Yet another toothbar

[BGL990]

Once, in another post, I said I might have pictures of my rear blade project "soon". Well, that hasn't happened yet but I did just finish building a toothbar.

It took a bit of driving around and asking questions, but I finally found a local place that sells all sorts of ground engaging stuff. They mostly sell stuff for BIG machinery but did have teeth and adapters the right size for my bucket. About $250 CAD for the teeth and adaptors and about $10 worth of flat bar from a local steel vendor.

Here are all the parts layed out on the garage floor (There are only 3 adaptors because the others weren't in stock and hadn't come in yet when I took this picture)

 

[BGL990]

Here is one of the end tabs "jigged up" before welding. I tend not to use squares as much as scraps like this aluminum extrusion because the 3D shape of the extrusion (or whatever scrap piece I am using) is usually more convenient as a clamping aid.

 

[BGL990]

End tabs welded on, first test fit. It is not obvious from this picture, but the heavy cutting edge on my bucket is welded on under the bucket edge which leaves a 1/4" or so lip which the back edge of the flat bar is resting against. The next picture will show this better.

 

[BGL990]

Because of how the cutting edge is welded on the bucket, I could not set the flat bar back far enough to allow the tooth adapter to go on properly. If I did move the flat bar back, it would be sitting up on the lip and weld bead where the cutting edge is welded on and this made the whole thing too thick for the adapter.

 

[BGL990]

The solution was to cut a notch in the flat bar wherever an adapter was to be. This allowed the adapter to go on and yet retain the width of the flat bar. With the adapter welded to the bar on each side, strength should not be compromised.

 

[BGL990]

Now things fit better.

 

[BGL990]

Another of things fitting better.

 

[BGL990]

All the notching and welding is done.

 

[BGL990]

A couple of holes drilled, some 1/2" bolts, a little green paint, and the teeth pinned on.

 

[BGL990]

Final picture - another angle of the finished toothbar.

Time will tell whether the 1/4" x 2" flat bar I used will be strong enough. I think so since the teeth fit the bucket edge so well. The only problem might be dragging backwards with the bucket flat and catching a tooth on something. If that is ever a problem, I could put a couple more bolts to hold the middle down, but I doubt it will be necessary.