Front loader bucket has some holes in it and might need welding?

[k0ua]

Got a quote from a local welder - $1100 - $1500. New bucket costs $1000.
Shopping for a stick welder now

If you contact Mark at Everlast, he will give you a TBN discount. they are advertisers here. Contact him personally.

 

[Big Barn]

Too late for the OP but I think if I were purchasing a new consumer / homeowner loader I would weld on appropriately placed wear bars before I put it to use.

A small investment now would most likely eliminate a larger and more difficult repair later.

 

[draku007]

Address not found
Your message wasn't delivered to mark@everlastwelders.com because the address couldn't be found, or is unable to receive mail.

Do you have his email or user name on the forum?

 

[not2old]

Once you've learned to weld it's not that hard to make a complete new bucket. I wanted a larger one to move snow. Cost me less than $300.

 

[draku007]

Looks great! Where do you buy the steel ?

 

[draku007]

Here is what I'm thinking to do with the bucket based on your recommendations. The bucket size is 59 x 12 (bottom plate BLUE) x 5 (the angle end YELLOW). I want to use 3/8 metal sheet 59 x 17 (12+5) and have my local steel supplier to bend the sheet to fit well the shape of the bucket. In addition to that I would weld 59x5x5 with the bend inside the bucket. My one concern is the 59" length of the sheet and I was thinking if splitting it in half would make more sense and would give the large sheet better grip.
I don't plan to take the bucket off the loader and will need to weld vertical/overhead.

 

[k0ua]

I would take the bucket off, even if it is a pin on, and set on saw horses. Vertical overhead welding is for pro's not beginners. Not even for me, as I am no pro but I am no beginner either.

I sent Mark a message. lets see if he shows up here. his screen name is Mark @ Everlast

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Thanks for the heads up k0ua. I think he just called me. I'll reply after I talk with him. btw my email is performance@everlastwelders.com

 

[Big Barn]

I agree with James. Take the time to remove the bucket. You can use the loader arms and a chain to flip the bucket into position for easier welding in the flat position.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Here is what I'm thinking to do with the bucket based on your recommendations. The bucket size is 59 x 12 (bottom plate BLUE) x 5 (the angle end YELLOW). I want to use 3/8 metal sheet 59 x 17 (12+5) and have my local steel supplier to bend the sheet to fit well the shape of the bucket. In addition to that I would weld 59x5x5 with the bend inside the bucket. My one concern is the 59" length of the sheet and I was thinking if splitting it in half would make more sense and would give the large sheet better grip.
I don't plan to take the bucket off the loader and will need to weld vertical/overhead.

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Clad it. Use one piece of 3/8" x 6 x 20 flat bar. Fill the seam with weld at the corner of the angle instead of having it bent, cut etc. The vertical bars are just using the remainder of the 20' stick to add a "skid" area that will match up to the cutting edge lip. Many heavy equipment buckets are like this, or done like this to extend the life of the bucket economically. The other stuff is too expensive imho.

This is a quick idea of what I am talking about. All of it is supposed to be the 3/8" by 6. Just weld it over it. Dont cut it out or replace it.