Practical advice for choosing teeth and adapters

Teeth and adapters are distinguished by type, profile, and fixing system when equipping buckets for loadrs, eexcavators, and mini-loaders. The required application also determines the selection of tooth type and profile. In this discussion we will set out the necessary information in order to equip your machine with the right products.

How to identify the most suitable teeth and adapters?

To identify the right adapter, it is first necessary to establish:

• What machine the set of teeth and adapters will be installed on (e.g. loader, bulldozer, grader, excavator).

• Whether the bucket on which the adapters will be fitted is original or after-market.

• The thickness of the bucket blade in question.
  
  

If it is necessary to choose teeth as well as adapters, it is important to establish the following.

1. How the tooth is fitted to the relevant adapter

There are four main fixing systems:

1. Horizontal on the side

 2. Vertical on the side

3. Vertical in the centre

4. Bolted directly to the bucket blade

2. What elements are used in the fixing system

1. Single steel element fixed with retainer

2. Elastic steel pin (single element in rolled steel)

3. Single steel U-shaped element

4. Single steel element with rubber fixture

5. Single element comprising steel and rubber parts

3. How is the tooth pocket shaped

1. Rectangular cross-section

2. Oval cross-section

3. Triangular cross-section

4. Spiral protrusion 

Once the tooth model has been identified, the profile and size must be established

4. Tooth size

The size means the dimensions the tooth must have for correct coupling to the adapter. Size is identified mainly by the internal dimensions of the tooth pocket. The size also provides an approximate indication of the tonnage category of the machine on which the tooth-adapter-fixture kit will be installed. The larger the size, the greater the tearing force to which the tooth-adapter-fixture system can be subjected.

5. Tooth profile

It is essential to establish the tooth profile since there are specific profiles for each different application. Fitting the wrong profile could result in early tooth wear, breakage after a few hours of use, or the well-known “balling” wear effect rather than remaining sharp.

Application and machine model: everything there is to know about choosing the right teeth

Teeth can be categorized by application, which means the type of terrain in which the wearing elements will be used, and the type of machine on which they will be installed. They can thus be divided up into:

• Teeth for lighter or heavier application

• Excavator teeth 

• Loader teeth

Tooth profiles according to application

As regards application, the product characteristics that have to be considered to establish whether they are appropriate for the terrain include:

1. Hardness and wear resistance

2. Impact resistance and durability over time

3. Penetration capacity and sharpness resilience

In general, the higher the terrain class, the greater the required product wear resistance. La terrain class increases in relation to both particle size and density. The first case requires greater impact resistance, while the second requires greater penetration capacity.

Furthermore, the higher the material density and specific weight, like for example rock or high water content terrain, the greater the importance of bucket capacity. This has to be limited to avoid overloading the machine and creating situations that could be dangerous for operators.

Download a summery table here showing the main terrain characteristics and the most suitable products in each case

Tooth profiles according to machine model: excavators and loaders 

Depending on the machine model, the tooth profile must offer certain characteristics for good operating performance and efficiency. The tooth types best suited to excavators and loaders are as follows.

1. Profiles for excavators

TIGER PROFILE

This profile offers unparalleled penetration in frozen ground, rock, and very cohesive terrain. It stays sharp but the wearing material is limited and so the tooth has a relatively short life.

TWIN TIGER PROFILE

A profile offering greater penetration and durability compared to the single point profile (TIGER). It is mainly used in rocky terrain.

PENETRATION PROFILE

Distinguished for excellent penetration, it remains sharp throughout its operating life. Average amount of wearing material present. Recommended for clayey soils or ground with inclusions and medium-compact terrain.

STANDARD PROFILE (LONG)

Generally a good choice for most basic applications and for relatively loose terrain. Average amount of wearing material present on the tooth.

SYMMETRICAL PROFILE

Good penetration in most terrain conditions including medium-compact. The vertical ribs on both sides ensure that the tooth remains sharp throughout its working life. Average amount of wearing material present.

ROCK CHISEL PROFILE

The best choice for rock or hard ground. It remains sharp throughout its operating life. Substantial amount of wearing material.

FLARE PROFILE

Designed for mud and soft terrain. Offers less penetration but enables greater material containment. Substantial amount of wearing material.

HEAVY DUTY LONG PROFILE

Very similar to the standard tooth (LONG) but with increased wearing material and so a longer operating life.

2. Profiles for loaders

HEAVY DUTY ROCK ABRASION PROFILE

Good penetration. Increased material on the lower part of the tooth to ensure extended wear during use. The central rib ensures correct wear profile for the tooth (without “balling”). Excellent for compact and highly abrasive terrain.

 HEAVY DUTY ABRASION PROFILE

Lower penetration and increased material on the bottom and sides of the tooth ensures extended wear during use. Recommended for abrasive and highly abrasive terrain.

HEAVY DUTY LONG PROFILE

Very similar to the standard tooth (LONG) but with increased wearing material and so a longer operating life.

The patented UNIK ITR profile for every machine model

The UNIK ITR line is designed for applications in which high ground penetration, impact resistance, and extended operating life of teeth are essential. Our patented UNIK ITR profile is suitable for both excavators and loaders. Adopting this single profile makes it possible to simultaneously reduce costs and improve performance. Its special characteristics include:

• High productivity with the innovative self sharpening profile ensuring excellent performance

• Reinforced side pin structure

• Increased material in the pin insertion area

• High impact resistance

• Carefully selected ITRsteel composition

• Extended wear life 
  
  

A comparison of a STD tooth and a UNIK ITR tooth in three points:

1. Innovative reinforced tooth pocket structure

2. Reinforced side pin structure

3. Better impact resistance

Would you like to learn more about ITR teeth and adapters?

Contact us to discover all the features of our range for excavators and loaders!