Modify toothbar to fit?

westbrooklawn · Mar 14, 2010

OK... traded my 5 year old L3400 gear tractor for a new L3400 HST. The new loader has a bucket which is 6" wider than my old one. I kept my old Markham toothbar which is now 6" too narrow. It is configured with 7 teeth... how would you modify it to make it fit the 66" bucket? I'm thinking add 3" between the first and second tooth on each side. That would make for uneven spacing on the outside teeth, but at least it would be uniform on each side. Another option is adding 6" plus a tooth to one side, but that space would not be uniform, and the center tooth would no longer be on center... final option would be to add 3" on each end with no additional teeth. This might affect the efficiency of the toothbar since the outside teeth would be 3" in from the outside edge of the bucket. Any thoughts?

And yeah, I know, I probably am being too **** about the whole thing....

RoyJackson · Mar 14, 2010

My toothbar is made by a company called Woods, but I don't think it was the implement company...had it for close to 10 years now.
Anyway, when I went from my Deere 670 to Deere 790, the bucket width increased from 54" to 61". I bought a 12" section of the main extrusion (the bar the teeth are attached to) and another tooth. I cut the original length tooth bar at the center and welded in a 6½" section. The new tooth went at the center of the newly welded section.
Works like a champ!
I was lucky enough to be working at a fabrication company, so all the tools and skills required were right there.

So, yes, it can be done. If you have access to a band saw or cutoff saw (even an angle grinder) and a welding machine, it's pretty easy to do. Just remember the old Carpenter's saying: Measure twice, cut once. BTW, I gave myself ¼" clearance per side. Make sure you allow clearance so you can install that toothbar.

westbrooklawn · Mar 15, 2010

Thanks for the reply Roy... the problem is that my toothbar has a tooth right at the center point, so cutting it at the middle and adding a tooth will result in uneven spacing. I may just try to sell this toothbar and buy a new one... it all depends on how much a lightly used toothbar would sell for!

kennyd · Mar 15, 2010

If it was me...I would probably call Melissa and get a scrap peice of the flat bar, and extend each end the 3" needed to make it fit properly.

PILOON · Mar 15, 2010

I'd suggest adding in the center even though it would result in an unbalanced configuration because from my experience the corners are the most useful and hardest working. (just look at any cutting edge, generally worn round)

westbrooklawn · Mar 15, 2010

Kennyd -

Don't know if I should cuss you or thank you for suggesting I call Gator (formerly Markham Welding). Of course I'm just kidding on the cussing..., but the call did cost me some money. I called Melissa to order a piece of the flat bar, which she agreed to ship to me free... cost of shipping only. After talking with Melissa I also ended up ordering their light duty 48" grapple. They had one on site and shipped today with delivery tomorrow... you can't beat that kind of service. Dealing with people like this makes you want to buy from them.

I guess this means I will have a WR Long bucket grapple for sale if anyone is interested. See my avatar for a picture of the bucket grapple on my old tractor.

kennyd · Mar 15, 2010

westbrooklawn said:
Kennyd -

Don't know if I should cuss you or thank you for suggesting I call Gator (formerly Markham Welding). Of course I'm just kidding on the cussing..., but the call did cost me some money. I called Melissa to order a piece of the flat bar, which she agreed to ship to me free... cost of shipping only. After talking with Melissa I also ended up ordering their light duty 48" grapple. They had one on site and shipped today with delivery tomorrow... you can't beat that kind of service. Dealing with people like this makes you want to buy from them.

I guess this means I will have a WR Long bucket grapple for sale if anyone is interested. See my avatar for a picture of the bucket grapple on my old tractor.

Glad to help...I guess?

You could look at it this way: You got the grapple free and paid $900+ for the flat bar:thumbsup:

Melissa is great to talk to...I be you where on the phone for 30+ minutes