Fixing a 4-in-1 bucket

[gregfender]

I've had my new-to-me 1070 for a day...and no, I haven't broken anything...yet. However, the back (blade) half of the bucket is a little bent...actually warped may be a better word. There is a gap of about 2inches toward the center when the clamshell is closed. (see attached)

Any suggestions on how to correct this? I was thinking perhaps taking it to a friend of mine and having a piece welded on or even having the blade straightened. Has anyone had a similar issue? The bucket is still useful but if I'm moving small material I might be loosing some.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd guess the previous owner lifted a bit more then that bucket was designed to handle.
That wear bar across the blade half is going to be an SOB to pull straight, I think. But if you can disassemble the front section, you might be able to use a come-along on it. You'd have to drill a hole through the center of the wear bar for a bolt or clevis (some for the come along to hook on to). Don't depend on a clamp unless your life insurance is paid up to date.
Welding another wear bar underneath the blade half would probably be easier.

Shouldn't that 4 in 1 have a hydraulic cylinder on it (to open and close it), or am I missing something?

 

[beenthere]

This is a double post of the problem.

 

[dfkrug]

I was thinking perhaps taking it to a friend of mine and having a piece welded on or even having the blade straightened. Has anyone had a similar issue?

Wow, GREG, that looks like the same 4n1 that I have, a WRLong HJ60.
Mine was originally for a JD 460 loader, too. These are very light duty to
keep weight down.

Anyway, mine was bent, too, but not as bad. I used a 20T jack and
I-beam to bend it back. Here is the thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/133597-adapting-wrlong-4-1-bucket.html

 

[gregfender]

Wow, GREG, that looks like the same 4n1 that I have, a WRLong HJ60.
Mine was originally for a JD 460 loader, too. These are very light duty to
keep weight down.

Anyway, mine was bent, too, but not as bad. I used a 20T jack and
I-beam to bend it back. Here is the thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/133597-adapting-wrlong-4-1-bucket.html

Thank...I might give that a whirl. I'd rather not have to try and replace a whole bucket or add too much to it.