Toothbar, your thoughts

dfeck · May 29, 2003

I purchased a toothbar from Modern Equipment and received it yesterday. Very friendly people and great service. When I ordered it they wanted inside dimension of my bucket which I gave them. At the time I asked if they needed the thickness of my cutting edge and they said no. That might be because I gave them my specific bucket model number. Well, the toothbar is 3/8" shorter than my number I gave them which leaves a gap on one end and my cutting edge doesn't fit flush with the inside edge of the toothbar (about a 1/4" gap). It seems my bucket's cutting edge is slightly thicker than the gap on the toothbar. I feel the toothbar is useable but not as custom as I would have thought. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Is this normal or do I have a case with the company? I'll try and post pics later.

Thanks,
Doug

JohnMiller3 · May 29, 2003

<font color="blue">...Is this normal... </font>

Post a picture, so we can see exactly what you mean... but it sounds "normal"... the mfr. doesn't want it "bigger" so it "won't" fit (where you have to pull out your grinder and spend 1/2 hour making it fit, complaining about "too tight" /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)... allowing some "wiggle" room... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

...use "washers" on each end to take up the extra spacing, and the toothbar inside edge should be "V" shaped to fit different profile cutting edges...

Anonymous Poster · May 29, 2003

I have a WR Long tooth bar for my BX and it fits the same way as yours. Mine is about 3/8 inch narrower than the inside dimension of the bucket. I bought a few stainless steel washers to fill the gap. I think they manufacture the bar on the short side to make sure they fit.

John

markie61 · May 29, 2003

Mine has a gap on each end of about 1/2". I just tighten it and go. As long as the teeth grip the bucket edge firmly, I would imagine a little gap shouldn't hurt.
Mark

gerard · May 29, 2003

You're fine - throw in some big washers which also help distribute the force on your bucket sidewall and tighten up and you're good to go. My toothbar fits just like you describe and works just fine AND goes on and off easily which it wouldn't if everything was a "perfect" fit.

PondKeeper · May 29, 2003

My ATI tooth bar fits just as you have described. I have encountered no problems.

Mike

Gary_in_Indiana · May 29, 2003

Your 3/8" 'gap' is quite normal. Center your toothbar and fill the 3/16" area on either side with a washer. As to the bar not resting on your cutting edge, I had the same concern when I first got mine. You absolutely want the bar resting against your cutting edge. Otherwise all the force is on your bolts. After I did a 'dry fit' I was really concerned that the fit was all off, too. All mine took was a little 'bump' into the ground and it was fine. I'd definitely make sure that part is handled before I drilled my bolt holes.

In my case, I think the only thing hanging mine up was either some extra thick paint or a metal burr. Once I bumped it on it fit fine and hasn't been a problem to put on or take off since.

One other thing I'll suggest on installing your toothbar. Run your bolts from the outside of your bucket in and, if your nut doesn't cover all of the threads put a second nut on to cover them. That way your threads won't get damaged and you'll be able to remove your toothbar easily when you want instead of fighting damaged threads.

Enjoy your toothbar. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif