Mini - Ex bucket teeth

[Bob Rooks]

Talked to a few folks about which is the best teeth for working caliche, aka grey concrete or hard pan. I have 220' of 24" x 26" trench to do and it's all hard. Have done about 30' and a dogleg so far, averaging about a foot per hour. Would like to get some recommendations for teeth.

Thanks

 

[Steve_Miller]

A frost spike or pneumatic hammer.

Steve

 

[lumberjack1986]

Holy moly, a foot per hour? What size machine?

You need a single point ripper and a bigger machine.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Holy moly, a foot per hour? What size machine?
You need a single point ripper and a bigger machine.

Hahaha. I agree, but that's what I've got, a 3-1/2 ton. Ok, maybe I overestmated the time by 10 or 15 minutes.
Here's what I did in 5-1/2 hours.

 

[Tags]

something like these may work better. They call them "tiger teeth" http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&r...BwwBg&iact=rc&dur=2443&page=1&start=0&ndsp=23

It all depends if they are available for the size shank you have on your bucket. I've always heard that caliche was nasty stuff to dig in, thanks for confirming it Try searching a company called Romac, you'll get lots of ideas from there too.

 

[Bob Rooks]

something like these may work better. They call them "tiger teeth" Google Image Result for http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/nucAAOxymspSEaTg/%24(KGrHqEOKowFIJwSo3-fBSE,TfqsrQ~~60_35.JPG

It all depends if they are available for the size shank you have on your bucket. I've always heard that caliche was nasty stuff to dig in, thanks for confirming it Try searching a company called Romac, you'll get lots of ideas from there too.

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Next step will be to find four bolt-on adapters to fit the bucket. I'll try Romac.

Thanks.

 

[lumberjack1986]

Why not a ripper?

 

[Bob Rooks]

Why not a ripper?

Maybe I'm missing something, but can you trench with a ripper? Is a ripper comparable in price to eight bucket teeth and four adapters? I don't know.

 

[lumberjack1986]

A ripper will likely cost more than the teeth and adapters, but less than them and replacing a blown out bucket. You rip the trench first, then excavate the material with your standard bucket. Standard practice and way more productive than any tooth you could put on your bucket.

Also it's handy for taking out trees/stumps, and of course can be used in all hard digging, not just trenching.

 

[Kernopelli]

Surely teeth would be a big improvement, looks like you are using a smooth bucket. Several TBN members have bought Michigan Iron & Equipment's (MIE) ripper and give it high praise. IslandTractor has written quite a bit about his. Kay's Supply had a thread on his home built ripper for his Yanmar mini-ex. I have a sheet of 1" steel I have been keeping for the same project ( if I ever get time). Has to be faster and less wear on the machine.