Bucket is damaged. Get new one or just bottom plate?

64 CASE 530 · Jul 30, 2017

The front bucket on my new to me 64 Case 530 is damaged. The bottom plate is bent under on one side which makes it impossible to set the bucket flat on the ground. It's difficult to pick stuff up cleanly. Should I try to find a used in good shape bucket or just replace the bottom plate? I suppose a metal worker could probably fix it.

boomer1025 · Jul 30, 2017

Depends on how soon you want to use the loader. Check around for a good use bucket might take some time. Or take it to a welding shop have the damaged section cut out and replaced.
The choice is yours.

Egon · Jul 30, 2017

Fix it. Weld a new bottom over the old one.

k0ua · Jul 30, 2017

The hand of man can set anew, that which he hath destroyed. Well most of the time anyway. At least when it comes to machinery. I say fix it. A photo would go a long way to helping reinforce that analysis. It is amazing what you can fix with the proper tools. What may look like a near impossible job to one person is probably a "no big deal, do it every day all day" kind of thing for someone else with tools and experience.

64 CASE 530 · Jul 31, 2017

Thank You guys. I'll either take it to a shop or see if I have a neighbor with some welding skills.

9973720wb19 · Jul 31, 2017

buy a new one...there! you just wanted someone to tell you to buy a new so it don't feel as bad

sixdogs · Jul 31, 2017

9973720wb19 said:
buy a new one...there! you just wanted someone to tell you to buy a new so it don't feel as bad

Lots of wisdom there to buy a new one. Fixing with a new plate would do the trick but it won't "feel" as good as a new or gently used one. Keep your eyes open since a lot of buckets are interchangeable.

JRobyn · Jul 31, 2017

I have the blessing of having a really good local weld/fab shop. They could cut out the bent section, weld in a replacement, grind down the welds and repaint it and you would never know it was ever bent or even repaired. All at a pretty reasonable cost. Ask around at a heavy equipment operation near you who they would recommend. Heavy equipment (especially grading/clearing) needs repairs like this all the time.

newbury · Jul 31, 2017

k0ua said:
The hand of man can set anew, that which he hath destroyed. Well most of the time anyway. At least when it comes to machinery. I say fix it. A photo would go a long way to helping reinforce that analysis. It is amazing what you can fix with the proper tools. What may look like a near impossible job to one person is probably a "no big deal, do it every day all day" kind of thing for someone else with tools and experience.

Yup, just get out the old Bronson rock and pound it back into shape

jenkinsph · Jul 31, 2017

I would probably use a large rose bud torch to heat the area and flatten it out. If it is really bad and thin I would cut a new bottom for it. Should be much cheaper than replacing the entire bucket. You can do a search for the bucket and see what comes up but shipping cost will likely be more than the cost of repairing the old one.