Toothbar Tutorial (my Version)

[Inspector507]

Here are some photos as I put my toothbar on last night. The 54" toothbar weighs about 60-70 lbs I'd say.

 

[Inspector507]

I used yellow duct tape under the ears so I could see where to drill the holes. Hard to see a black Sharpie mark on a black bucket.

 

[Inspector507]

Holes are marked on both sides

 

[Inspector507]

Used a 1/4" hole to start. DeWalt pilot tip bits are great.

 

[Inspector507]

Next went to a 1/2" hole on both sides

 

[Inspector507]

Thought you'd like to see the late 50's, early 60's era 1/2" Craftsman Drill I used. It only runs at 600 RPM, but as you can see has enough torque to snap the rear handle off of it. I did that years ago. While drilling these holes, I think the RPM may have dropped to 595..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Couldn't locate the step drill bit I wanted to use to make the hole 3/4". Used this Unibit instead. Drilled both sides of the metal because this bit is 7/8" total and I didn't want to make it that large.

 

[Inspector507]

Test fit the bolts......yep they fit real good /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Here I am all finished with the install.

 

[Inspector507]

Total time, 50 minutes, including going out back to bring the tractor around, taking pics and cleaning up

 

[GreenMtnMan]

Thanks a lot for posting these! I found them very helpful, and thanks to you I will order a toothbar for my bucket.

 

[Bird]

That sure does look like the same toothbar I had on my B2710. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Sure will make that FEL dig better.

 

[JohnMiller3]

Nice job Jerry... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Bird,
Thats a toothbar from WR Long.

Ken,
You're welcome. I see a few posts now and then about people wondering how to install one. I can tell some of them fret about how to drill a 3/4" hole in 1/4" steel.........it isn't that hard to do at all.

 

[B7500]

Nice Job,
You did a better job then I did. Mine ended up with about a 1/4th inch space between it and the bucket. Works ok just fills with small rocks and stuff in the gap.
-Terry

 

[Spencer]

Nice job Inspector. Your going to love that toothbar. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DRinMA]

I have the same toothbar, only the 48" version. I love it. It really helps to dig.

2 suggestions: use anti-sieze on the bolts if you intend on taking the toothbar off in the winter
and I put the nuts on the outside because I also have a few exposed threads. I think the most wear would occur inside the bucket, not outside. This is again to aid in taking it off in the winter.

Dave R.

 

[Dougwatts]

Inspector,

I'm in the midst of installing a toothbar on my JD FEL. I did exactly as you did through drilling the 1/2" holes. I've worn out two unibits trying to get from 1/2 to 3/4. I thought about buying a 3/4 bit or two, but I don't have a drill with a 1/2" chuck. Is there a secret to getting a unibit to last long enough to drill my holes? Or do you have any other thoughts on how I might finish this little project. I'm a little frustrated as I can't play with my new toothbar.

Thanks.

 

[Inspector507]

Doug,
You need to make sure you're using a step drill without the very small steps to it. The one I used has maybe 6 steps and not 13. The 13 step bits are for thinner material and will burn up in a hurry with ¼" material. GO SLOW use a lubricant

 

[JASTN70D]

Just curious as to why the holes were placed in the front of the slot as opposed to the rear. I put my tooth bar on a couple of weeks ago and I put the holes to the rear of the slot. I have used the heck out of it on stumps and have not noticed any problems. I just want to be sure I did it correctly