Heavy toothbar w/cutting edge vs. Piranha question from new owner

ProjectKing · Jul 21, 2017

DanHen said:
back story, I ordered a toothbar with my L-47 TLB but somehow the salesman didn't get it ordered and there were none in stock when I picked the machine up. He was kind enough to give me a 72" non brand specific toothbar (no charge) that was in stock. It fits the bucket, however, it's designed to be used with a 3/4" cutting edge on the bottom of the bucket. Without the cutting edge it's sort of whopperjawed sitting in the bucket but would probably work. So far I can not find a bolt on cutting edge with the same hole pattern thats on my bucket, which seems to measure at 6-1/4" oc. Additionally the least expensive I've found is from Titan for about $150, and then I'd have to drill the holes myself. Not exactly looking forward to drilling through 3/4" hard steel....

So my question is, is there a better solution for the cutting edge, or should I nix that idea and just go with the Piranha I've read so much about? My machine is pretty heavy duty but it's only for use around my property and one of the main tasks will be clearing about 6 acres of scrub. No heavy duty construction jobs or serious digging.

Opinions appreciated, this seemingly simple problem is giving me fits.

I highly recommend the Piranha tooth bar. It makes digging much easier and grabs saplings and rips them out. I also have a Ratchet Rake. If I could only buy one the Piranha would be the best choice hands down!

JOHNTHOMAS · Jul 22, 2017

ProjectKing said:
I highly recommend the Piranha tooth bar. It makes digging much easier and grabs saplings and rips them out. I also have a Ratchet Rake. If I could only buy one the Piranha would be the best choice hands down!

Thanks alot!!!!:confused3: You may have just cost me another $300+ for a Piranha for my L3901. My RR does not grab the saplings and pull them out but peels them as it slides over them and then they flip back up as I go by.

I bought the L3901 with jerking 2" to 3" saplings out of the ground as one of the main needs. You saying the Piranha will do that when the RR won't?

ProjectKing · Jul 22, 2017

JOHNTHOMAS said:
Thanks alot!!!!:confused3: You may have just cost me another $300+ for a Piranha for my L3901. My RR does not grab the saplings and pull them out but peels them as it slides over them and then they flip back up as I go by. I bought the L3901 with jerking 2" to 3" saplings out of the ground as one of the main needs. You saying the Piranha will do that when the RR won't?

Yes I've had good results with it pulling out honey suckle, etc. It bites into the tree or bush. I need to make a video of it sometime soon!

JOHNTHOMAS · Jul 22, 2017

ProjectKing said:
Yes I've had good results with it pulling out honey suckle, etc. It bites into the tree or bush. I need to make a video of it sometime soon!

My RR does the scrub stuff like honeysuckle and water sprouts, weeds, trash stuff but not the 2" to 3" poplar. maple hickory walnut trees that are about 6' to 10' tall. Those are what are causing my issue. Are the teeth of the Pirinha that sharp to slice into a tree and grab it? Sharper than the RR? I've thought about sharpening a few of the teeth on the RR to see if they would grab or just peel the tees easier.

ProjectKing · Jul 22, 2017

JOHNTHOMAS said:
My RR does the scrub stuff like honeysuckle and water sprouts, weeds, trash stuff but not the 2" to 3" poplar. maple hickory walnut trees that are about 6' to 10' tall. Those are what are causing my issue. Are the teeth of the Pirinha that sharp to slice into a tree and grab it? Sharper than the RR? I've thought about sharpening a few of the teeth on the RR to see if they would grab or just peel the tees easier.

Yes they are very sharp. Like a chisel. The teeth will either pull tree out or slice it off.

antlers125 · Jul 22, 2017

If your considering a Piranha bar, here is a DIY link. I just finished 1 myself. Just need to weld & install. Being I already had the tools, total cost was about $25.00.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/310891-cheap-diy-tooth-bar.html

JOHNTHOMAS · Jul 22, 2017

ProjectKing said:
Yes they are very sharp. Like a chisel. The teeth will either pull tree out or slice it off.

Thanks. I guess I'll try one. It's only money.

ProjectKing · Jul 22, 2017

JOHNTHOMAS said:
Thanks. I guess I'll try one. It's only money.

Will be interesting to see what you think. Make sure you call them when you order. They are made to fit your bucket.

JOHNTHOMAS · Jul 23, 2017

ProjectKing said:
Will be interesting to see what you think. Make sure you call them when you order. They are made to fit your bucket.

They have the different sizes/widths on their site where I got the price for the one for my L3901 but I'll call if I order. I got to thinking about my Rip and Dig Rip and Dig maybe being good for popping out the small trees better and then got to wondering if the Rip and Dig will fit over the Pirinha installed on the bucket. What do you think?

jbjlock26 · Jul 23, 2017

I bought the Piranha for my BX as I didn't want to do all the drilling to add the cutting edge. As someone here said it's like adding horsepower when it comes to digging. It also improves the ability to clear brush and doesn't hinder back dragging. Two holes to drill; very straightforward. I'm pleased. John in PA