Comparing toothbars

[forester2]

I can only speak for the Markum that I have, but having a tooth bar on probably will not be conducive to scooping up stuff on blacktop. That being said, Jinman is right; for strength I wouldn't want my tooth bar mounted any other way. It's on for digging up nasty stuff.

 

[jinman]

My question is not really about grading, but picking up small piles off asphalt.
Would different teeth options help you get more of the pile or is picking up small piles no better with a flush mount tooth?

I think a grapple would be a lot easier to manipulate, but if that is not an option, flush-mount teeth might help. I really have no experience working on asphalt. I'd imagine a pile on asphalt is like trying to pick up a hockey puck on ice with your loader. It would take a lot of talent no matter what you use.

 

[ragkar]

Comparison:
JD toothbar - 126 pounds with six forks measuring 8 3/4" The bar width is exactly the same as the nominal interior of a bucket. So there is no allowance for the bumps of welds or irregular manufacturing. It's a bear to get on and off requiring prybars and a sledge hammer. Also the bolts are 'distressed' so that they require a good impact wrench to get off.

Markham - 73 pounds with six forks measuring 7 3/4" Markham makes this bar with a quarter inch of clearance and supplies standard thread bolts. It's lighter weight make it a lot easier to store.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I think it's important to have the teeth below the bucket because it normally adds strength to the cutting edge of the bucket and keeps individual teeth from twisting, particularly when you are using the teeth to scarify while going in reverse. However, your ability to backdrag nicely or spread materials evenly with the bucket lip is about completely destroyed with either type of teeth. Your options are to buy a second bucket without a toothbar (what I did since my loader is quick-tach) or take the toothbar off.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my toothbar. It's like fingers on a hand. Can you imagine using your hand with no fingers? I can rotate my bucket down or up so I can see the teeth and use them for all kinds of fine manipulation of anythings from stones to limbs. I can also say that completely smooth backdragging is possible with the heal of the bucket, but perfect backdragging is way overrated. I can't think of much where a few lines from toothbar teeth really matters.

I have to agree,
I have found that back dragging and purposely using the teeth as a rake helps distribute the dirt more evenly to get an even surface and then use the back side of the bucket if you want a surface without grooves in it.