72" Piranha Tooth Bar Install and Review!

[qlizard]

Hello all,
First of all thanks to all who have posted in this informative thread. I actually do not own a tractor, I have a skid steer (Case 1840) which I just bought used. Hopefully y'all don't mind me posting here since this has been the most useful thread on the subject I have found.

Since the smooth bucket is useless for digging, I have been researching all these toothbars. I had settled on a normal tooth variety till I ran across these multiple threads on the PTB. I am in central Texas with lots of compacted dirt, rocks, and limestone. But I also have lots of cedar to clear, and this would be definitely better for that.

My question is, do you think there is anything different I need to consider using this on a skid steer vs all the comments here about it on tractors? Digging in the rocky dirt is my main need, and if regular teeth would definitely be better on a skid then I would probably need to go that way.

thanks!

 

[davrow]

The PTB turns a straight blade bucket into a good digger. Comparatively. Compact and Subcompact tractors are not great diggers to begin with, so it makes an enormous difference. The Piranha is also great for brush clearing type duties.

But on a skid steer? I'd go with real teeth. They'll dig even better than the Piranha, I think.

 

[Bud Soda]

Got one on my small tractor. Works great. Wish the metal was hardened.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

qlizard, for digging out cedars with a skid steer, I'd recommend a stump grapple. Unlike a tractor, the skid steer gives you the advantage of sitting right on top of the action and being able to see what your bucket (or the grapple) is doing. You can dig in and pop out those lateral roots, then move and pop out some more, and then use the grapple to push the tree over, and then use the grapple to lift the tree up and rip any remaining roots out of the ground.

For your bucket, I'd probably recommend a regular toothbar on a skid steer.

 

[qlizard]

Thank you! Sounds like great advice.

 

[BufordBoone]

I ordered a Piranha Tooth bar, based on all the good comments here.

Unfortunately, it didn't fit when I got it. There are lots of different buckets out there. The measurements were correct but neither of us knew (or realized) that my bucket had a hump in it (it's a 4-n-1) that would require the ears of the toothbar to be higher than if the hump was not there.

Fortunately, the manufacturer is one that stands by his product.

They offered to have it shipped back, modified and returned to me. I asked if they would rather reimburse me for a local welder to modify it (I figured the shipping would cost at least $100). They told me how much they were willing to spend.

My local welder was $5 higher than the limit but I figured I didn't mind having a little "skin" in the game. I've sent them a copy of the invoice and asked that they reimburse me for the modification, but only up to what we had agreed upon.

I'm very happy with the toothbar, more happy with the customer service.

Purchase from these folks with confidence.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That's really good to hear, and it doesn't surprise me in the least that Harry handled the situation right. He is a stand-up guy with a quality product. You will be very happy with your Piranha now that it's ready to go.

 

[BufordBoone]

And, I've just received an email from Harry that he refunded me the total amount on my credit card. That's going "above and beyond".

Yes, people, buy from them with confidence. I know I'll be recommending them as often as possible.

Harry, if you read this, Thank you!

 

[PapaPerk]

Hello all,
First of all thanks to all who have posted in this informative thread. I actually do not own a tractor, I have a skid steer (Case 1840) which I just bought used. Hopefully y'all don't mind me posting here since this has been the most useful thread on the subject I have found.

Since the smooth bucket is useless for digging, I have been researching all these toothbars. I had settled on a normal tooth variety till I ran across these multiple threads on the PTB. I am in central Texas with lots of compacted dirt, rocks, and limestone. But I also have lots of cedar to clear, and this would be definitely better for that.

My question is, do you think there is anything different I need to consider using this on a skid steer vs all the comments here about it on tractors? Digging in the rocky dirt is my main need, and if regular teeth would definitely be better on a skid then I would probably need to go that way.

thanks!

What is the operating weight of your skid steer? I'm not sure how well the PTB will hold up to rocks. It is very tough but for pure rock digging the replaceable std points on a skid steer bucket maybe better. The PTB will certainly rip out cedars better than the std tooth bar.

How large are the rocks? If they are softball size or smaller I would give the PTB a try. It slices through dirt much better than a standard tooth bar. You can always resharpen the PTB if the teeth get dinged up. Or simply back dragging the bucket will restore the edge on the teeth.

 

[dragoneggs]

And, I've just received an email from Harry that he refunded me the total amount on my credit card. That's going "above and beyond". Yes, people, buy from them with confidence. I know I'll be recommending them as often as possible. Harry, if you read this, Thank you!

Jeez... Harry's company is great. I have purchased several items and extremely happy with all of them. If it was me, I'd pay him for the product though if you are keeping it since he is making it right.