how many teeth for a front end bucket?

Groo · Dec 12, 2011

The old Kubota doesn't get used for snow removal at all these days (a truck plow has usurped it, and it stays on the farm property) and I have some 1/4" steel that I need to practice spray arc welding with. I've been doing a 5"x2" strip for the teeth, with a 1" (to 1.5")x8" backer to reinforce and tie into the bucket. I've been water quenching the tips. I know they wont last like commercial ones, but they are "free". If I like them enough, I can get the good ones when these wear out.

How many teeth will I need for the bucket? (4 or 5' wide)
anything I should be doing differently?

petes · Dec 15, 2011

I don't have much time on my newly-built toothbar (see thread in build-it-yourself section), but I went with 5 teeth on a 40" bucket and it feels about right. It made an amazing difference in being able to get a full load of compost into the bucket every time. I can hardly wait to try digging up some sod and dirt with it and tearing out some blackberries.

Gary Fowler · Dec 15, 2011

Just do a search for tooth bars for your size and copy the pattern. One on each side and about every 12" apart is about standard spacing. Adjust for uniformity as required for your width

Groo · Dec 15, 2011

Well, I went with 10" spacing. I think the 5" teeth were a bit long. 3" would have probably been better.
This was my first major welding project. I think it will be one of those things I cringe at everytime I see it, but never be able to justify redoing.

brewdog · Dec 15, 2011

Here's a photo of my 72" bucket that has 8 teeth on the bar.

Gary Fowler · Dec 15, 2011

I havent paid lots of attention to the tooth length, but I would say they are 4-5" long, so yours should be about right. Are you making it on a removable flatbar like the fabricated ones? They seem to be welded to a grader blade and mine have replaceable teeth. Ive had it on for about 3 years and moved a lot of dirt and rock, back dragging a lot and no wear of consequence. Some folks build thier own and just use CS plate and actually one place up north sells one with just plain CS welded on teeth without replaceable tips. From photos, they look to bea about 1" square bar stock slightly sharpened on the end.

Groo · Dec 16, 2011

I just welded them right to the bucket. The bucket wasn't pretty before I started. I repaired a few cracks when I added the teeth, and the bottom of the bucket is pretty banged up and bowed too.