tooth bar a bit too short

[HERKYEC130]

I just dug the tooth bar out that I got with my tractor this past summer. When I set it in the bucket it was too short. I have a 54 inch bucket and when I measured the bar it is only 52 inches. I was wondering if it is common to shim an inch on each side of the bar. I realize the blade edge is the load bearer and the bolts just hold it in place. Just seemed odd that it was that short.
Thanks

 

[markie61]

That seems like too much. Mine is a little short, but only 1/4-1/2 inch on each side. You have to have SOME room to slip it in, but I think that's a bit TOO much.
Mark

 

[GregJ]

Mine only has about 1/8" on each side. I would think an inch on each side could put additional torque on the bolts. Sounds like it's the wrong size to me.

Greg

 

[HERKYEC130]

Dealer says that's how they make them. and it's common.
Paper with the bar says 54 inch.
I figure the dealer will give me the runaround since I bought out of state.

 

[Bird]

That's certainly shorter, and leaves more of a gap on either end, than what I've seen, but at the same time, I think I'd just find a BIG nut to use as a spacer on either side and not worry about it.

 

[markie61]

Wouldnt and extra nut make it more difficult to get on or off? On mine, I put the bolt head inside the bucket and the nut outside (keep crud out/preserve threads). Of course, I guess an oversized nut's threads wouldnt touch the bolt threads and be just a big shim.....
Mark

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

A tooth bar should be, in theory, as close to the width of the inside of your bucket as practical.
If its more than 1/4" too short, shim it with a few washers between the tooth bar and the bucket end plate. Don't bother with more than a few washers per side.
If it were me, I would ask the dealer to get you the correct one.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I put the bolt head inside the bucket and the nut outside )</font>

Mark, I can understand your reasoning for that, but I did exactly the opposite; put the head of the bolt on the outside so I could get close to buildings, trees, etc., and not worry about the threaded end of a bolt sticking out there to hang on something or for me to bump into. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I didn't even worry about taking care of the threads 'cause I had a good impact wrench that I had confidence in, not to mention an air saw and grinder I knew I could use, if necessary.

And yes, I was talking about an oversized nut that would just slip over the bolt, not threaded onto it; just a lot thicker than any washers I might have on hand.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I think two inches is a bit too much but I'm not sure I'd go through the aggravation of sending it back when a handful of washers will solve the problem. Mine is probably an inch shorter than a "perfect fit" would be and that's what I used to fill the gap.

For what it's worth, I ran my bolts from the outside in so I wouldn't catch an ankle on the end of the bolt sticking out (catching those teeth is enough fun for me). One other thing I did and highly recommend is to make certain you cover all of your bolt threads with a nut. If you need to buy another couple nuts to do that, do it. The advantage to this is that the extra nuts protect your bolt threads from damage from whatever you load in your bucket so it's easy to take your toothbar off when you want. Otherwise you'll spend a lot more time and effort doing the same thing.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Mine is probably a 1/2 inch short on each side. I bought some big washers and actually welcome the wiggle room to work with when taking off and on. Hasn't been a problem for me.

Now, if 1 inch on each side is not comfortable for you then ship it to "Gary in Indiana" and he will weld a spacer on each side to fill the gap. He recently took a welding class and is looking for projects.

Bottom line..... 1 inch on each side is a bit much on each side but the bucket cutting edge supports the toothbar and the bolts just keep it against the cutting edge.

Good Luck........