extreme bucket makeover!

admin

Here are two excavator buckets that i just finished repairing, or building might be a better term! all steel was supplied by customer, bottoms are 5/8' thick abrasalloy, sides are 1/2', extra wear plate on sides is 3/8, wear strips on bottom are 3/4', all steel is abrasalloy ar plate. 1st bucket, edge, shanks and teeth were replaced also, second bucket, edge and partial side were good enough to keep. 1st one is off a cat 330L, #2 is off a cat 321. all steel was cut with o/a, all welding was done using lincoln dc 400 with Ln7 feeder, 1/16' lincoln outershield and co2 argon mix. any feedback would be most welcome! as for the bottoms, they were supplied pre-bent from atlantic steel in n.y. i tried to document the repair with pics so if any thing it would be educational to someone! thanks rob. Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:more pics. Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:moving along. Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:still coming. Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:Crazy job! Cost wise... was that job cost effective? In the bucket repairs, or partial re-builds I've done (NEVER to your extent) it was barely worth it due to the cost factor compared to a new bucket. What is your hourly if you dont mind, ours is 90... add mtl charge on a repair such as yours and you have a nice bill. Nice job by the way!
Reply:clicking away  Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:just a couple more. Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:one more! Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:hope you enjoy looking at the job, price of repairs came close to price of new but customer dropped off and said just do it ! Attached Imagesmillermatic 200 millermatic 150miller bluestar 2Epurox / oxweld O/A
Reply:that is absolutely amazing work! how do u go about bending the floor of the bucket like that? ive done some pieces here and there, but that is beautiful work! keep it up man!-NateMiller Trailblazer 302gMiller Spoolmatic 30aLN-25 x 2Idealarc SP200Hypertherm Powermax 600
Reply:Originally Posted by fchesser78Crazy job! Cost wise... was that job cost effective? In the bucket repairs, or partial re-builds I've done (NEVER to your extent) it was barely worth it due to the cost factor compared to a new bucket. What is your hourly if you dont mind, ours is 90... add mtl charge on a repair such as yours and you have a nice bill. Nice job by the way!
Reply:Great work.  Looks like it just rolled off the line from factory.
Reply:It is really nice work.  Originally Posted by \\NV.Welding//how do u go about bending the floor of the bucket like that?
Reply:Bottom was most likely put in a press and bump rolled. They make a series of small bends right next to each other to form the curve.Nice job. I wondered about all the yellow paint, but if you work for CAT that makes sense..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Very Nice work. Great looking fabrication and welding. For what it cost to do a complete rehab on the existing CAT 321 & 330L buckets those owners must have been very close to cost of "new" buckets.  Before I do rehab on a bucket I always advise the customer especially if it will exceed 50% of the cost of a new bucket. I also advise if I can supply a good used bucket or where they can buy one.   In Upstate Western NY and PA we have alot of equipment auctions and you can always find some good buys on buckets. I always pick up used CAT and Deer buckets because many are interchangeable and the ones that are not only require changing out collars, bushings. I even modify buckets to smaller and larger sizes  width  and capacity.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:looks nice, lots of pics thanks!
Reply:awesome welding job
Reply:great show..did u use the mm150 , 200 or bluestar 2E         thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:That is F****** AWESOME! only way to describe it. i wish i was doing stuff like that.Miller Dynasty 300 DXMiller CST280Miller Maxstar 150 STH
Reply:Nice job! With the economy the way is, I havent rebuilt any buckets lately other than a few shanks and some bobcat buckets. Its cheaper to buy a used one with all the iron sitting around. My guys just got done patching some trench boxes and the bill is more than what new ones would cost. Did I read $143.00 per hour right? Is this the norm for the area? I get crap for charging $55.00/hr in the shop.
Reply:Originally Posted by Eric C.... Did I read $143.00 per hour right? Is this the norm for the area? I get crap for charging $55.00/hr in the shop.
Reply:Pretty nice job.  No preheat on the hardplate?  Cause that one pic shows you or another welder resting your hand on the bucket as you are welding.  Maybe your gloves are better at keeping heat out, but I can't rest on preheated stuff.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWSounds like he works for CAT. There's a reason G&R Caterpillar near me is usually referred to by most guys as "Gangsters and Robbers"!  They certainly ain't shy about what they feel their stuffs worth. I will say everything we've had them do repair wise is top notch however.
Reply:Originally Posted by woi2ldgreat show..did u use the mm150 , 200 or bluestar 2E
Reply:The multiple pass welds are a thing of beauty"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/Originally Posted by DSWSounds like he works for CAT. There's a reason G&R Caterpillar near me is usually referred to by most guys as "Gangsters and Robbers"!  They certainly ain't shy about what they feel their stuffs worth. I will say everything we've had them do repair wise is top notch however.
Reply:G&R Cat is off Galloway Rd in Bensalem PA I believe..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Do you reheat the bucket after welding to relieve stresses in the joints.  I thought I seen this up at CF's factory.  They put it in a big oven I think? 143/hr.  OUCH!  Are you guys welding underwater in a pressure suit? Going rate around here $75.Last edited by garnification; 02-26-2010 at 06:31 PM.
Reply:Operating Engineers?  Enjoyed your pics and thanks for the compliments... Makes a big difference when you take pride in quality, I feel thats why customers dont mind paying for the re-builds... they know it will outlast just another store bought.
Reply:Pretty nice work alright.He just may have a future in the business.
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRisePretty nice job.  No preheat on the hardplate?  Cause that one pic shows you or another welder resting your hand on the bucket as you are welding.  Maybe your gloves are better at keeping heat out, but I can't rest on preheated stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by garnificationDo you reheat the bucket after welding to relieve stresses in the joints.  I thought I seen this up at CF's factory.  They put it in a big oven I think? 143/hr.  OUCH!  Are you guys welding underwater in a pressure suit? Going rate around here $75.
Reply:That is an excellent job! I used to repair a lot of them in the field, the wire feed makes it very pretty.
Reply:HEY GUYS,                  Regarding the cost of this makeover!!!!!!!!! If the materials used to repair are superior and give a 2 to 3 life over the oem materials , due the math it's a homerun. Most people look at the up front costs and it's a mistake !!! It's the horse that finishes 1st after the long run that wins.                               THE STEEL MAN
Reply:Originally Posted by specterVery Nice work. Great looking fabrication and welding. For what it cost to do a complete rehab on the existing CAT 321 & 330L buckets those owners must have been very close to cost of "new" buckets.  Before I do rehab on a bucket I always advise the customer especially if it will exceed 50% of the cost of a new bucket. I also advise if I can supply a good used bucket or where they can buy one.   In Upstate Western NY and PA we have alot of equipment auctions and you can always find some good buys on buckets. I always pick up used CAT and Deer buckets because many are interchangeable and the ones that are not only require changing out collars, bushings. I even modify buckets to smaller and larger sizes  width  and capacity.
Reply:nice work did you use duel sheild
Reply:I didn't see where the forming question was answered.  I don't know which process was done on this, but if I were doing it I would have done it on a slip roll.  I ran two different slip rolls at a tank company a few years ago.  We could roll a 13' diameter, 10' wide, ring.  Depending on which machine we could roll up to 2 inches thick if I remember correctly.We rolled all the reinforcement pads, rings, bases, tanks, and did custom bends like the buckets for customers.  We rolled all the metal for the mancages you see on ladders up the sides of water towers and oil tanks.  you can adjust the rolls and roll any compound radius you want.Last edited by Scott Young; 05-18-2010 at 10:46 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWBottom was most likely put in a press and bump rolled. They make a series of small bends right next to each other to form the curve.
Reply:Looks pretty good to me.  I maintain a fleet of mining equipment in a very remote part of the world, so it is usually alot cheaper for us to do as you have and fabricate the small buckets.  One suggestion i have for you is to put a temper bead around the adapters, it tempers the HAZ in that area and helps prevent cracking.  Just run about a 1/4" weld about a half inch from the toe of the fab weld nearest to the adapter, and be sure it does not touch the adapter, then grind it flush with the fab weld.  That brings up one more point, you should grind about an 1/8th in. radius on the fab weld and make sure it's perpendicular to the toe, (use a 2inch cone or cylinder wheel). --Matt6 Miller Big Blue 600 Air Paks2 Miller 400D6 Lincoln LN-25's4 Miller Xtreme 12VS2 Miller Dimension 812 4 Climax BW-3000Z bore welders Hypertherm 65 and 85Bug-O Track BugPair of Welpers
Reply:Originally Posted by ExpatWelderThat brings up one more point, you should grind about an 1/8th in. radius on the fab weld and make sure it's perpendicular to the toe, (use a 2inch cone or cylinder wheel). --Matt
Reply:Matt,       Do a google search regarding Abrasalloy it's a very specialized product and pricey, but performs !! I've found in life you get what you pay for ! Atlantic Steel Corp the producers & in bussiness since 1918 most be doing some thing right !                                                 The Steel Man
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireAre you or have you been getting cracks there? I've not seen that blended before, I suspect it's a good idea though.Matt
Reply:how many pounds of wire do you figure you put in there?how long did it take you to weld out? looks awesome.  i love doing stuff like that.  nice heavy steel and big welds.
Reply:Here's a bucket that i'm replacing a hinge casting on.  It's a small one. Attached Images6 Miller Big Blue 600 Air Paks2 Miller 400D6 Lincoln LN-25's4 Miller Xtreme 12VS2 Miller Dimension 812 4 Climax BW-3000Z bore welders Hypertherm 65 and 85Bug-O Track BugPair of Welpers
Reply:A couple mor pics--We're replacing part of the back on the excavator bucket. Attached Images6 Miller Big Blue 600 Air Paks2 Miller 400D6 Lincoln LN-25's4 Miller Xtreme 12VS2 Miller Dimension 812 4 Climax BW-3000Z bore welders Hypertherm 65 and 85Bug-O Track BugPair of Welpers
Reply:Originally Posted by ExpatWelderMost of the buckets i work on are quite a bit larger, (33 yard) and bigger, with some small ones as well, but i have found that it's pretty cheap insurance and keeps the guys doing things consistently.  I cut the whole hinge casting off one side of a 40 yard face shovel bucket last night, so it should be a FUN welding job for a day or two.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireI'm gettin' the picture now... Until the late 70's we had a pair of Marion shovels working nearby. Welders on the machine working 24/7/365, it was neat at night.That mine closed and reclaimed. A new one opened in another county but they use a continuous excavator (wheel). It took a number of years to cut up and remove the Marions.Are your haul roads long or short? I may have had a hand in the trucks...Matt
Reply:Nope, the closest I've been to the Cat haulers were the proving grounds (pretty good speed though). I've done work with the Haulpacks (slower short haul, never die) and Kress bottom dump hot-rods (run 55mph gross 320 - 400 with sideboards and work really good with long hauls).ThanksMatt