Loader bucket is smiling

[mudcat]

What is the best way to straighten a loader bucket? Mine has developed a hefty bow to it after it tackled some trees.

 

[dougj7]

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]

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

 

[Egon]

If p[ossible replace the cutting edge with one that is much thicker and wider. It will really stiffen up the bucket.

 

[dougj7]

Hi Aching Back, Thanks for the info. I never considered that I could do more damage. Regards, Doug

 

[Pks]

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.

 

[mudcat]

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.

 

[Pks]

A toothbar would help but not fully prevent against bending.

 

[rback33]

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

I was going to say the same thing... the don't give cylinders away and warranty is NOT going to cover THAT boo boo.

 

[Egon]

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.

 

[texasjohn]

I have a John Deere toothbar on my bucket.... extremely heavy duty... I can't imagine that the combination of heavy duty bucket and that tooth bar would ever develop a smile.... 500 hours and still straight as an arrow.

 

[slowrev]

I have a John Deere toothbar on my bucket.... extremely heavy duty... I can't imagine that the combination of heavy duty bucket and that tooth bar would ever develop a smile.... 500 hours and still straight as an arrow.

I have an old IH2050 loader, with a rock bucket on it. 3/4 " steel in the bottom, big bolt on teeth, etc. I think it was beefed up by the Army Corps of Engineers before it was sold
Too heavy though, I just about have the materials rounded up to make a lighter duty bucket for most uses. A lighter bucket will shift more weight to the rear wheels for better traction.

 

[Speedybon2543]

were did you get that bug

 

[Jstpssng]

It's a 13 year old post to the day and he hasn't been here since 2011, so I doubt you will get an answer.

Welcome to TBN, however. :welcome:

 

[countrybumpkin]

It's a 13 year old post to the day and he hasn't been here since 2011, so I doubt you will get an answer.

Welcome to TBN, however. :welcome:

Your 9 days off .

 

[Threepoint]

It's a 13 year old post to the day and he hasn't been here since 2011, so I doubt you will get an answer.

Welcome to TBN, however. :welcome:

Yes, and that little bug has been running around in a panic trying to find the exit for almost eight years!

 

[Jstpssng]

Your 9 days off .

This isn't July 5th?