How to Change an Excavator Bucket
Excavators can last forever with the right maintenance. But, checking the bucket and teeth and ensuring that they are not causing damage to the shank or main structure of the excavator is essential. Also, often, you will need to swap the bucket you are using for a more suitable one, according to the project you are working on. The two procedures (changing the bucket or the teeth) are not challenging. However, following the right instructions is crucial to avoid damaging the excavator and maintain high levels of safety.
9 Easy Steps to Change an Excavator Bucket
First off, let’s have a look at how to swap your excavator’s bucket for a new one or for a more suitable one for your project. You can do so in nine steps – here’s how.
Remove the Bucket
Removing the bucket is the easiest step. You can do so by using the excavator controls to place the bucket on a level surface or floor. Then, remove the safety pin and lift the dipper.
Position the Bucket
To swap the old bucket for a new one, start by positioning the new bucket on a flat, level surface. Ideally, the bucket should be in line with the excavator and positioned at mid-reach. This ensures that the dipper can reach it while in a vertical position.
Align the Dipper
Maneuver the dipper, so it stands vertically above the bucket pivots.
Position the Bucket Link
Start by dropping the bucket link towards the bucket’s rear pivot. Then, align the pinhole with the pivot pinholes at the rear of the bucket.
Insert the Rear Pin
Now that the pivots are aligned insert the rear bucket pin.
Slowly Lift the Dipper
Once the pin is inserted, you can start lifting the dipper until the bucket is hovering just above the ground. The movement will ensure that the pin falls into place.
Slowly Retract the Ram and Insert the Front Pin
Retract the ram and, while doing so, position the dipper at an angle. This movement will cause the dipper end pinhole to align with the front bucket pivot pinholes. Now, you can insert the front pin.
Check the Results and Grease the Pins
Check that all pins are perfectly in place and they are greased.
Test the New Bucket
Once everything is in position, use the ram and the dipper to rotate the new bucket through its full range of motion. This will ensure that the bucket is not faulty and adequate for the excavator.
How to Change Teeth on Excavator Bucket
As well as the bucket, it is essential to change the excavator bucket’s teeth before they start damaging the shank. Here’s how.
Gather Your Tools
For this, you will need a new pin, a new tooth, a hammer, and a punch. Often the majority of these tools come with the new tooth.
Remove the Pin
Remove the old pin from the tooth using a punch and a hammer.
Slide the Old Tooth Out
Once the pin has been removed, slide the old tooth out of the shank.
Clean the Shank
Clean the shank and remove any debris. This will ensure that you can insert the new one without obstacles and you can work your excavator’s bucket without the risk of damaging the teeth’s shank.
Slide the New Tooth In
Insert the new tooth and ensure that the holes on the tooth and the ones on the shank are aligned.
Secure It with a New Pin
Insert a new pin that comes with the tooth by pushing it through the holes with a hammer. Use the punch to ensure that the pin is flush with the surface of the tooth.
