Toothbar tolerance

Briarwood · Sep 13, 2003

After reading the number of posts here on the advantages of a toothbar for my FEL, I ordered one giving my dealer the exact inside dimensions of the LA402 bucket on my B2710. When I got the custom made toothbar home to drill the holes to install it on my bucket, I found that I had a gap/space of 1/2" on each side between the bracket on the toothbar and the inside of the bucket. I expected the toothbar to have a tighter fit, closer tolerance. The overall length is 1" less than the length I gave the dealer. I have not been able to call the dealer to discuss it with him since it is the weekend, so I thought I would ask here first if I should have expected a closer fit. Should I just add a lot of washers or have some kind of spacer made or expect the dealer to replace the toothbar with one that has a closer fit? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Thought I would get some input before I call the dealer on Monday. I don't want to be unreasonable but I don't know what I should expect.
Your advice, please.
Briarwood

Henro · Sep 13, 2003

Mine is not a tight fit, but I bet there is less than a quarter inch space at each side...A half inch sounds excessive to me.

Mine has a little space on each side, but that pulls up tight when I tighten the bolts. You want some space on each side so you can slip it in and remove it easily.

I've attached a photo which may give you an idea of how a properly sized toothbar should fit. I have absolutely no problem taking it off and putting it back on. And there certainly is not a half inch space at each end.

Hope this helps...

GaryM · Sep 13, 2003

I have a Woods tooth bar an my JD 54" bucket. I gave the dealer the dimensions and the bar I got was within 1/4" of the size required. You're probably OK if you can sime the brackets to fit. If your bar fits tight over your bucket edge, the bolts are only for stability. most of the stress should be on the bucket edge.

Here's a picture of mine.

Briarwood · Sep 13, 2003

My toothbar looks exactly like GaryM's, but with 1/2" space on each side. Should I expect the dealer to oder another one with closer tolerance or should I be satisfied with what I have? What would any of you do?

Hoeman00 · Sep 14, 2003

???? the dealer but some companies make them by the " so the round down to the next size.
A 1/4" too long will be a pain to install.
If u have to keep this one get some 1/2 CR strap and make single spacer blocks and weld on to the bar ,u might get dealer to do this for u, I know I would.

Bird · Sep 14, 2003

If it were me, I'd tell the dealer about it, but I wouldn't worry about it too much; I'd just put some thick washers for spacers on either side.

JerryG · Sep 14, 2003

Like Bird said, I would put some washers on it. It is better to have those two points loose than to have them to tight. If it gets rocks in it or the bucket gets warped, you can still get it on and off. If it was to tight you would be in a real jam.

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 14, 2003

Mine has about a 6-8 washer tolerance. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'd guess it to be somewhere between 1/2" and 3/4" and it's fine. If mine were an inch or longer I'd just use some more washers. It's no big deal, really. The only thing those bolts do is keep your toothbar from coming off. They don't endure any stress or torque in normal use.

One thing I'll suggest you do when you install your toothbar is to install the bolts from the outside of your bucket inward. You'll have less to catch your ankle on when you walk around your bucket that way. If your nut doesn't completely cover your bolt threads put a second nut on so they're covered. That way your threads won't get damaged and you can easily remove and reinstall your toothbar when you choose. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Junkman · Sep 14, 2003

I always use Neversieze on all bolts and I know that they will come off the next time. The double nutting is also good way to protect the exposed threads. On bolts that are not exposed to abrasion, I spray them with Cosmoline to keep them from rusting. I spray all natural finished lines with it also, especially at the end where the nuts are located. It is a bear to remove a rusted tubing nut and this solves the problem. It also protects them from the corrosive effects of the elements of winter........ SALT!!!!

bher · Sep 14, 2003

No problem, yours is exactly like mine. My bucket is 60" and the toothbar is 59" I added washers.

8561 · Sep 14, 2003

It could be worse. My toothbar arrived on Friday afternoon and is 1/8" longer than the interior dimension of my bucket /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. I don't understand how they screwed up. I double checked the measurement I gave and it was right. The toothbar loos great so hopefully they will step up and pay the return shipping since it was their mistake. Good luck with yours.

DieselD · Sep 14, 2003

Itsb easier to put 5 washers in than one. (finger space)
I would not worry about it. sounds right in the ballpark to me.
Danny

Junkman · Sep 14, 2003

for an 1/8", I think that I would take a grinder to it and make it fit...... a 1/16" on each side isn't going to hurt anything....

buzst · Sep 15, 2003

return it. you paid for a product that would fit your bucket. How can we expect quality from our manufacturers if we do not insist upon it?

rambler · Sep 15, 2003

Except that is the proper fit - they are doing him a big favor by slightly undersizing the toothbar - it will work for him for years this way. If it were a snug fit, as things wear & bend & twist (this is a loader bucket after all!) he would have big problems getting it to fit properly over time.

I'd be real happy the company sent me something engineered to work.

--->Paul

Briarwood · Sep 15, 2003

Thanks to everyone who helped by answering my post. Reading about others' experiences is invaluable to a novice like me. As a result of your posts, I added four additional washers on each side as spacers and it worked out just fine. I also took the advice to use Neverseize on the nut. Thank you for turning what I thought was a problem into a positive experience and not embarassing myself by complaining to my dealer. Thanks so much! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Briarwood

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 15, 2003

Make sure that if your bolt threads aren't completely covered by the nut you put an extra nut on to protect them so you can get your toothbar off easily and reuse your bolts when you reinstall it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Junkman · Sep 18, 2003

One thing that I didn't mention when mentioning the Neversieze, is that I always try to use stainless steel nuts, bolts & lock washers whenever possible. Much stronger and eliminate the rust problem. Stainless has come down in price over the past ten years and now it is commonplace to fine it in commercial use.... I also prefer fine threads for greater strength and holding quality when this is a factor.