Replaceable Cutting Edge for FEL

[KennK]

I have a relatively new JD 3320 with a 300CX FEL that is mostly used to move horse manure, dirt, and a mixture of the two, but at times is used to move gravel for driveways and limestone for horse stalls (under rubber mats).

My first thought was to purchase/install a replacable cutting edge for the FEL, but my neighbor, who has a Kubota, says the edge isn't needed and it will just add resistance when scooping manure. I'm concerned that I'll damage the base FEL edge enough the few times I'll haul/spread gravel.

Would it make sense to purchase the replacable cutting edge and only install it temporarily when I plan to load/spread gravel?

Thanks for your thoughts,

Ken K.

 

[daTeacha]

I made a simple toothbar that helps a lot when I'm working with manure. It's primitive, but works well. I just unbolt it when I want to work with gravel, mulch, etc. and use the cutting edge on the bucket. I haven't noticed any undue wear on the edge in 200 hours of use.

For manure, logs, and brush, the toothbar helps a lot. We have sheep and donkeys so the manure is a little more like used hay than the "apples" horses tend to produce. There is a lot of hay that doesn't make it through the sheep before it gets mixed in with the manure, so a straight edge is pretty worthless in picking it up. More often than not it just slides along the top of the ground or doesn't penetrate a pile of the stuff. I also have a grapple that lets me effectively double the volumetric capacity of the bucket with bulky fibrous twiggy stuff like manure and brush piles.

I just welded channel steel into what looks like a couple of "E"s end to end, placing and drilling the teeth to fit the holes in my factory cutting edge, and bolt it on with grade 5 bolts when I need it. The back part is bolted to the main part of the bucket to stabilize everything.

 

[GaryM]

Doesn't your FEL have a reinforced cutting edge? I can't imagine that it doesn't. You're speaking of an edge that would be in addition to the one already there?

 

[texasjohn]

Your bucket edge won't wear too much for your applications. I can only highly recommend you get a tooth bar.. you'll never regret it.

To understand this, do a search on toothbar on TBN... you will find bzillions of threads and posts on the topic....read them until they start repeating in your brain... then go ahead and get your toothbar... no additional cutting edge is needed at all.

 

[jbrumberg]

KennK:

I have a bolt on cutting edge installed on my HD bucket. It provides extra strength and cuts down on the wear an tear on the FEL's edge. It does not appear to really increase resistance in scooping up softer materials other than having a 1" extension to the FEL edge. I also like the fact that it is reversible which will double the life of the cutting edge. I leave mine on. I do take my bolt-over (the cutting edge) toothbar off. Jay

 

[KennK]

Doesn't your FEL have a reinforced cutting edge? I can't imagine that it doesn't. You're speaking of an edge that would be in addition to the one already there?

Yeah, from what I understand the replaceable edge bolts below (?) the lip of the bucket and protect the buckets sharp edge from excessive wear.

 

[jbrumberg]

KennK:

That is how my cutting edge is attached to my bucket. The more I think about it there is some additional resistance created by the attachment bolts, but it is negligeable. I can assure you that the cutting edge will protect for FEL's cutting edge as evidenced by the wear and tear my cutting edge is starting to exhibit. I will also add for the record that you will be finding more and more uses for your FEL; some of your soon to be discovered uses will be hard on your FEL. Jay

 

[3720_Owner]

I would have to agree with the past couple of posts. The cutting edge does add a very slight resistance, but very slight, and saves a much bigger bill later on. My dealer recommend I get one with my 300CX. Only costs $100-125, is reversible so when one edge does wear you can flip it around, and saves you from having the bigger repair bill of grinding off the old edge and having a new edge welded on when a non-replaceable edge wears out. The down side is I need to remove it to put my toothbar on. Wish they made it so it could slide over the replaceable cutting edge.

Steven

 

[bota7800]

I don't think you will wear your bucket too much either but the company that built our barn had a spiderweb like pattern welded on to the outside of the bucket (it even had the company initials). The owner said that it was to reduce wear. You welders out there correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that is what is called hard facing.

 

[daTeacha]

So someone just laid a web of welding bead on the cutting edge to serve as a sacrificial wear surface? Sounds like a good idea if you don't need a real flat finish to whatever you're working. As it wears down, just add more bead. My only concern would be whether the heat from the welding would do anything to eventually change the temper and soften the steel in the factory edge.