If you know anything about excavators then you know that operating in harsh, abrasive materials can be detrimental to the cutting edge of your buckets. One of the key components that can significantly impact your excavation and digging operations is the cutting edge of your excavator bucket so it's essential to protect it. While often overlooked, the bolt-on cutting edge plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance and achieving your desired results. Join us as we explore the top five reasons why fitting a bolt-on cutting edge to your excavator bucket is the best decision to protect your buckets. From increased durability to enhanced precision, we'll uncover how this cutting edge can save you time and money.
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The purpose of fitting a bolt-on cutting edge to your excavator bucket is to protect your bucket edge from wearing down over time. It's inevitable that your bucket edge will wear down due to the friction created during digging and grading jobs, so the best way to protect this is by fitting an additional layer of steel as a protective surface. Not only does it protect the bucket edge from wearing but a bolt-on cutting edge also protects the integral bucket welds from becoming damaged. As the bucket edge starts to wear away, the welds that connect the side plates and bucket shell become exposed to the abrasive environments. If not protected, the welds can snap, buckle or crack, causing your bucket to be deemed unusable.
Protective cutting edges were first introduced to the industry to reduce the time taken to repair your bucket when the edge became too worn and distorted to function adequately. This involved cutting out the lip plate and welding a new bucket edge back in. As you can imagine, this isn't a quick job and could have you waiting around for your bucket for a day or two. The bolt-on cutting edge was designed to protect the bucket edge so these correction projects weren't necessary.
A bolt-on cutting edge attaches to the underside of your bucket edge with plow bolts / plough bolts, through the bucket edge and cutting edge. Depending on the size of your bucket, this can be a quick and simple job, taking under an hour to fit before you're back up and running.
Most cutting edges supplied by bucket manufacturers will be double-edged to maximize your time and money. When one side of your blade is worn back to the bucket edge, you can simply undo the bolts, remove the blade and spin it 180 degrees to refit it. If used without a cutting edge, your bucket would have required a replacement edge to be removed and rewelded twice during this time, setting you back a few days in repair time.
As well as taking much longer, removing and repairing the edge of your bucket can be considerably more expensive than simply replacing your bolt-on cutting edge. Sourcing the correct parts to fit your bucket and an experienced welder to carry out the repair can be substantially higher in price. Depending on the extent of the bucket wear, you could end up replacing your entire bucket if the wear is too extensive.
Fitting a bolt-on cutting edge ensures that your your bucket edge remains level to create the perfect finish to your profiling and digging jobs. If used without a blade, your bucket edge will warp and distort through wear, leaving you with a much more difficult job for finishing surfaces or digging neat trenches. The cutting edge reinforces your bucket lip plate to maintain a flat, level bucket edge. This is essential for your grading or ditch cleaning bucket where you need to create a smooth finish to the top layer of dirt or when spreading out aggregates like stones.
Although only marginal, fitting a bolt-on cutting edge to your excavator bucket can increase the length and capacity of your bucket. This is especially useful when bulk moving material as you can transport your material quicker. But, it also extends the length of your bucket enabling your excavator to reach further when digging trenches, which is extremely beneficial when working to a tight deadline.
In summary, if you're looking for a method to extend the life of your excavator buckets and improve your overall productivity, then the bolt-on cutting edge is the best option for you. The cost-saving potential extends far beyond the purchase of your first blade, but continues to build through every cutting edge replacement.
Want more information on Loader Spare Parts Cutting Edges? Feel free to contact us.
If you want to purchase a bolt-on cutting edge for your Rhinox excavator buckets, contact us today via our Contact Us page. For more information on the importance of fitting a cutting edge, to your buckets check out more of our content below:
As an excavator operator or owner, we know you're well-acquainted with the wear and tear that effects excavator bucket cutting edges. Heavy duty work like digging or grading brings the bucket in contact with the rough ground, wearing it down, and eventually requiring replacement. That's where a bolt-on bucket cutting edge really shines. These cutting edges come in 1 or 3-pieces, but more on that later.
When a fixed cutting edge wears down, it's a big job to remove it and weld in a new one. With a bolt-on cutting edge, just as it sounds, bolts are removed to release the old edge, and a new cutting edge is bolted back into place.
The down time is way less, getting you right back to work. No welding required!
Another benefit of a bolt-on versus fixed cutting edge? The increased capacity of the bucket, as the cutting edge adds length to the bucket floor. This extended edge will save some wear at the bottom of the side styles, and the extra thickness created by the bolt-on cutting edge minimizes drag and wear by lifting the entire base of the bucket slightly off the ground.
At Viking West, we offer both 3 and 1-piece bolt-on cutting edges. Both offer the great features listed above, but with some distinct differences. So if you're choosing between the two, read on as we dig into the pros and cons of each.
So now that you know the pros and cons of 3 and 1-piece bucket cutting edges, which one is right for you?
If you'd like to learn more, or if you're ready to outfit your excavator with a new bolt-on cutting edge, get in touch! We've got the products and expertise you need to choose the very best excavator accessories.
We're ready to take your call at 604-381-. For more information on Viking West's line of buckets, fill-out our online form or give us a call.
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