Identifying the type of 300CX bucket

[KennK]

I'm in the market for a tooth bar for my JD 300CX FEL.

I'm looking at the Gator Attachments (formerly Markham Welding) tooth bar and figure I should at least consider the John Deere tooth bar. I called the dealer to find out about the JD tooth bar and his first question to me was "What kind of bucket do you have?".

ahhhhh ..... I don't know. I looked on the purchase receipt and it doesn't say anything specifically about the type of bucket.

How do I know what kind of bucket I have on my 300CX FEL? How can I tell if its a standard bucket or a heavy duty bucket? Is there a marking or code on it that tells?

The JD tooth bar for the heavy duty bucket is $386. I might have to buy the HD bucket to even think about getting that tooth bar.

The Gator Attachments tooth bar is $269, and comes with a plethora of excellent reviews on this forum.

One last question:
If I do have the standard JD bucket and I put the Gator Attachements toothbar on it - with the welded reinforcement steel plate, do I need to be concerned about the bucket's strength/durability?

 

[beenthere]

If you can post a pic of your bucket, might be we can help.

What is the width?

 

[AKfish]

The HD bucket will have an additional piece of 5/16" (might even be 3/8") section of reinforcing flat-steel welded on the sides of the bucket near the leading edge.

In addition, the top of the bucket will have a double box wall (with closed center) top. No single layer of flat steel - but a square box (rectangular) for the top edge.

Some of the later model HD buckets have pre-drilled holes for the replaceable bolt-on edge, too. Not all HD buckets will have the bolt-on edge, though.

Hope this helps.

AKfish

 

[Rob-D]

Does anyone have an idea of the cost of the HD bucket? What sizes does it run? I think I saw one that was 72".
Rob

 

[KennK]

Here is the best pic I have of the bucket ... back when it was brand new and shiney.

 

[beenthere]

Looks like the HD to me.
Go to the options on buckets at the JD site, and I believe the HD shows as a narrower width than the light duty materials bucket (snow, and such). Bigger size, less steel.

Look close at the top edge and see if it is single layer of steel or double. The HD (mine anyway) has double, and the other clue is the extra layer on the end, front edge shown in the pic. I don't believe the light duty has that extra reinforcement.

 

[soulasphil]

You have the heavy duty bucket, here is what the standard bucket looks like (no reinforcement on the sides, no holes for edge or toothbar ...).

 

[kennyd]

Do yourself a favor...Get the one from Markham. It will be custom made for your bucket, cost less, and be lighter (the JD one is really marketed toward skid steers-and is built VERY heavy)