Tailgate for tailgaters or custom bolt on edge.

[txdon]

I can weld, I think, at least it has not fallen apart!
Just finished my first project in welding class. The bolt on edge of the grapple bucket was getting thin and I needed to filter out some of the sand when I picked up brush. I attached 12 - 1 1/8" rods protruding out 5" to the bottom of the bolt on edge.
I used a MIG - Miller 350.

 

[txdon]

Hey, it works! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kubotabilly]

TXDon,
Looks great!!! It should really make a difference on your bucket. What device did you use to make those nice square countersunk holes in the cutting edge or were they already there???

Bill

 

[txdon]

The other side.
I also welded another edge on it and a piece of metal from the rods to the edge so sticks would not get stuck in the edge.

Some day I might get half as good as Harvey and spend more time welding than grinding! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Kubotabilly, the holes were already there. Even with penetrating oil for a month, and heat I broke two sockets a ratchet and a breaker bar removing the bolts. Half of the tools were Craftsman which Sears cheerfully replaced. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cleatus]

Texdon, just tilt the bucket, instant plow.

 

[Henro]

Who but Txdon would think to build a "Txdon bar?" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Looks great! Wouldn't mind having a Txdon bar myself... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jinman]

Nice job, Don. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif That skidsteer bucket just keeps getting longer and longer. Can you see the teeth while operating? If so, you can probably pick up rocks and small brush really easily.

Nice job on the welding, too. Grinding doesn't help the looks of my welding joints. I have to cover them in about 6 thick coats of paint just to make them presentable. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[txdon]

Henro, the bar is open for business! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jim, I still can't see the teeth, I need to extend them about another foot but I'm maxed out on weight. This was the first time I used the grapple bucket with the 900 pound box blade and my rear wheels tend to rise. I guess I'm going to have to put the backhoe on whenever I use the grapple for counter weight or get a lighter grapple. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

You've done an excellent job on that bar.
I love the idea of losing the most of the soil, and it looks as though you've solved that.
Thanks for the pics. Always interesting to see others' ideas.
John