Cracks In CK20 FEL Bucket

[BXTotal]

I just recently noticed that I have good sized cracks in three of the four front corners of my 2007 CK20 front loader bucket. By front corners, I mean on the side of the bucket where it joins the leading (front) edges of the bucket. The cracks seem to be occurring where the gusset ends.

This was a surprise to me both because I have never heard of this particular problem on a CK20 before and also because I did not think I was doing anything likely to crack the bucket.

Now I am wondering if I am doing something I should not be doing with the FEL or if the previous owner (I bought it used a year ago) was misusing the loader.

Anyone have this problem ? Should I be worried ? I assume I can have these welded. Anything else I should do ?

 

[IslandTractor]

I haven't heard of that problem either. If you can weld just reinforce it. Luckily a bucket is not a high precision moving part and is fabricated with mild steel so repair should be easy.

 

[RoMad]

I have a 2003 ck20 and have not had any problems with the bucket and I use it pretty hard. I am pretty sure the bucket isn't made out of anything special. I welded a hook on mine and it welded just fine. (I am a very experienced welder).
I would just weld it up if it were mine and keep an eye on it. Can you post some pictures of the cracks?

 

[o2batsea]

I'd rather the bucket fail than any other part of the loader. You can get a used quick tach bucket pretty cheap.

 

[Highbeam]

Oh yes, my bucket is cracked just as you describe on all four corners. Cracks are about 2 inches long on the side plates. I noticed this a few months ago.

 

[teg]

Got Photos???

 

[Highbeam]

Got Photos???

Not this time, I'll let someone else lead this crusade.