FEL BUCKET QUESTION

[fih25]

I have had my bx1500 for 2+ years now, My question is regarding the FEL bucket. The leading/cutting edge of the bucket is starting to "rollover" some. What's best way to sharpen it? File it or grind it?

 

[JerryG]

Just use it until it is worn out and then have a new edge installed.

 

[teachdocs]

I use a flat bolt-on wear plate and swap that out with a toothbar when needed.
The wear plate gives me an extra 3-4 inches of loader lip capacity which really helps with moving large quantities of light material, such as mulch and dry dirt.
It eliminated wear on the FEL for snow removal.

 

[fih25]

Thanks for all of your input, however, the leading/cutting edge on my FEL is welded on.

 

[kevinj]

Thanks for all of your input, however, the leading/cutting edge on my FEL is welded on.

I just cut em out and weld in a new one. Put in a wider one to add more strength to the front. You can buy them in all sizes from a heavy equipment dealer.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

I have found that if I keep my bucket as flat as I can while still getting the job done, "rollover" is reduced. Keeping the bucket and edge flat will also lengthen the cutting edge's life because you are spreading the wear over a greater surface area.

In contrast, the more you angle the cutting edge perpendicular to your work, the greater the chance of the cutting edge of curling back at the edge. I have found this to be especially true on pavement.

I agree with the other posters by saying that you should just use the bucket and then have a new edge welded on.

 

[teachdocs]

Factory is a weld-on plate on BX series.
I have added a bolt on flat plate (similar to a tooth bar) that is readily available. This will protect the factory edge, give you extra capacity, and easily be replaced. Why bother with a new weld-on?

 

[Egon]

I had to replace the welded on cutting edge on my B7100 tractor. It was replaced with a much heavier one that I doubt I will ever be able to wear out. It has also really helped stiffen up the bucket.

For the smaller tractors I'd recommend a heavier cutting edge and also cutting edge welded to both sides of the bucket. Make for a very stiff bucket that should not develope a grin as some do.