rookie land clearer. What advantage is there to mounting a Piranha AND Ratchet Rake. I thought Ratchet Rake was like two Piranhas at 90 degree angles (one out, the other down) to each other Mind you, I've seen neither in real life

No problem! The Piranha is a tooth bar. The RR is a rake. The RR cannot be used for digging. Works really well at tearing brush out and making seedbeds etc. It is also excellent at regrading gravel drives!!!

The Piranha seems to do well at ripping out brush as well... Only thing is it will want to dig into the ground if you put too much pressure down.

 

[polarred21]

Good looking install.

I was wondering how these tooth bars with only 2 bolts work for dragging in reverse, looks like the bar might flex out in the middle?

 

[square1]

No problem! The Piranha is a tooth bar. The RR is a rake. The RR cannot be used for digging. Works really well at tearing brush out and making seedbeds etc. It is also excellent at regrading gravel drives!!!

The Piranha seems to do well at ripping out brush as well... Only thing is it will want to dig into the ground if you put too much pressure down.

Thanks for the info, looks like RR would do what I need. God forbid I get my hands on something that will dig holes

 

[PapaPerk]

Thanks for the info, looks like RR would do what I need. God forbid I get my hands on something that will dig holes

What are you doing exactly?

 

[PapaPerk]

Good looking install.

I was wondering how these tooth bars with only 2 bolts work for dragging in reverse, looks like the bar might flex out in the middle?

The bar is supported by tabs along the bucket edge... So it cannot flex. It would only flex if the bucket does. In fact it strengthens the buckets edge. The bar is very thick steel around 5/8" to 3/4" I believe. My size tractor will certainly not damage it.

Bolts are 5/8" so they should have no problem secure bar in place.

 

[square1]

What are you doing exactly?

Mostly clearing ~20 years worth of dead / wind fall & neglect from ~20 acres of woods. I liked the RR website stump removal demo, though the stump looked a little "aged" in the video. Not sure how well it will work on a fresh green rooted stump.