Another in a series of to-do items that the previous owner neglected to repair . Somehow he managed to break a chunk out of the cutting edge and I don't want to use it before I get it fixed . Trouble is its not a standard edge . It measures only 4in wide as shown in pics . However the bolts are on standard Cat 6in centers . I plan to square up the broken edges and bolt in a repair section . I see no need to replace the whole cutting edge . nothing I can find online is 4in wide . Should I order a Cat center section and cut it down or what say you ? I want the edge of repair section to match existing edge . The entire blade is just under 7ft wide .
I am any ag guy and don't deal with cutting edge much. But have seen a lot of to poor to put new, or just to cheap or lazy to put new cutting edge on. You make a 10 time bigger job by not putting a cutting edge on. Not being the expert, but the picture looks like a whole new edge is in order to me. Because the cutting edge is meant to be at least a inch lower than the bottom of the blade. So hopefully we stir up someone that deals in it regularly.
I think you’re right . And I know it’s good stuff because it’s original Cat parts and really no more expensive than aftermarket Chinese stuff .
Just so you know the one you have is a straight edge and the motor grader one is curved.
its worn out.
dozer cutter bar is usually double edged. you flip it over when its worn down. never let it wear flush with the bottom of moldboard. you always want it to hang below the mold board. if you look you can see its worn more one way that the other. but id say it may have been flipped before.
you wont cut cutting edge easily as its high grade steel and you would destroy it trying to trim it. its only ever cut to length. and they do this with a torch or friction cut saw. its boron steel very tough and wear resistant. the only solution is replace the lot unless it hasnt been flipped before.
to flip it:
un bolt it and turn it over bolt back on with new bolts and spring washers these are called plough bolts. you can get them from any decent bolt shop. they are a grade 5 high tensile bolt. its probably easier to use the hot spanner and torch the nuts off than try and undo em. try this before you buy new edge just sit it on loose clamp it and see where it sits.
clean the face of the moldbord before putting the edge back on! a air needle scaler works great for this.
when you refit the new bolts a smear of nickel or graphite anti seize is a must. you'll get em tighter and they will undo next time much more easily. a little anti sieze goes a long way. a dab of high temp bearing grease works in a pinch too.
https://eiengineering.com.au/product/plow-bolts-and-nuts/
as long as the bolt centres line up you can use cutting edge from later models. i suggest you take a template or a sample with you and go to your local cat dealer or any other business that supplies cutting edge and buy some. dozer edge is flat just the edges are bevelled.
on a machine that is in retirement like these old girls it will be a one off purchase. unless you do stupid shit.
advice given to us by a old earthmoving contractor stay away from rock with these old girls you will break things expensive things. pushing loose gravel not a problem, digging dirt not a problem. solid rock is. need to attack a rock shelf, hire a excavator with a rock hammer.
"i reject your reality and substitute my own" - adam savage. i suspect my final words maybe "well shit, that didnt work"
instead of perfection some times we just have to accept practicality
I am lucky here. In N.California my CAT dealer is only 8 miles from me; we also have ACME Rigging Supply which sends the salesman out if a person isn't 100% on what they need. They also have most part books with specs regarding proper length, hole spacings, size and so on. Cutting edges really are not that expensive; one time purchases. Do it right and you shouldn't have to deal with it again.
Your old edges do look like they have been flipped once already. Are you going to get a single, two piece or long center and 2 end bits? JM
I am lucky here. In N.California my CAT dealer is only 8 miles from me; we also have ACME Rigging Supply which sends the salesman out if a person isn't 100% on what they need. They also have most part books with specs regarding proper length, hole spacings, size and so on. Cutting edges really are not that expensive; one time purchases. Do it right and you shouldn't have to deal with it again.
Your old edges do look like they have been flipped once already. Are you going to get a single, two piece or long center and 2 end bits? JM
Just want a single . Gonna go the simpler route as I have a very limited amount of work to do ( 7 acres ) . Also thought about just buying a weld on edge but bolt-on seems the better option .
no dont use weld material. its made to bolt on. its special steel it wont weld not with out the right equipment, knowledge and ability.
"i reject your reality and substitute my own" - adam savage. i suspect my final words maybe "well shit, that didnt work"
instead of perfection some times we just have to accept practicality