Ordered a Markem tooth bar today

[TC29-dude]

I used my FEL all weekend grading and cleaning up a country junk pile. It worked fairly well but I struggled to pick up some stuff I felt I should have been able to. So today I called the sweet young lady at Markem and my 60" toothbar will ship tomorrow, I can't wait to bolt it on and see if it makes a difference.

Did you guys drill your bucket or use a torch to cut the holes for the bar?

 

[SnowRidge]

Drill it. Here's hoping Markham builds yours properly. Mine was too narrow, and I had to shim it with washers.

 

[pjtiii]

Let us know how it goes on, and how you like it. Does it ever get in the way, or is it all around better? If it bolts on, do you think you will ever unbolt it? I have been thinking about one for my bucket, but have not pulled the trigger yet.

 

[6sunset6]

Me Too almost did it today 68" Hope it can ship UPS

 

[TC29-dude]

Let us know how it goes on, and how you like it. Does it ever get in the way, or is it all around better? If it bolts on, do you think you will ever unbolt it? I have been thinking about one for my bucket, but have not pulled the trigger yet.

It's slotted and intended to be flipped up out of the way. I will have to see how that works out.

As far as unbolting...I was thinking of using pins similiar to the ones on the ROPS to make it an easy on/off attachment. More than likely it will go on and never come off.

I was happy with the price, $273.00 shipped. I was expecting to spend close to $400.

 

[kennyd]

Drill it. Here's hoping Markham builds yours properly. Mine was too narrow, and I had to shim it with washers.

They build them that way on purpose, usually about 1/2" shorter than the dimensions you give them.
Two reason's:
1. It keeps the "it doesn't fit because the customer can't read the tape measure correctly" returns to a minimum.
2. If your bucket get bent slightly or racked the toothbar will still fit.

Remember that the bolts only hold the bar on from falling off, there is no stress on them if it's installed properly.

 

[SnowRidge]

They build them that way on purpose, usually about 1/2" shorter than the dimensions you give them.
Two reason's:
1. It keeps the "it doesn't fit because the customer can't read the tape measure correctly" returns to a minimum.
2. If your bucket get bent slightly or racked the toothbar will still fit.

Then they need to state that up front.

 

[SnowRidge]

Me Too almost did it today 68" Hope it can ship UPS

Mine was 65" and came UPS. The driver left it on the lawn. I don't think he was too happy about having to deliver it. The "packaging" is a taped on address label.

 

[kennyd]

Then they need to state that up front.

Not trying to be argumentative, but why do they need to "state that up front"?

 

[SnowRidge]

Not trying to be argumentative, but why do they need to "state that up front"?

They go to great lengths to tell you to measure carefully, and they provide instructions on just how they want you to measure, and then build the bar as if you were an idiot and can't follow simple insructions? To me that is an unacceptable business practice.

They tell you they will build it to fit, and they do otherwise.