mudcat
Platinum Member
What is the best way to straighten a loader bucket? Mine has developed a hefty bow to it after it tackled some trees.
Loader bucket is smiling
- Thread starter mudcat
- Start date
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dougj7
Bronze Member
I had the same problem after attempting to pry a root loose with loader. I couldn't tell I had bent it until I backed away from the root and raised the loader.. it had a big smile. I was able to straighten it out by using a large tree stump. I positioned the loader in front of the stump, curled the bucked down until the bottom of the cutting edge was against the stump, then gently backed up until the bucked was straight. Very primitive, but effective.
AchingBack
Veteran Member
Doug, it is a serious mistake to put pressure on the back side of the loader. Eventually you will either bow, or break your lift arms. I've seen the results, and it ain't pretty, or cheap.
Aching Back
Aching Back
Egon
Epic Contributor
If p[ossible replace the cutting edge with one that is much thicker and wider. It will really stiffen up the bucket.
dougj7
Bronze Member
Hi Aching Back, Thanks for the info. I never considered that I could do more damage. Regards, Doug
Pks
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 773
- Location
- Saline, Michigan
- Tractor
- Kubota L3700SU, Cub Cadet 1430, Hustler Super-Z 66in, Vermeer 1250
Hi Mudcat,
Here is how I straightened my bucket.
First I raised the bucket so I could place a floor jack (in its lowest position) under the cutting edge where the bend in the bucket was greatest. I put a 6 inch section of 2x4 on the jack between it and the bucket edge.
Then I wrapped a heavy chain around the bucket and jack; effectively fastening them together. The chain went under the jack and over the top of the bucket.
Then I carefully expanded the jack noting that this setup could slip at any time causing a bit of danger.
As the bucket got straighter I relaxed the jack and moved the jack to a new position to spread out the bending. Over the course of about 15 minutes, I was able to remove all but about 1/4" of the bend in the bucket.
I followed the same process (but without the chain) for the top edge of the bucket.
The bucket is back to being nearly perfect.
Here is how I straightened my bucket.
First I raised the bucket so I could place a floor jack (in its lowest position) under the cutting edge where the bend in the bucket was greatest. I put a 6 inch section of 2x4 on the jack between it and the bucket edge.
Then I wrapped a heavy chain around the bucket and jack; effectively fastening them together. The chain went under the jack and over the top of the bucket.
Then I carefully expanded the jack noting that this setup could slip at any time causing a bit of danger.
As the bucket got straighter I relaxed the jack and moved the jack to a new position to spread out the bending. Over the course of about 15 minutes, I was able to remove all but about 1/4" of the bend in the bucket.
I followed the same process (but without the chain) for the top edge of the bucket.
The bucket is back to being nearly perfect.
Last edited:
Well, I took the smile out by putting it upside down on my forks, putting the tractor in low and 4wd and slowly working it out on the base of a tree.
Egon, I'll definately look in to beefing up my bucket, Would a tooth bar help?
Pks, Thanks for the tip! I will have to try this on the top.
Egon, I'll definately look in to beefing up my bucket, Would a tooth bar help?
Pks, Thanks for the tip! I will have to try this on the top.
Pks
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 773
- Location
- Saline, Michigan
- Tractor
- Kubota L3700SU, Cub Cadet 1430, Hustler Super-Z 66in, Vermeer 1250
A toothbar would help but not fully prevent against bending.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Can't comment on the tooth bar as I have never used one. The heavier cutting edge does work. It also helps to weld some cutting edge to the front side of the bucket.
