Replacing Loader Cutting Edge

[IAtractorKid]

Ok guys, I need to replace the cutting edge on a 7' bucket. The process is not new to me as I have done it before...what I am struggling with, is the best option on the bucket for strength vs cost. The bucket currently has a dual sided bolt-on edge welded in. It is in bad shape! It is 8" front to back, flush with the inside of the bucket. On previous buckets I have done, the floor of the bucket overlapped 3/4 of the cutting edge. If I buy a new 6" edge, I will have to butt the back of the edge to the floor of the bucket. If I buy a new 8" edge, I can get 2" of overlap...I think this is probably the way to go strength wise but this edge is almost twice as expensive. Hopefully this all makes sense! Guess my biggest question is do I need the floor of the bucket to overlap the cutting edge and is that adding strength? This is a Koyker SuperK loader on a Farmall 400.

 

[IAtractorKid]

Wanted to add these are all 1/2" thick cutting edges. Is that sufficient or should I go up to 5/8 or 3/4? Don't remember what thickness I've previously used.

 

[oj]

On my 7 ft loader bucket i replaced the cutting edge with a bolt on one from my local CAT dealer, it wasn't cheap, but it is thick (3/4 inch i think) and hardly shows any wear after a couple of years.

I did try to drill holes in the original cutting edge to mount the new edge, but got bored after the first one and gas axed the rest.

 

[IaGary]

I would overlap a little but it does not need to be 2". I would use a 6" by 3/4 thick edge and over lap an inch or so. 1/2 by 6 has more of a tendency to warp when welded on.

Who says the bucket has to be the same depth when your done?

Maybe it was an inch narrower before the last edge was put on.

Does this bucket have any skid plates on the bottom?


Flat skid plates on the bottom side butted up to the back side of the cutting edge does wonders for strength.


Gary

 

[ed will]

Hi. Maybe you could go to your local road maintenance people and ask if they have an old grader cutting edge. Might cost a case of beer. Then you can put it on any way you like. I bought a piece of T1 plate 6" longer than my bucket Welded it on and turned the edges up the side of the bucket 3" each side. Good luck. Ed Will

 

[ed will]

Hi again. I made a reply but forgot to mention the T1 plate was 6" bevelled and 3/4" thick Ed Will

 

[JMS/.MN]

I"ve done several skidloader and loader buckets- loader buckets were 6 inch wide. New edge went under exisint bucket floor, then up each (out)side about six inches. I notch the top of the corners....gives a good way to hook a bale ring with the bucket corner when moving rings. Also a handy notch to hold pipe, lumber, etc carried across the bucket.

 

[RodinNS]

What I'd do is buy the 8" double lip edge with a center line bolt pattern and drill/bolt it to the existing edge by drilling the midspan of the present edge. Hopefully with a bolt pattern that is staggered from the present one.
That will give you more strength than you have presently.

Rod

 

[jon f mn]

Buy the 6" and have a bit shorter bucket.