72" Piranha Tooth Bar Install and Review!

[Poopdeck Pappy]

As an old mechanic, I bolted mine in from the outside because the outside takes the abuse. I haven't used my bucket very much, but I did make a video.

I did the same thing but mainly because I didn't want to be banging my knee or ankle on that exposed nut and bolt sticking out there.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Edit: Duplicate post

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

If you post some pics of your problem I'll offer some solution on how to fix. (0:

PapaPerk: My property and tractor are a couple of hours away. I don't have any pics to post and probably won't be back there until after Christmas. My issue is similar to yours (see last picture in your original post) except that my mounting hole is even closer to to the reinforcement bar than yours. I tried drilling the hole with a step drill bit, but the bit would catch and about break my arm when it contacted the raised bar. Not fun.

Raised on a Deere: I may resort to your solution of just bolting it on crooked (maybe with a 1/2" bolt). Beauty is not the goal, just utility.

Eric the Oracle: You had way too much fun making that video. I can't wait until I can use my PTB and have fun as well.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

TN, when you do get around to using it you'll love it. I'm planning on getting a 6 footer for my Ford 3930 as well. This way I can have double the fun looking for the pots of gold.

 

[dragoneggs]

I haven't advocated more about any aftermarket product than the PTB. In fact I started two threads dedicated to the PTB because it has just been fantastic.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/284670-piranha-tooth-bar.html?highlight=
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/319107-what-does-bx-ptb.html?highlight=

 

[PapaPerk]

PapaPerk: My property and tractor are a couple of hours away. I don't have any pics to post and probably won't be back there until after Christmas. My issue is similar to yours (see last picture in your original post) except that my mounting hole is even closer to to the reinforcement bar than yours. I tried drilling the hole with a step drill bit, but the bit would catch and about break my arm when it contacted the raised bar. Not fun.

Raised on a Deere: I may resort to your solution of just bolting it on crooked (maybe with a 1/2" bolt). Beauty is not the goal, just utility.

Eric the Oracle: You had way too much fun making that video. I can't wait until I can use my PTB and have fun as well.

You have a few option. Use a cut off wheel in a grinder and trim back the reinforcement, use a Allen head cap screw that has a smaller diameter head than a hex head, make a clearance hole using a hole saw (use longer center drill to support then let hole saw cut a nice radius into bar. Trim cut out with cutoff wheel resulting in a half circle in reinforcement.

Last option is to extend the support bar on the tooth bar.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

You have a few option. Use a cut off wheel in a grinder and trim back the reinforcement, use a Allen head cap screw that has a smaller diameter head than a hex head, make a clearance hole using a hole saw (use longer center drill to support then let hole saw cut a nice radius into bar. Trim cut out with cutoff wheel resulting in a half circle in reinforcement.

Last option is to extend the support bar on the tooth bar.

For what it is worth, I simply used an Ivan multi-hole bit on my 14.4 Panasonic drill and free-handed the holes after indexing with a center punch. Maybe a minute to drill each hole using an oil can. Since the tooth bar's holes are slotted, for an epic tight fit over another bolt-on bar, I first mounted the piranha bar, then forced the bucket down on its edge picking up the front wheels, and then tightened up the hardware. Seems to me, I used self-locking nuts.

 

[PapaPerk]

For what it is worth, I simply used an Ivan multi-hole bit on my 14.4 Panasonic drill and free-handed the holes after indexing with a center punch. Maybe a minute to drill each hole using an oil can. Since the tooth bar's holes are slotted, for an epic tight fit over another bolt-on bar, I first mounted the piranha bar, then forced the bucket down on its edge picking up the front wheels, and then tightened up the hardware. Seems to me, I used self-locking nuts.

Yes but he needs to cut through the bucket reinforcement. Step drill will have trouble with this. He basically needs a half hole counterbore in the reinforcement.

 

[davrow]

Took me awhile to get a pic of my piranha bolt on my Kioti CK27:


Drilled from inside. Could not use step bit. Mine was far enough inside the reinforcement that, although the bolt shows, it did not cant when installed.

edit to add: had to buy longer bolts, of course. as long as buying new bolts, went to grade 8.

 

[newbury]

PapaPerk: My property and tractor are a couple of hours away. I don't have any pics to post and probably won't be back there until after Christmas. My issue is similar to yours (see last picture in your original post) except that my mounting hole is even closer to to the reinforcement bar than yours. I tried drilling the hole with a step drill bit, but the bit would catch and about break my arm when it contacted the raised bar. Not fun.
<snip>

If you read my post (#99) I had the same problem drilling the reinforcement, used several cobalt drill bits starting at 1/8 and going up to 1/2, plenty of oil and the "drill press".
The slot should be long enough so you can get entirely within the reinforcement for a flat mount.

 

[qlizard]

Hello all,
First of all thanks to all who have posted in this informative thread. I actually do not own a tractor, I have a skid steer (Case 1840) which I just bought used. Hopefully y'all don't mind me posting here since this has been the most useful thread on the subject I have found.

Since the smooth bucket is useless for digging, I have been researching all these toothbars. I had settled on a normal tooth variety till I ran across these multiple threads on the PTB. I am in central Texas with lots of compacted dirt, rocks, and limestone. But I also have lots of cedar to clear, and this would be definitely better for that.

My question is, do you think there is anything different I need to consider using this on a skid steer vs all the comments here about it on tractors? Digging in the rocky dirt is my main need, and if regular teeth would definitely be better on a skid then I would probably need to go that way.

thanks!

 

[davrow]

The PTB turns a straight blade bucket into a good digger. Comparatively. Compact and Subcompact tractors are not great diggers to begin with, so it makes an enormous difference. The Piranha is also great for brush clearing type duties.

But on a skid steer? I'd go with real teeth. They'll dig even better than the Piranha, I think.

 

[Bud Soda]

Got one on my small tractor. Works great. Wish the metal was hardened.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

qlizard, for digging out cedars with a skid steer, I'd recommend a stump grapple. Unlike a tractor, the skid steer gives you the advantage of sitting right on top of the action and being able to see what your bucket (or the grapple) is doing. You can dig in and pop out those lateral roots, then move and pop out some more, and then use the grapple to push the tree over, and then use the grapple to lift the tree up and rip any remaining roots out of the ground.

For your bucket, I'd probably recommend a regular toothbar on a skid steer.

 

[qlizard]

Thank you! Sounds like great advice.

 

[BufordBoone]

I ordered a Piranha Tooth bar, based on all the good comments here.

Unfortunately, it didn't fit when I got it. There are lots of different buckets out there. The measurements were correct but neither of us knew (or realized) that my bucket had a hump in it (it's a 4-n-1) that would require the ears of the toothbar to be higher than if the hump was not there.

Fortunately, the manufacturer is one that stands by his product.

They offered to have it shipped back, modified and returned to me. I asked if they would rather reimburse me for a local welder to modify it (I figured the shipping would cost at least $100). They told me how much they were willing to spend.

My local welder was $5 higher than the limit but I figured I didn't mind having a little "skin" in the game. I've sent them a copy of the invoice and asked that they reimburse me for the modification, but only up to what we had agreed upon.

I'm very happy with the toothbar, more happy with the customer service.

Purchase from these folks with confidence.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That's really good to hear, and it doesn't surprise me in the least that Harry handled the situation right. He is a stand-up guy with a quality product. You will be very happy with your Piranha now that it's ready to go.

 

[BufordBoone]

And, I've just received an email from Harry that he refunded me the total amount on my credit card. That's going "above and beyond".

Yes, people, buy from them with confidence. I know I'll be recommending them as often as possible.

Harry, if you read this, Thank you!

 

[PapaPerk]

Hello all,
First of all thanks to all who have posted in this informative thread. I actually do not own a tractor, I have a skid steer (Case 1840) which I just bought used. Hopefully y'all don't mind me posting here since this has been the most useful thread on the subject I have found.

Since the smooth bucket is useless for digging, I have been researching all these toothbars. I had settled on a normal tooth variety till I ran across these multiple threads on the PTB. I am in central Texas with lots of compacted dirt, rocks, and limestone. But I also have lots of cedar to clear, and this would be definitely better for that.

My question is, do you think there is anything different I need to consider using this on a skid steer vs all the comments here about it on tractors? Digging in the rocky dirt is my main need, and if regular teeth would definitely be better on a skid then I would probably need to go that way.

thanks!

What is the operating weight of your skid steer? I'm not sure how well the PTB will hold up to rocks. It is very tough but for pure rock digging the replaceable std points on a skid steer bucket maybe better. The PTB will certainly rip out cedars better than the std tooth bar.

How large are the rocks? If they are softball size or smaller I would give the PTB a try. It slices through dirt much better than a standard tooth bar. You can always resharpen the PTB if the teeth get dinged up. Or simply back dragging the bucket will restore the edge on the teeth.

 

[dragoneggs]

And, I've just received an email from Harry that he refunded me the total amount on my credit card. That's going "above and beyond". Yes, people, buy from them with confidence. I know I'll be recommending them as often as possible. Harry, if you read this, Thank you!

Jeez... Harry's company is great. I have purchased several items and extremely happy with all of them. If it was me, I'd pay him for the product though if you are keeping it since he is making it right.