Crooked bucket?

[KMA]

Are the LM buckets supposed to be slightly crooked when mounted on the machine? The bucket itself is fine, and it's actually the quick attach plate that isn't welded on straight. One side of the bucket is about an inch or two higher than the other... I verified all this with a level, so it isn't my lift arms or the garage floor. Here's a picture:

 

[Thomas]

Morning Kevin.
Are both front tires on the cement floor?...if one tire lower it might make the off set.

 

[KMA]

Morning Kevin.
Are both front tires on the cement floor?...if one tire lower it might make the off set.

Good morning Thomas.

Yes, they both are on the floor. I verified the quick attach plate is welded on crooked using a small level. The bucket itself is straight and true. I noticed it when it was mounted on the machine, and could see it sitting at an angle. At first I thought it was the lift arms, but again I verified they are fine using the level. I even used the level to check the floor for completeness. You can actually see the misalignment of the attachment plate when looking closely, it's a bit harder to notice since the length is much shorter than the bucket itself, and the problem is magnified when measured at the blade.

I also rechecked the bucket when it was removed from my 422.

Thanks,

 

[Beechwood]

Good morning Thomas.

Yes, they both are on the floor. I verified the quick attach plate is welded on crooked using a small level. The bucket itself is straight and true. I noticed it when it was mounted on the machine, and could see it sitting at an angle. At first I thought it was the lift arms, but again I verified they are fine using the level. I even used the level to check the floor for completeness. You can actually see the misalignment of the attachment plate when looking closely, it's a bit harder to notice since the length is much shorter than the bucket itself, and the problem is magnified when measured at the blade.

I also rechecked the bucket when it was removed from my 422.

Thanks,

Kevin; When I received my bucket the 2" cross support tube along the top of the bucket was bowed 1/2" toward the front of the bucket. I decided to keep it where it had no effect on the use of the bucket, But in your case the bucket is pretty much rendered useless for leveling and back grading. I would call Powertrac and have them send out a new one and get them to cover the freight costs to return the damaged bucket.

Beechwood

 

[BobRip]

Silly question, are the front tire pressures the same? From your description it does sound like the bucket.

 

[Barryh]

Kevin; When I received my bucket the 2" cross support tube along the top of the bucket was bowed 1/2" toward the front of the bucket. I decided to keep it where it had no effect on the use of the bucket, But in your case the bucket is pretty much rendered useless for leveling and back grading. I would call Powertrac and have them send out a new one and get them to cover the freight costs to return the damaged bucket.

Beechwood

I would have to agree with that. If the bucket is not level than it will be a major frustration when you really need to use it. I would have them make it right.

 

[Beechwood]

Kevin;
How did you make out with your bucket?. If I understood your post correctly your bucket was square and level but the attachment plate was welded on out of square to the bucket.

 

[KMA]

I emailed Scott and he thought it would be okay... but would look into what to do about it if I pressed futher. I emailed him from work and haven't logged back onto that PC (on vacation today and all next week). I have a feeling he would rather I live with it.

I've been so busy working with my PT, I haven't had much time for anything else. I have 7.5 hours on it already, and will need to do some scheduled maintenance very soon!

 

[Phils]

Pretty easy for Scott to "live with it".

Rather than shipping each way, what would it take to cut it and re-weld it in the proper position?

The box blade position would be more important, but I'd still want ALL the attachments to be aligned properly.

Phil

 

[Sedgewood]

Pretty easy for Scott to "live with it".

Rather than shipping each way, what would it take to cut it and re-weld it in the proper position?

Phil

Not much. I recently broke the top link tabs off my quick attach when the pin/bolt lost its nut and backed out. Twisted one tab right off it did and bent the other one. A trip to the local welder and a half hour later I had nice new tabs.


Sedgewood