With a few tips and tricks on understanding how locking mechanisms operate, bucket teeth replacement doesn’t have to be so difficult.
The bucket teeth on an excavator are also known as Ground Engaging Tools (GET), they are designed to be the wear point on the machine to prevent wear and tear on the bucket adapters. Keeping them sharp and in good condition will improve operational efficiency while reducing equipment load, resulting in longer machine life and lower maintenance costs.
However, as mentioned the bucket teeth are the wear point, and so they are meant to be replaced as overtime they are likely to become damaged and severely worn. Digging performance will be limited by missing, worn, or broken teeth, which may also damage the bucket adapters and body if not replaced soon enough.
If you are unsure on how to perform maintenance or a replacement properly and safely, contact the heavy equipment repair experts at Iron Equipment.
Tips for Replacing Bucket Teeth on Excavator
**CLEAN**
The number one tip, no pun intended; is to ensure that when you are removing and installing bucket teeth all surfaces of the teeth, around and inside and especially contact points on the adapter are clean. The best way to accomplish this is through power washing.
It is common for clean teeth to feel a bit loose when installed, however teeth that are excessively loose can indicate adapter wear which would indicate that the adapter may require replacing as well.
Understand the type of Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is the part that locks the teeth into place on the excavator bucket. It is essential to first understand the type of locking mechanism that your machine uses before you begin to disassemble and replace the teeth.The best way to understand the type of locking mechanism that your excavator has is first follow any instruction you may have in you owners manual second is to acquire new parts and to study how they might retain the teeth.
The two most common types of locks are: pin type and wedge type. Pin types often have a special tool available that allows you to hammer out the pin from above the teeth rather than in between the teeth. Wedge type locking mechanisms typically are made of rubber and steel that is designed to expand and lock the bucket teeth into place.
Manufacturers typically have slight variations for these two different lock types. Each type requires time to study and understand how they lock in. For further assistance in purchasing, removal and installation of teeth and weld on adapters please contact Iron Equipment.