Got a "Piranha" toothbar from BXpanded

doswacko · Feb 28, 2012

GolfAddict said:
To those that have the Piranha, do you know if you would be able to loosen the bolts/nuts and "spin" the toothbar up into the bucket if you wanted to? Sort of laying back inside the bucket, rather that removing it altogether. Hope I'm asking that in a way that makes sense...

It attaches to the cutting edge of the bucket so it can't move.
Could take the bolts off pull the bar off and attach it inside maybe.

GolfAddict · Feb 28, 2012

doswacko said:
It attaches to the cutting edge of the bucket so it can't move.
Could take the bolts off pull the bar off and attach it inside maybe.

In looking at the pictures, it looks like there is maybe enough room on the those side brackets that the bolt hole could be slotted? That is, I wonder if a guy could take it to a machinist and have to hole turned into a slot. I'm thinking if it could be made long enough perhaps the bolts could be loosened, bar pulled forward with the bolt sliding in the slot, then tip the whole thing back into the bucket. If you don't mind taking a look sometime to see if it looks feasible...

GolfAddict · Feb 28, 2012

Actually, I'll write to Harry from his website to get some answers...

RaydaKub · Feb 28, 2012

GolfAddict said:
I I'm thinking if it could be made long enough perhaps the bolts could be loosened, bar pulled forward with the bolt sliding in the slot, then tip the whole thing back into the bucket. If you don't mind taking a look sometime to see if it looks feasible...

For what purpose? It doesn't look like the side arms are long enough to get it out of the way so that the bucket would still be usable.

GolfAddict · Feb 29, 2012

RaydaKub said:
For what purpose?

Basically because I'm lazy.

This Piranha looks like something I could really use, being sort of a combination tooth bar and rake/brush clearer. I can see that I'd likely normally always have it on for my type of bucket work.

I also have his forks (a set of four) that I have found incredibly handy. They are very easy to pop on and off, and you can slide them along the top of the bucket lip for any positioning you may want. If I have them on for loading firewood logs onto my trailer or moving brush piles, I have them spaced evenly across the bucket. I also have a pallet my wife uses for moving stuff all the time, and that is a bit narrow but I can pop a couple forks off and reposition the remaining two in about two minutes (literally) to fit her pallet.

With the current configuration of the Piranha (if you leave it installed) you can only use a pair of forks and they have to be positioned at the very outside of the bucket where the small teeth are left out. Probably will not be an issue for most users, but for me it would mean I'd have to completely remove and re-install the tooth bar for using the forks, and I'm using the forks quite often.

I can see it being pretty easy to switch bucket uses between these two by loosening the bolts, sliding bar forward, pivoting it back into the bucket out of the way, and use my forks as normal. When done with the forks, pop them off, pivot bar back in place, tighten, good-to-go.

(I realize if I wasn't a bit lazy it probably isn't that huge an effort to just take it completely off for fork use.)

RaydaKub said:
It doesn't look like the side arms are long enough to get it out of the way so that the bucket would still be usable.

I'm not sure if I understand correctly what you're saying here, but I think you were maybe thinking my reasoning for the pivoting-into-the-bucket-bar was to use the bucket without the bar? In my case I would use the bucket with the bar except for when using the bucket as a fork lift.

JOHNTHOMAS · Feb 29, 2012

A RatchetRake would come off as quick or quicker than you could loosen the bolts and spin the Piranha. Guess that's one of the reasons us RR buyers buy the RR. For me brush clearing is just one of the functions of the RR and I only do it once every couple of years or less often. I mostly use my RR, which stays on my tractor all of the time except when my neighbor has it like now, for finish leveling my digging spots for ready to seed.
I've never seen (other than pictures) or used the Piranha but I've had 2 RRs for several years use. The RR will remove brush easily plus finish rake the ground great. The RR is quick and easy on by one person. Downside to RR vs Piranha "appears" to be the Pirinha can be left on while scooping up "stuff" in the bucket and not so with the RR.
I guess my question is how often do people remove brush? For me once it's removed I'm done with it and turning the land into mowed or drive ways. Sure others have different brush removing needs.
I see some are buyng the Piranha as a "digging" tool and the RR can probably do that to but I've not used mine for that other than for yard scratching and then back level with lower teeth on the RatchetRake.

GolfAddict · Feb 29, 2012

From what I've read of the experience of folks that have a Piranha, they can be used as effectively as a tooth bar also.

I admit - I want my Piranha and eat it too.

Bota Bum · Feb 29, 2012

So many fun toys....and so little time.....

I almost bought the RR last fall, but thought it pricy for it's limited use, for me. The Piranha peaks my interest as I do have some brush work and do need to do some digging, much of it breaking up some ledge.

So Harry, how will the teeth of the Piranha hold up picking at shale ledge, i.e. will I be breaking the teeth off? I know that is a though question to answer with any certinty, but please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

BXpanded · Feb 29, 2012

Hi Folks, We appreciate all the interest and questions. Maybe I can answer a few.

The Piranha is a TOOTH BAR! It is designed for, and is very effective for digging. It has additional capabilities, including clearing brush, etc. extremely effectively. I've learned to never say "never", especially around tractor guys, but I don't think anyone is going to break it.

The mounting holes in the Piranha are slotted. This is to allow for any wear on the bucket's cutting edge that might occur when the loader is used without the tooth bar installed. If you wear the bucket's cutting edge off a half inch (or more) scraping snow from your driveway next winter, the Piranha will still fit properly. For strength reasons, the Piranha extends several inches under the bucket. It cannot be "flipped" into the bucket. It's locked on with two bolts. Taking it off is really not a big deal but I understand GA's question. BTW, GA, I answered your email yesterday. I hope you received it.

We offer Piranhas for buckets up to 66 inches wide at present. The unit pictured is made specifically for the BX since there seems to be far more of that specific tractor around and Kubota has left the bucket width the same since the very first models. We have a lot of width data for those buckets and their variation, so we don't have to ask for any measurements. Just a note: Kubota has made at least four different model buckets listed as 48" over the years. None of these four are the same width. Interest in other applications will determine what we offer as standard items. For instance, if we have lots of orders for units to fit the B2620 or the John Deere 1026, we'll make those standard items and have them individually listed on our website. For now, they will be built to order. Again, not a big deal.

Any more questions, fire away!

You can email me at contact@bxpanded.com
See the Piranha at BXpanded
Thanks,
Harry

Hi John, I know you love your Ratchet Rake, but you aren't gonn'a have much luck digging a hole with it!

Tell the Barlows BXpanded says "Hey!"

GolfAddict · Feb 29, 2012

BXpanded said:
BTW, GA, I answered your email yesterday. I hope you received it.

I did receive it Harry, and thank you for the quick reply. Was kind of waiting on the "I'll take a look at it" part, but I think you've answered everything sufficiently here.

JOHNTHOMAS · Feb 29, 2012

BXpanded said:
Hi Folks, We appreciate all the interest and questions. Maybe I can answer a few.

The Piranha is a TOOTH BAR! It is designed for, and is very effective for digging. It has additional capabilities, including clearing brush, etc. extremely effectively. I've learned to never say "never", especially around tractor guys, but I don't think anyone is going to break it.

Hi John, I know you love your Ratchet Rake, but you aren't gonn'a have much luck digging a hole with it! Tell the Barlows BXpanded says "Hey!"

No, I can't see digging with a RR, just scratching some loose surface dirt at best. The lower teeth which seperates it from a toothbar will prevent digging. One of my first purchases was a toothbar, unfortunately not a Piranha since you didn't make it back then. I bought the toothbar to mostly keep from wearing out my bucket lip or that's what I had on my mind when I bought it. The toothbar I bought had teeth like on heavy equipment and it was near useless for my small tractor so I sold it to my neighbor who also never even put it on his tractor. If I'd bought the Piranha I'd probably still have it.
If I ever go back to Barlows

:laughing: I'll tell them the Hi for you.:thumbsup:

BXpanded · Feb 29, 2012

JOHNTHOMAS said:
If I ever go back to Barlows:laughing: I'll tell them the Hi for you.:thumbsup:

Whadda ya mean if you ever go back?? Do you mean if you go back today, maybe???:laughing: Have a great day! H

Tollster · Feb 29, 2012

If I where to order one, is there any chance I could get the attachment point undrilled? I currently have two holes in my bucket, so I would like to use one of those. I would just have to be sure you have enough on the tang for a good bite.
I could measure from the cutting edge, then measure up using a square and give you that data.

TripleR · Feb 29, 2012

BXpanded said:
Whadda ya mean if you ever go back?? Do you mean if you go back today, maybe???:laughing: Have a great day! H

:laughing::laughing::thumbsup:

BXpanded · Feb 29, 2012

Tollster said:
If I where to order one, is there any chance I could get the attachment point undrilled? I currently have two holes in my bucket, so I would like to use one of those. I would just have to be sure you have enough on the tang for a good bite.
I could measure from the cutting edge, then measure up using a square and give you that data.

Yeah, we can probably do that. Send pictures with the measurements.
contact@bxpanded.com

doswacko · Mar 2, 2012

GolfAddict said:
In looking at the pictures, it looks like there is maybe enough room on the those side brackets that the bolt hole could be slotted? That is, I wonder if a guy could take it to a machinist and have to hole turned into a slot. I'm thinking if it could be made long enough perhaps the bolts could be loosened, bar pulled forward with the bolt sliding in the slot, then tip the whole thing back into the bucket. If you don't mind taking a look sometime to see if it looks feasible...

it would have to move a lot to clear the cutting edge of the bucket.
i will measure mine and see when i get home.

Tcfake613 · Mar 2, 2012

Talked to Harry today and ordered one for my B2620. The inside of my bucket measures 48 5/8 exactly. I would recommend if you have any specific questions to give them a call and ask for Harry. He is VERY helpful and willing to talk about specifics. I think we could've talked tractors all day! When I get mine installed and get some time with it I'll be sure to post back.

tractchores · Mar 4, 2012

Tcfake613 said:
Talked to Harry today and ordered one for my B2620. The inside of my bucket measures 48 5/8 exactly. I would recommend if you have any specific questions to give them a call and ask for Harry. He is VERY helpful and willing to talk about specifics. I think we could've talked tractors all day! When I get mine installed and get some time with it I'll be sure to post back.

I'd interested in how it works for you and how hard it is to install & remove. I'm considering a tooth bar for my 2920 to dig in rocky soil and remove light brush. I think it has the same bucket. How much did it run if you don't mind my asking?

Tcfake613 · Mar 4, 2012

$259 + $36 shipping to central PA. I should have it for next weekend. I will definitely post thoughts. I have a lot of brush and briars to clear. I'm confident it will handle that.

Contemplating.... yes contemplating a 40 x 56 pole barn and doing some of the stone work and excavating myself... will this be more than I should take on??

dourobob · Mar 10, 2012

This "tooth bar" sounds like a great item. I have always been somewhat hesitant about "multi-function" items as they frequently do all their tasks a little less effectively than "single application" items but the TBN "experts" appear to say this is a winner.

Wondering about availability in (or shipping to) Canada and if a 72" can be custom ordered.

Sent Harry a PM.