I have noticed that my FEL bucket is bent on the cutting edge, the center touches the ground before the sides. It is a gradual bend, about 3/4 of an inch deflection, I tried to pull it straight by hooking a come along to the top of the bucket and ratcheting it into deflection the opposite way, when I relieved the pressure it just sprung back to where it was. Any one got any ideas on how I can get it flat again? I got my machine used, I don't know if it was like that when I got it, I assume that it is supposed to be flat.
how to make bucket cutting edge flat again
- Thread starter johann
- Start date
Egon
Epic Contributor
Add a little heat and it may stay in the position you have bent it too.
Best is to get a new much heavier cutting edge and weld it on. That would make a world of difference.
Best is to get a new much heavier cutting edge and weld it on. That would make a world of difference.
JJT
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
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- Upstate NY, USA
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- Kubota L3710 HST and a Kubota ZD21 60Pro
I have an 8" cutting edge from a skid steer bolted to my bucket. My dealer installed it 10+ years ago. 600+ hours later the edge still looks new and the bucket is straight. Another 30 years and I might need to flip that cutting edge. I'll be glad then that it's bolted on, instead of welded.
SPYDERLK
Super Star Member
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You will need a weed burner propane blow torch to get enuf heat to matter. You need a lot of force too. Be care to not bend the top of your bucket. Probably best to just leave it alone - or get the thicker edge as Egon said. The stock ones almost all get that way when you use them firmly ...Add a little heat and it may stay in the position you have bent it too.
Best is to get a new much heavier cutting edge and weld it on. That would make a world of difference.
larry
Egon
Epic Contributor
They cut off quite easily. Just requires a fellow that knows how to use a torch. When the cutting edge was cut off my Kubota there was just a nice straight edge after the cutting.
I am planning on sharing a tooth bar with a friend so I don't think that I can go thicker with the cutting edge, I will have to try the heat thing. mabe cut the edge off and flip that and re-weld it on? I guess this is not that uncommon a problem......
DanD78
Platinum Member
If you don't have the tools to do this at home a good welding shop should be able to fix you up. This is beyone the ability of most dealers.
Dan
Dan
tawilson
Platinum Member
If you can chain each end to a piece of steel, I used a trailer frame, then use a hydraulic jack in the middle you can get more force than with a comealong and not have to worry about bending the top of the bucket down. Just be aware things can shoot out.
petes
Silver Member
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- Dec 26, 2009
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- Bellingham, Washington
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I just straightened mine last weekend. I took the bucket off, flipped it over and blocked it so the cutting edge was level, then used chain hooks and chains to secure the ends of a beam (made of (2) 2x8's on edge with another 2x6 flat on the bottom) at either end of the bucket and used a hydraulic bottle jack in the middle to press the cutting edge back into shape. I had to go quite a bit beyond straight in order to allow for spring-back. Take it in small steps, relieving the pressure and checking to see how much more it needs to go rather than trying to do it in one shot.