Max 26XL bucket and toothbar

[tmcj]

Anyone know what the purpose is for the rib on the outer side of the bucket? It looks like it is pressed from the inner side leaving an indent and the protruding rib on the outside. I'm curious because I was looking at adding a Piranha tooth bar but by my measurements the bolt location is going to fall very close to or actually right into this area. Would it hurt anything to drill a hole here or should I avoid it and consider some other option? Pic's attached...

 

[mike69440]

Consider locating a local welder to reinforce your bucket all over including top and sides, add hooks, etc to as well as welding a grommet where you are mounting the Tooth bar. Get the tooth bar and drill the hole, then take the bucket off and bring it to the weld shop.

Also I have found I can dig well without a toothbar as I have adapted curl cylinders from the 1526 loader.
I have permanent teeth on my L39 bucket for more difficult work.

 

[Peter 315]

Nice bucket full of cut offs:thumbsup:

 

[mcfarmall]

It adds stiffness to the side plate of the bucket.

 

[tmcj]

It adds stiffness to the side plate of the bucket.

That's what I figured, and why I thought it may be bad to put a hole there without adding additional reinforcement as suggested by mike69440. I have already slightly bent the top moving some logs and have seen how others have reinforced the top and added hooks also. I bought my Max new almost 2 years ago and find myself gradually making 'improvements' as I get into different projects or issues, but only as needed. I guess it may be time for some more bucket mods besides the tooth bar. Thanks for the input folks.

 

[mike69440]

Nice bucket full of cut offs:thumbsup:

My counter weight is cast with those steel cutoffs plus another 100 lbs oe so of scrap
Heavier than it looks (700 lbs)

 

[tmcj]

I think I'm going to contact the manufacturer and see if they can lengthen the bracket where it bolts to the bucket. The widths are custom built to the size of your bucket, maybe they can change to mounting bracket to compensate for the issue with my bucket.

 

[tmcj]

I think I'm going to contact the manufacturer and see if they can lengthen the bracket where it bolts to the bucket. The widths are custom built to the size of your bucket, maybe they can change the mounting bracket to compensate for the issue with my bucket.

 

[tmcj]

I contacted Bxpanded and they said they have done many Piranha tooth bar mounts to fit the Max 26xl bucket using extended bracket mounts. Awesome! I ordered one this evening. :thumbsup:

 

[tmcj]

I installed the Piranha tooth bar this morning and I'm very happy with the fitment to my bucket. Great service, great product, great order to delivery time. Three thumbs up if I had them.

If you don't already have one I would highly recommend the 3/4" step drill bit for the mounting hole. I drilled a 3/16" pilot, then used their step drill bit which worked awesome.