Ripper

Sfrankland · Aug 5, 2013

I had built a ripper a few weeks ago to test the design. It worked perfectly but I needed some extra offset to my thumb so I sold it and built a new one.

The ripper itself is 1/2" plate with 1/4" plate welded to either side. I cut my initials in it to act as plug welds. I added a weld on tooth so I can replace it as need be. The top plate is 9" wide and 1/2" thick, the extra width protects the pins I use on the quick coupler. The plate on the back is 1/4" and was bent using a 30 Ton press. I have used the thumb to roll around some 2-3 ton rocks and it held up perfectly. It does a great job ripping up stumps and rocks as well.

Arc weld · Aug 6, 2013

It looks good . The only thing I would have done differently is put on an adapter for pin on forged teeth or slip on teeth like a grader scarifier uses. My skid steer has the crimp on style and they're a bit of a pain to replace but the biggest problem is the welded teeth will break and/or pull off once they wear. For a ripper you should flip the tooth over cause the top part (that goes on the adapter) will wear thin from facing the ground you're ripping. This is what will wear and cause it to spread apart. They go the way you have them for a front end loader bucket. I only have a 1300lb rated skid steer and have ripped and broken several teeth off. On a ripper I think you'd want a heavier duty tooth. Maybe you could beef the tooth up and hardface it?

mikehaugen · Aug 6, 2013

Is there an advantage to using 3 plates vs. a 1" plate or is it just what you had? Although the cut out letters make it look cool!

Sfrankland · Aug 6, 2013

Arc weld said:
It looks good . The only thing I would have done differently is put on an adapter for pin on forged teeth or slip on teeth like a grader scarifier uses. My skid steer has the crimp on style and they're a bit of a pain to replace but the biggest problem is the welded teeth will break and/or pull off once they wear. For a ripper you should flip the tooth over cause the top part (that goes on the adapter) will wear thin from facing the ground you're ripping. This is what will wear and cause it to spread apart. They go the way you have them for a front end loader bucket. I only have a 1300lb rated skid steer and have ripped and broken several teeth off. On a ripper I think you'd want a heavier duty tooth. Maybe you could beef the tooth up and hardface it?

I see what your saying about the tooth I will leave it as is and will keep an eye on it. When I replace it I will most likely make a new one instead of buying and was planning on beefier material. I had planned on hard facing the leading edge but don't have any rod right at the moment. Will most likely wait till the front cutting edge has had a chance to round over some before I do it.