toothbar fitment

arrow · May 1, 2008

Just received a Markum TB. My bucket has a 1/2" thick cutting edge. I cannot seem to get the toothbar cutting edge flat against the bucket floor. I can pull out the toothbar and then it lays flat but the bucket edge is not up against the teeth. Where is this thing supposed to rest in the bucket? Flat against the floor or up against the back of the teeth.

John_Mc · May 1, 2008

Here's how it was explained to me: The cutting edge of the bucket should be seated up against the teeth. This lets the cutting edge bear the load when pushing or digging, as it's supposed to. If it's not installed that way, the two bolts which hold the toothbar to the sides of your bucket end up bearing all the load. That is not what they are there for. They are only to keep the cutting edge from falling off.

I can't swear this is true, but it sure makes sense to me, so that's what I went with when installing my toothbar.

John Mc

arrow · May 1, 2008

Thanks John. This is going to leave a 1/2" gap between toothbar cutting edge and bucket floor mounting the bar as you desribe. I am wondering if this TB was meant for a bucket with 3/4" cutting edge. Hmm, I'm wondering if this is the space Melissa at Markum meant when she said "the space will fill with dirt".

John_Mc · May 2, 2008

I've got about a 3/8" gap in mine. I was not happy with the fact that it didn't fit better, but it works well. The gap does tend to fill with dirt or sticks. I suppose if it had no gap, it might be tough to get on and off the bucket if I dinged or bent the cutting edge on the bucket. The only real problem I've had is that when clearing brush, I occasionally get a stick or chunk of wood jammed in there so hard that it's tough to get out. When it's jammed like that, you can't get the toothbar off without removing the jam.

John Mc

Mowbizz · May 2, 2008

arrow said:
Just received a Markum TB. My bucket has a 1/2" thick cutting edge. I cannot seem to get the toothbar cutting edge flat against the bucket floor. I can pull out the toothbar and then it lays flat but the bucket edge is not up against the teeth. Where is this thing supposed to rest in the bucket? Flat against the floor or up against the back of the teeth.

Hmmm...just received mine today and planned on installing it tomorrow...good thing I saw this thread so now I'll expect a gap in the bar fitment...as long as it works as intended, I'll be happy...I'll post my installation results here.

arrow · May 2, 2008

Not only did the toothbar not rest against the floor of the bucket, I could not get the teeth up against the bucket cutting edge with at least a 3/16th -1/4" gap there as well. I attempted to pull the TB in with clamps to no avail and even walked the bar attached loosely into a tree while on the bucket. These teeth that Markham uses are large and I believe more suited to a 3/4" cutting edge IMO as opposed to the 1/2" edge on my bucket, I just refurbished the flimsy JD materials bucket cutting out the weak spots and welding in stronger side straps and top. I specifically ordered a 1/2" cutting edge to replace what was on there. I perhaps should of went with what I thought was overkill at the time and bought the 3/4" edge. I am willing to bet that would of given me a better fit with the Markham. For the money, it is one rugged toothbar.

rcrcomputing · May 2, 2008

I had similar questions in 2005. Here's the thread. I posted pictures.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/53628-installing-toothbar-2.html

arrow · May 3, 2008

I searched the archives for such a problem but obviously I kept guessing the wrong thread titles. Your problem was similar to mine especially when I thought the bar had to lay flat in the bucket. Thanks for sharing

Mowbizz · May 3, 2008

As promised, here's my Markham Tooth Bar installed today. Happily, there is no "gap" to speak of, so I guess I was lucky...

The unit lines up perfectly, seating all the way into the tooth "indents" and there was only a "2 washer" gap on the right hand side where the bolts go. The left side was flush and perfect. I added some steel plate washers to the install just to be doubly sure of a good tight install...overall, I ecstatic about the way it went...I could not find a 1/2"hole saw at the Home Depot so I just used a half inch bit with a smaller pilot hole drilled first...and plenty of cutting oil...

arrow · May 3, 2008

That's a great fit. How thick is your cutting edge? As I kept pushing mine back, it would ride up higher and higher off the bucket floor. Except for your cutting edge, I don't know what could be different. The casting no's on my teeth look to be 1001-23. Glad your's fits like a glove. I have a big side hill excavation job coming up. Will see how everything holds up.