Loader bucket teeth: How to prevent failures through regular inspections?

1. Check the degree of wear

Bucket teeth wear is inevitable, but regular measurements can be used to assess whether they need to be replaced. Generally, when the tooth tip wear exceeds 30%-40% of the original length (slightly different standards for different working conditions), replacement should be considered, otherwise it will affect the bucket's cutting force and operating efficiency. Use a caliper or wear mark line for measurement to ensure accurate data.

2. Check the fixing bolts and pins

Bucket teeth are fixed to the bucket by bolts or pins. If they are loose or broken, the teeth may fall off or even damage the bucket body. It is recommended to check the tightening every 50 working hours and use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts reach the tightening torque specified by the manufacturer (usually 200-400 N·m, refer to the equipment manual for details).

3. Observe tooth root cracks

Because bucket teeth are subjected to huge impact forces, fatigue cracks are prone to occur at the tooth root. Regularly use magnetic particle inspection or naked eye to observe whether there are fine cracks in the tooth root. Once found, they should be replaced immediately to avoid safety accidents caused by breakage.

4. Check the installation angle and symmetry

If the installation angle of the bucket teeth is deviated or the wear is uneven, it will cause local stress concentration and accelerate damage. Make sure that all teeth are installed at the same angle, and check whether there is excessive wear on one side, and adjust or replace if necessary.

5. Choose the right tooth type according to the working conditions

Different working conditions (such as gravel, coal, and clay) have different degrees of wear on bucket teeth. For example, in hard rock environments, it is recommended to use high-hardness alloy teeth (such as HB400 and above), while in loose material conditions, wear-resistant but more ductile materials can be used.

Conclusion

By regularly checking wear, fasteners, cracks, and installation status, bucket tooth failures can be effectively prevented and unplanned downtime can be reduced. According to actual data, standardized inspection and maintenance can extend the life of bucket teeth by 20%-30%, significantly reducing equipment operating costs. Develop a habit of regular inspections to keep the loader in an efficient working state!