Re: Toothbar problem, part 2
Well, I sent back the first toothbar (the one that would not seat on my bucket edge), and ordered the Woods standard model. The standard model turned out to have removable teeth (the whole reason I ordered the HD model to begin with). The standard model looks just like some of the pictures others have posted here. It was ordered to fit a 64.5" bucket. It came in almost 1/8" too big, due to the mounting tab (the part with the slot for the mounting bolt) on the right side being mounted cockeyed and a bit too wide.
After several hours of grinding (slowed down by the 90+ degrees temp and high humidity) I got it to slide into the bucket, and got it seated all the way on.
Now I find that it still does not fit right on the bucket, and this is a Woods loader bucket I'm trying to mount it on! The flat bar which runs across the top of the thoothbar is supposed to lay flat against the inside of the bucket, a few inches back from the cutting edge of the bucket. This should help stiffen the bucket. On mine, the bar on the toothbar rides about 1/2" up off the bucket. In this position, I think it will interfere with dumping (especially things like clay). I'm also concerned that gravel and other small bits of debris will get jammed between the toothbar and the bucket. The attached picture should show what I'm trying to describe. The Woods manual says that this is for use on a bucket without a bolt-on cutting edge. That sure isn't what this looks like.
My question to you all: is this a real problem, or am I being too nitpicky? Should I send it back (again), and just order from someone else? Call Woods directly? My dealer was a bit suprised at the fit. I did not ask him to take it back (yet), but I think he would be willing to (this may be complicated by the fact that I had to do some grinding on it). Any thoughts on how I should proceed? I've been very happy with my other Woods implements.
John Mc