Why the fuss over weld on bucket teeth? One broken tooth on an excavator can stall an entire job site, costing thousands in lost production. Operators who have scrambled for an overnight fix know the pain: OEM replacement castings are pricey, shipping is slow, and field welding seems scary. Yet more contractors are discovering that a precisely welded tooth can bring a bucket back to full bite in under two hours. Let’s dig into how the process works, where it shines, and what can go sideways.
What Exactly Are Weld On Bucket Teeth?
Unlike pin-on or bolt-on systems, weld on bucket teeth are steel adapters and points that are permanently fused to the bucket lip with high-strength filler metal. The adapter acts as a base; the actual tooth (or “point”) locks onto that adapter and can be swapped out when it wears down. Because there are no holes to drill or bushings to replace, the setup is popular on older buckets, custom attachments, and rock-heavy applications where loosening hardware is a constant headache.
Step-by-Step: How to Weld on Bucket Teeth in the Field
- Clean and bevel. Remove paint, rust, and previous weld overlays. A 30° bevel on the adapter edge gives better fusion.
- Tack and level. Small tacks hold the adapter in line; use a straight edge so every tooth lines up perfectly—trust me, a crooked tooth will eat your productivity alive.
- Preheat. For 400-BHN adapters, preheat to 250 °F (121 °C) to stop hydrogen cracking; a simple temp-stick works fine.
- Run the root. 1/8-in. low-hydrogen rod (E7018 or E11018) at 90–100 A; weave slightly to avoid lack of fusion.
- Cap and contour. Two stringer passes on each side; feather the toe so the adapter sits flush with the lip.
- Post-heat and inspect. Wrap the weld zone in a fire-blanket; slow cooling keeps hardness in check. A dye-penetrant test reveals pinholes before you button up.
Common Mistakes That Trash a Good Weld
Skipping preheat is the #1 killer; cold steel draws heat away too fast, giving you fish-eyes and under-bead cracks. Another boo-boo? Using the same rod you use for general shop repairs. Adapter steels often run 80–120 ksi tensile—your garden-variety E6011 just won’t cut it. Finally, don’t weld when the forecast calls for sub-zero temps overnight; rapid contraction can rip the bead right off the next morning.
Cost Reality Check: Weld-On vs. Pin-On Systems
| Item | Weld-On | Pin-On |
|---|---|---|
| Adapter price | $45–70 | $65–90 |
| Installation time | 1.5 hrs | 0.25 hrs |
| Welding consumables | $8 | $0 |
| Future swaps | Cut & grind | Hammer out pin |
| Total 5-year cost* | $290 | $420 |
*Assumes five tooth changes on a 60-ton hoe in abrasive sandstone. Weld-on wins on long-term spend, but only if you have a competent welder on payroll.
Transitioning Thought: When Does It Make More Sense to Bolt On?
If your fleet runs different bucket widths and you swap attachments weekly, bolt-on or pin-on systems save labor. On the flip side, quarry and mine contractors who run the same bucket 24/7 swear by weld on bucket teeth because they never loose hardware in the crusher. The takeaway: match the locking style to your maintenance culture, not just the up-front invoice.
Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Weld On Bucket Teeth
- Rotate points halfway through their life; switching outer and center teeth evens wear.
- Keep a 2-in. clearance between the point tip and adapter nose; running too close causes “snubbing” and cracks the weld.
- Apply hard-facing wire along the bottom adapter surface every 200 hours; it’s cheaper than a full re-weld.
- Store extra points in a dry container; condensation on a chilled point will spit and sputter when you strike an arc.
Environmental Angle: Can Welded Teeth Be Recycled?
Absolutely. Scrap yards pay for high-nickel adapters the same way they buy worn ripper shanks. Cut the weld with a plasma torch, separate the steel grades, and you’re left with clean metallurgy ready for remelt. Landfill diversion credits can offset your next consumable purchase—every little bit helps when the accountant starts asking questions.
Key Takeaway
Weld on bucket teeth aren’t a stop-gap; they’re a strategic choice when downtime is the enemy and skilled labor is on site. Prep right, weld right, and you’ll score a rock-solid attachment that rivals OEM performance—without the OEM wait time.
