Bucket Side Walls

[dallasfan458]

Recently was pushing large rocks with the front bucket, got off and realized that I had bent in the ends about 2 inches out. I was able to bent them back because the steel is softer than I imagined, has anyone ever reinforced their sides? I was thinking of welding on 1/4 inch thick 3 inch wide bar stock to the inside, wanted to see if anyone has had similar experience. Thanks.

 

[Jim Nelson]

If I was going to do something like that I would put them on the outside or they will hold any wet material and start building up on the inside of the bucket and be a rear to clean out.

 

[4570Man]

My Kubota already has a reinforced sidewall and I haven't bent it. If I didn't already have a reinforced sidewall I wouldn't hesitate to weld a piece of steel up it.

 

[jb1390]

If I was going to do something like that I would put them on the outside or they will hold any wet material and start building up on the inside of the bucket and be a rear to clean out.

Yup, the outside is best. Consider using Hardox for the reinforcement plates. You can probably buy precut pieces from a local steel supplier.

I welded the outside of my OEM tractor bucket before I ever used it.

 

[CADplans]

I have moved literally MANY tons of rock with my bucket,,,
never a bend,,, except the top,,, a little. :laughing:

Would replacing the side be better than adding dead weight to the bucket,,,
that will always be there?
A couple pieces of AR,, or some other high strength steel?

 

[jb1390]

I have moved literally MANY tons of rock with my bucket,,,
never a bend,,, except the top,,, a little. :laughing:

Would replacing the side be better than adding dead weight to the bucket,,,
that will always be there?
A couple pieces of AR,, or some other high strength steel?

That sounds like a lot of work to save 7 pounds, which is how much 2 strips of 1/4" x 2" x 24" steel weighs. I'd add some thin strips of Hardox or AR to the edge and call it a day.

 

[4570Man]

I wouldn't even bother with hardox or any other hardened steel unless I had it laying around. Mild steel will work and is probably what the rest of the bucket except possibly the cutting edge is.

 

[Egon]

Cutting edge will work well. Welded on the outside.