Front-End Loader New Bucket or Tooth Bar

[RNeumann]

I want a bucket with teeth. I'm seeing new buckets for about $400 bucks and another $200 for bolt on teeth. I also am seeing these tooth bars that bolt onto the side of the bucket and span across the front edge. Those are about $350. I bring up cost because they are close enough in price I can do either. I'm assuming the bolt on teeth is the strongest most dependable style. So with that I have a few questions-

The tooth bars look like they may get damaged back dragging- has this happened you or have you been happy with your tooth bar?

If you have an aftermarket bucket- which one and do you recommend it?

Do you have another option that you would recommend?

Thx

 

[ovrszd]

I'm assuming you have a SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) setup on your FEL?

If so, you might consider looking for a used Skid Steer bucket. They normally are built with reinforced teeth embedded into the apron of the bucket. Very strong.

I bought a used Bobcat 6 foot Lo-Pro toothed bucket in very good condition for $600. No comparison to the strength of an FEL bucket. Almost indestructible.

 

[atsah]

I find the bolt on tooth bar to be best for me because I take it off in the fall and put it back on in the spring. Tooth bars are good for some things and not for others.. I also use clamp on bucket folks now and then and they wont work with a tooth bar installed.. I have a Piranha tooth bar..

 

[RNeumann]

I'm assuming you have a SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) setup on your FEL?

If so, you might consider looking for a used Skid Steer bucket. They normally are built with reinforced teeth embedded into the apron of the bucket. Very strong.

I bought a used Bobcat 6 foot Lo-Pro toothed bucket in very good condition for $600. No comparison to the strength of an FEL bucket. Almost indestructible.

Great advise!!!! Yes it's a SSQA and I need something in the 60" range which would be about right.

 

[teg]

I got my WR Long tooth bar for $100 on Craig's list but I had to cut and fit it to my bucket. You can NOT damage a tooth bar, they are strong. By the way, if you back drag, you should use the heal of the bucket.

I like being able to remove it (smooth cut) but I keep it on most of the time.

 

[RNeumann]

I find the bolt on tooth bar to be best for me because I take it off in the fall and put it back on in the spring. Tooth bars are good for some things and not for others.. I also use clamp on bucket folks now and then and they wont work with a tooth bar installed.. I have a Piranha tooth bar..

So if money is no object would you buy the Piranha setup again or have a second bucket with teeth?

 

[NC419N]

If money was no object get a new 4 in one bucket with teeth they are awesome!! But I love my Piranha bolt on

 

[jerrybob]

If money was no object get a new 4 in one bucket with teeth they are awesome!! But I love my Piranha bolt on

I agree......I have had a Piranha bolt on for several years. I never remove it. Have cleared lots of blackberrys and small trees......also have dug out the side of a hill with it. Well made product.

 

[RNeumann]

Yes I understand the 4 in 1. Looked very closely at those and have used them in the past. I even went to the trouble to get a true third function installed so I can lift curl and squeeze at the same time. I have a grapple, box blade and don't need to pick up piles in tight areas- so I can't really justify it. The dozer blade would be nice but I'm hoping a tooth bar will do what I need. I'm also not willing to lose a few hundred pounds of lifting capacity to add one at this point.
I want to clear a few heavily treed and sloped acres into a nice flattish open area. I'm assuming the project will take a few years at my pace. I also want to install landscaping. Outside of those projects I will be doing driveway maintenance on a routine basis.
My point with that response was (and I probably didn't word it well) would you rather have an extra bucket around- one with and one without teeth. I'm seeing some folks take the teeth off implying they do tasks that don't need the tooth bar. What are those tasks?
Are folks with tooth bars saying to themselves- it would be easier to have two buckets because they would switch back and forth. Or are they saying- what a waste I never take it off.
Another issue I have is my bucket has a round back with no "back edge" added for back dragging. I see the CA Attachment buckets have the nice back edge and I'm assuming I could add an edge to mine with a little angle iron.
Thanks for the advice so far. Keep it coming!

 

[ovrszd]

I'm a two bucket guy. Smooth lip bucket is larger with greater capacity. Use it when moving light material of backdragging such as applying gravel to a drive. Use the tooth bucket for heavy work.