Are bucket teeth for loaders and excavators interchangeable?

This can be analyzed from the following perspectives:

First, the installation dimensions and connection structure do not match. Loader buckets are designed for "shoveling" operations, so the spacing, hole diameter, and fixing method (such as bolt specifications and latch structure) of the bucket tooth mounting brackets differ from those of excavators. Excavator buckets must withstand the vertical impact forces of digging, so the connection between the bucket teeth and bucket emphasizes high-strength locking, resulting in thicker and more compact mounting brackets. Loader bucket teeth, on the other hand, have a relatively loose mounting structure to accommodate rapid loading and unloading and extensive scraping operations. Forced interchange can lead to unstable installation and excessive clearance, potentially causing the tooth to fall off or damaging the mounting bracket during operation.

Second, there are significant differences in structural design and load requirements. Excavator bucket teeth are designed to withstand the piercing forces of digging through hard rock and frozen soil. Therefore, they feature sharper tips and a thicker body, often made of high-hardness alloys. Their overall shape is tapered or wedge-shaped to concentrate stress on breaking through the material. Loader bucket teeth, on the other hand, focus on scraping and loading, primarily working with loose materials such as sand, gravel, and soil. They have wider tips, blunter cutting edges, and a relatively thin body. Their design prioritizes reducing penetration resistance and improving loading efficiency. If an excavator bucket tooth is installed on a loader, the overly sharp tips can cause material to slip during loading. Conversely, a loader bucket tooth used in an excavator may lack strength and break quickly when digging hard materials.

Finally, operational strength and durability requirements differ. During excavator operation, bucket teeth are subjected to far greater impact and friction than those of loaders. For example, the impact force of a single excavation in a mining excavator can reach tens of tons, requiring bucket teeth to possess extremely high wear and fracture resistance. Loaders, on the other hand, operate at a relatively low intensity, so bucket teeth prioritize wear resistance over impact resistance. Consequently, the material formulations (such as alloying element ratios) and heat treatment processes of the two differ. Mixing these two types of bucket teeth can lead to premature tooth failure, increasing equipment wear and maintenance costs.

Of course, in a few specialized scenarios (such as small loaders and mini excavators), some manufacturers may offer universal bucket teeth. However, these must be strictly matched to parameters such as installation dimensions and operating intensity, and must be verified by the equipment manufacturer. Overall, to ensure operational safety and equipment life, bucket teeth for loaders and excavators should adhere to the principle of "specialized for specific purposes" and avoid blind interchangeability.