Toothbar Install Problem

Rowdy Raven · Sep 5, 2014

HeyFolks,

I have been looking for a toothbar for my FEL for some time now. So I came across one that I bought at a good deal. Well we all know about those "good deals."
The toohbar is very well made, no problem there. The issue is that I had not measured my bucket width. Turns out the bucket is 4" wider than the toothbar. So what is the best way to fix this? Is that to add 2" onto each side via a block of steel, piece of pipe or a stack of washers? I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!!!

Rowdy

bumperm · Sep 5, 2014

Rowdy,

I think if I was going to add, and assuming it doesn't have an odd number of teeth with one smack dab in the middle, then I'd cut it there and weld in 4" of bar. The other way would be to weld in 2" at each side, and Plan C would be to return it :c(

bumper

Gary Fowler · Sep 5, 2014

I think I would cut off the attachment flat bar, add the 2" to the dimensions at the blade by using steel plate that is as thick as the blade or nearly so. Then reweld the attachment bar to the spacer. Be sure to bevel the ends of the spacer and the blade so you get full penetration weld. Use 7018 rod to weld it and preheat the blade to at least 350F before welding on it. Then wrap it in some insulation to let it slow cool to prevent cracking. The blade should be made of hardened steel so some precautions when welding are needed.

Rowdy Raven · Sep 5, 2014

Thanks Guys! I do have a center tooth so adding in the two inches on either end would appear to be the best route. I presume the spacer also needs to be hardened steel or will regular tool stock be acceptable?

Gary Fowler · Sep 5, 2014

Regular A36 steel plate or flat bar would work. I would cut at both ends rather than in the middle of the tooth bar. The least strain on the bar would be the piece that holds the tooth bar on. It is more work to do each end but the final results will be much better

Rowdy Raven · Sep 5, 2014

10-4! I picked up the steel pieces now to get them welded into place!!! Thanks Gary and Bumper!!!

arrow · Sep 5, 2014

Rowdy Raven said:
HeyFolks,

I have been looking for a toothbar for my FEL for some time now. So I came across one that I bought at a good deal. Well we all know about those "good deals."
The toohbar is very well made, no problem there. The issue is that I had not measured my bucket width. Turns out the bucket is 4" wider than the toothbar. So what is the best way to fix this? Is that to add 2" onto each side via a block of steel, piece of pipe or a stack of washers? I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!!!

Rowdy

Nothing easier than this. I did not weld this piece to the bar. It's an almost exact fit with the 2x3" tube and if i made it integral to the bar, putting it on and getting it off would have been a bit of a bear. This way it is much easier to mount and dismount with simply sliding the tube in or out after the tooth bar is placed in the bucket.. Its held up very well with some heavy duty digging.

troutsqueezer · Sep 5, 2014

Cut steel tubing to length. Buy longer bolts. No probs at all with this set up. The tooth bar was too cheap to pass up.

woodlandfarms · Sep 6, 2014

IMO the point of the bolt is to keep the toothbar from sliding off. You did what I would have done. the stress is on the leading edge of the bucket and teeth of the bar.

newbury · Sep 6, 2014

arrow said:
Nothing easier than this. I did not weld this piece to the bar. It's an almost exact fit with the 2x3" tube and if i made it integral to the bar, putting it on and getting it off would have been a bit of a bear. This way it is much easier to mount and dismount with simply sliding the tube in or out after the tooth bar is placed in the bucket.. Its held up very well with some heavy duty digging.