Bucket Edge Options
Most buckets come with a weld-on cutting edge. There are four other edge options available: bolt-on, toothbar, weld-on teeth, and serrated. Having the right edge option can boost job productivity and eliminate the need to buy another bucket. While theres not a one-size-fits-all answer to which is better, knowing the advantages of each will give you a better idea of which edge will work best for your operation.
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Options
Bolt-On Edge
This is the most common cutting edge. Bolt-on edges protect and add strength to the front end of the bucket. Theyre replaceable and can be reversed before the edge wears back into the bucket. Once both sides wear completely, the edge can easily be replaced.
Quick Tip
Dont try to reuse the bolts when reversing the bolt-on edge, as the threads get damaged in use and the bolts wont be reusable. Instead, just cut them off with a torch and replace.
Serrated Edge
Another option to consider is the serrated edge. These are bolted on the bottom lip of a bucket and are easy to remove or replacelike a toothbar. Theyre designed to loosen hard-to-penetrate materials like packed gravel. These bucket edges excel in breaking up frozen ground.
Theres some unmatched strength involved with this type. With a serrated edge, youll never have to worry about breaking a tooth or shank. Theyre strong like a standard bolt-on edge because when the edge contacts the ground the force is exerted across the entire edge. Also, the serrated edge limits the bucket lip from wearing out, which minimizes repair costs and time spent in the shop.
Quick Tip
If you primarily need to smooth out or scrape roadways, the serrated edge is a great option to help cut through tough compact gravel or iceyou can always remove it later if necessary.
BOLT-ON BUCKET TEETH (TOOTHBAR)
Adding a toothbar to a skid steer bucket will drastically increase its digging ability. Itll help cut into rocky soil, scoop loose dirt, and dig out roots. Its a powerful style designed to be relentless.
Despite its relentlessness, the toothbar is both removable and easy to repair or replace. Since the whole edge is removable, the bucket is more versatile, the only downside is cost. Toothbars are more expensive than the weld-on teeth but customers who benefit from the toothbars versatility find it is well worth it.
Additional reading:
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For example, operators usually dont want a toothbar (or teeth on the bucket) when clearing snow or back dragging. But, they do want the teeth when theyre digging out roots. Having the ability to remove the toothbar gives you the versatility to use the bucket either way. A weld-on doesnt give you that option. If you dont see yourself ever wanting to remove the toothbar, then weld-on teeth are probably the wiser choice.
Take note: weld-on teeth cant be paired with a standard bolt-on edge, but a toothbar can.
Quick Tip
Dont use a tooth bucket with missing teeth. This will wear out the shank and the tooth wont fit properly when replaced. Its best to keep extra teeth on-hand and replace them as needed. Regularly inspecting these teeth is recommended.
Weld-On Teeth
Like toothbars, weld-on teeth excel at breaking up compacted soil, catching rocks, and removing roots, but these are permanent and cant be removed. Since the teeth are welded directly to the bucket, theyre stronger than a toothbar. The added strength helps it perform better in tough, seemingly impenetrable soil conditions (like clay).
If you will be back dragging, grading, or plowing snow, then weld-on teeth may present a problem. Many operators dont realize the drawback of non-removable teeth until theyre well into a project and the lack of versatility suddenly causes a big headache.
Quick Tip
Dont choose weld-on teeth simply because theyre cheaper than a toothbar. By choosing weld-on youll save some money but realize versatility will be sacrificed.
Thank you for the response. I suspect you have never operated this series of NH. I am quite certain the boom is on the stops and the current bucket when level is not on the ground. The top height above ground of the QA flippers (pads) when the boom is on its stops is about 22" to 22-1/2".
Two manufacturers I contacted, including Everything Attachments, were aware of the issue. EA's "affiliate" (Construction Attachments) was quite helpful on the . The X-Treme Duty low-profile bucket it sells has a back height of 21". The bottom of the QA is set at 4-1/8", and that will not get it to rest level on the ground. The only bucket it has to meet that requirement is the Severe X-Treme Duty (1GPSXD73) bucket that has a 24" back height so the lower QA attachment can be raised to about 6".
The crux of my three questions is #1 -- how important is having the bottom of the bucket level and on the ground? The other two questions just follow from that.
John
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