Front-End Loader Bxpanded piranha tooth bar

[RAM4171]

The instructions for the PTB say to use a couple c-clamps to hold the tooth bar flush up against the bucket while marking and drilling the holes on the side of the bucket. If you clamp it per the instructions, do the clamps draw it up flush with the bottom edge of the bucket? If so, then do that and mark the holes and drill them.

If so, then there could be a bit of a weld where the cleat is welded to the tooth bar that is keeping the bar from sitting flush. Pull it off the bucket and check that. If that's the problem, a quick swipe with an angle grinder should fix it up.

Yeah I beat it pretty good with a 2lb dead blow. the issue is the cleats go higher and forward toward the middle of the bar. thanks for the input.

 

[RAM4171]

My one time experience was the the PTB was straight and true. No doubt that your results may vary but don't be too quick to say the PTB is off. Did you true and square your bucket? Regardless, you are expecting a glove fit... but we all know a little persuasion is key. Good luck.

I did not not true and square the bucket, but it brand new. A visual eyeball down the edge of the bar reveals the cleats are not in line with each other. Thanks.

 

[RAM4171]

Thanks for all of the input. I will grind a little on the outer cleats to allow the middle cleats to seat flush before drilling my new bucket in the morning. This should allow the bar to sit flush all the way across. I was expecting a glove fit, but I'm learning that trucks and tractors are definitely not the same when it comes to fit and finish, LOL. Thanks for all of the input I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

 

[check]

Thanks for all of the input. I will grind a little on the outer cleats to allow the middle cleats to seat flush before drilling my new bucket in the morning. This should allow the bar to sit flush all the way across. I was expecting a glove fit, but I'm learning that trucks and tractors are definitely not the same when it comes to fit and finish, LOL. Thanks for all of the input I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Good luck to you. Mine fits perfectly, so it does seem did your welds are just a bit off.

 

[drizler]

My one time experience was the the PTB was straight and true. No doubt that your results may vary but don't be too quick to say the PTB is off. Did you true and square your bucket? Regardless, you are expecting a glove fit... but we all know a little persuasion is key. Good luck.

Mine was a perfect fit across the bucket too. I did bend the side ears like they said and belted in place with a 3 lb hammer and some scrap 2x4 to seat it well .

 

[RAM4171]

Well it's raining all day here and I don't have a shop to work in, so looks like I won't get anything done until tomorrow. I'll pull a string across the tooth bar to show what I mean about the cleats being out of alignment.

 

[fried1765]

I have been trying to decide between the Piranha Bar and the Ratchet Rake.
Your Piranha fit looks quite poor to me, so I am now leaning to the Ratchet Rake.
I know that the two tools do not provide equal function, but they can be used for some similar tasks.
I like stuff that fits!

 

[atsah]

I have one of these and I would say that yours was manufactured incorrectly, if it were mine, I would send it back..

 

[RAM4171]

Well I got out this afternoon in the rain and all to take a closer look. It appears as though the mounting brackets are set back just a little bit further than the rest of the cleats. I think about 10 minutes with a grinder and cut off wheel will solve the issue, and maybe one or two of the cleats. I will post some before and after pics. If I can make adjustments to get a proper fit in less than an hour it will be worth not sending it back. The hassel of re-boxing and taking it into town to send it back would be a real pain.

 

[npalen]

The cutting edge on my old bucket straightened up considerably after forcing the PIRANHA tooth bar in place. It is stronger than the cutting edge.