Tooth bar Questions (again, I know)

[ProfPat]

I've been scouring the boards trying to figure out which tooth bar to buy. I realize it's a long overdue accessory that I can use all the time so this spring we get one!

Here's my set-up: CK35 HST with an oversize 60" bucket from Michigan Iron. I was thinking the W.R. Long flat tooth bar because we do a fair amount of smoothing using the bucket in addition to the box blade. Also, I like the replaceable teeth. However, it says it's good for up to 1500 pounds and the tractor is good for up to 1700 and change. That said, I don't want to get something that's way too heavy and I would like the flat bars.

It will be used for resculpting our property, moving mainly sand, soil and rocks plus dressing up the corral and driveways. We also clear brush and small trees.

Thanks in advance.

 

[k0ua]

I've been scouring the boards trying to figure out which tooth bar to buy. I realize it's a long overdue accessory that I can use all the time so this spring we get one!

Here's my set-up: CK35 HST with an oversize 60" bucket from Michigan Iron. I was thinking the W.R. Long flat tooth bar because we do a fair amount of smoothing using the bucket in addition to the box blade. Also, I like the replaceable teeth. However, it says it's good for up to 1500 pounds and the tractor is good for up to 1700 and change. That said, I don't want to get something that's way too heavy and I would like the flat bars.

It will be used for resculpting our property, moving mainly sand, soil and rocks plus dressing up the corral and driveways. We also clear brush and small trees.

Thanks in advance.

Here just to add to your angst.. look at this thing.. Pretty good reveiws by the people that have them.. I was thinking about one.. they will make it any size you want, and it has qualities like a cross between a toothbar and a ratchet rake.. So kinda of a double duty tool. The manufacture is a contributer/advertiser on here. I have called him once and he was very helpful and friendly. I have not bought one yet, but I am thinking about it.

BXpanded Piranha Tooth Bar

Hard choices...

James K0UA

 

[northcreek2624]

Seems that every new tractor owner wants to add a tooth bar to his new rig,myself included.It's no wonder because if you scour the many tractor sites you get the feeling that tooth bars are pure magic.
They may be magic for some but,I sent mine back after a short while.Naturally it comes down to what you intend to do with it.For my general property work it was more of a nuisance than magic.
Luckily I purchased mine with a return if not satisfied policy.I know that they can be taken off but,that's a pain so you try to do something that you shouldn't while the TB is on and before you know it have ventilated siding on your house.
Just my two cents for what it's worth..Mike.

 

[Gittyup]

That Piranha thing looks pretty interesting. But, If I were going that route, I'd probably go for the rachet rake because I like the back teeth on it that lets you backdrag without having your cylinders extended.

I have a regular toothbar with replacable teeth. Goes on and off in about 5 minutes. It works great for digging, brush gathering (when one doesn't have a grapple), and extending bucket length for boulders and such. Great for digging into a pile of heavy material. It also protects the bucket edge. I'm not sure what brand I have, but I like it. Not sure I could break it with a CK.

However, the regular toothbar is useless if you want to back drag smooth. You really have to take it off. A toothbar is for digging, not sculpting. The rachet rake or Piranha might be better suited if you want to dig and back drag without removing it.

I wouldn't fret too much over brand. Most are quality products.

 

[CanuckGT]

I have a WR Long tooth bar and love it! if your worried aboud sculpting with it,loosen the 2 bolts,slide forward then tilt it back out of the way! 2 minute job!

BTW, I have it on my Kioti ck30 60" bucket.

 

[ProfPat]

Here just to add to your angst.. look at this thing.. Pretty good reveiws by the people that have them.. I was thinking about one.. they will make it any size you want, and it has qualities like a cross between a toothbar and a ratchet rake.. So kinda of a double duty tool. The manufacture is a contributer/advertiser on here. I have called him once and he was very helpful and friendly. I have not bought one yet, but I am thinking about it.

BXpanded Piranha Tooth Bar

Hard choices...

James K0UA

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the Piranha and the more I read, the better it looks for what I'm doing. I sent Harry an email and got a reply today (Saturday) so that's a good sign. Also, the price wasn't bad for my 60" bucket. I hadn't even considered the RR but I read the thread (2 years and 29 postings - clearly a popular implement). When I say sculpting, I mean rearranging the hills and that means digging and moving earth. The RR looks great for finish work and the easy-on and easy-off seems like a great feature (although the straps look like a bad idea.) Since I have a box blade and a small york rake, I can do most of what it does. Next time I go to Tractor Supply, I'm going to look it over and if they ever have another sale...you never know! Meanwhile I think the Piranha might just be the winner.

 

[ProfPat]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I decided to go with the Piranha. Harry has been available by email all weekend and I placed the order today. I've got my spring/summer project identified and I predict a lot of seat time in the near future!

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I decided to go with the Piranha. Harry has been available by email all weekend and I placed the order today. I've got my spring/summer project identified and I predict a lot of seat time in the near future!

Please report back when you have used it for a bit, and let us know what you think.

James K0UA

 

[ProfPat]

Will do. I've got a pretty good test project planned so long as it doesn't rain.

 

[ProfPat]

OK. I'm been so busy using it, I forgot to post. We have dug up and transplanted trees, boulders, sand and gravel. I should have got one of these the first day I had the tractor. I made a point of looking carefully at it this morning and the teeth are happy and shiny. No apparent damage. I would recommend it to anyone. As I've been using it, I've tried to consider how I would have done the same jobs with regular teeth and I'm pretty sure I would have broken them off. The benefit of this design is that the boulders aren't just being grabbed by one tooth. The entire bar and bucket are engaged.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions!