Buying a new Branson

[Cougsfan]

I have read about these all soot blower problems since I bought my tractor 2-1/2 years ago. I have been expecting to have them, and have decided to gut the soot cooker when and if it ever plugs. But it hasn't ever plugged in nearly 400 hrs. I run the tractor at whatever rpm is required. Sometimes that is only 1500 rpm but usually around 2,000 rpm and seldom at 2500 rpm. My winters are probably similar to Hombre's but warmer than Slowpoke's. Every once in a while when I first start the tractor the soot cooker light comes on for just a few seconds but always goes right back off. I don't know if I am lucky or what, but the soot blower isn't an issue I loose any sleep over, and I know Hombre's solution when and if it plugs.
I always use the e position on the PTO, and my PTO is mostly used to power a 6' brush hog in fairly heavy brush

 

[Texb]

 

[Texb]

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Hey congrats man. Looks like you got a good start on implements too. Now the fun begins... thinking of all those projects you can do for yourself now.

I see you have the backhoe off already. Hmmm, I may need to borrow that from you sometime.

 

[Texb]

On the bucket . BL200. It has pre drilled holes.
Is there a specific tooth bar? That fits it?

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I think those are for individual bolt on teeth, not necessarily a bolt on "tooth bar".

 

[LouNY]

I was under the impression that the holes were for a bolt on cutting edge.
If you are going to use the bucket hard a replaceable bolt on cutting edge will increase the life of your bucket as well as help to keep the bottom of the bucket from getting bowed.
I didn't add one to mine and knew I should have, now the bucket has a bit of a bow and the factory cutting edge has some pretty good dimples in it.

 

[ericm979]

I put a Pirhana bar on mine. It required drilling two holes.

 

[Branson Bob]

I put a Pirhana bar on mine. It required drilling two holes.

I use my FEL bucket to scoop dirt, gravel, wood chips etc. I also occasionally use it to scrape off shrubs.

Is there any downside to having the Piranha Tooth Bar?

Will having one extend the life of my bucket?

 

[ericm979]

Downsides: if you leave the bucket up and walk into it you'll be sorry. If you accidentally drop the bucket when crossing your driveway it'll take a much larger gouge out of the driveway. I take it off when I'm moving built up leaves off the paved road so it does not dig in to high spots in the pavement and rip out pieces.

OTOH it improves the digging abilities and is much better than a regular bucket at pulling up brush. It should extend the life of the bucket edge as it's taking the wear.