Well my 60 5/8" (actual- the bucket was 60 7/8") markham toothbar for my 2320 came today at noon. I ordered it two days ago (about a half hour before the post two up) and did not ask for special delivery or expedited handling. How's that for fast delivery from north carolina to pennsylvania?
Now here's the comparison:
JD toothbar - 126 pounds six forks measuring 8 3/4"
Markham - 73 pounds six forks measuring 7 3/4"
JD toothbar comes with two bolts (about 13mm) and two metric 'crushed thread locking nuts. It takes an impact wrench and muscle to get these nuts off. It took two guys, a sledgehammer, crowbars and a half hour to get the toothbar off the bucket. I dread to think how long it would take to put it on. The 61" bucket is predrilled for this toothbar.
The Markham toothbar comes with 1.2" SAE bolts, nuts, lockwashers and a 3/8" backing plate. It slid into place on the bucket very easily with about 1/8" clearance on either side. This toothbar cannot use the buckets predrilled mounting holes and you must drill your own. still, it's not a big job if you use a centering punch, 1/4" pilot hole and then enlarge it to 1/2". 3RRL (link is above) has a nice pictoral on how to do this. I had to use a few taps with a rubber mallet to seat the toothbar. Maybe the leading edge of my bucket is bent or maybe a few minutes attacking the toothbar with an angle grinder will help. I still want to get the backing plate welded in place.
I may have hit on a stratgem for getting fast delivery. I mentioned at the end of my phone call that
"I'm buying this from you because of the recommendations of the guys on the forum"
"tractorbynet?"
"Yes, we share information about all the good products and vendors. We also share information on the bad items and vendors."
I'll have to remember that.
Does anyone want a 126 pound boat anchor?
