How to Replace Excavator and Loader Bucket Teeth Safely: Step by Step

🛒 Buy Komatsu PC200 Tooth Pins

Short answer: lower the bucket flat on blocks with the teeth horizontal, shut down the machine and lock the controls, drive the old pin out with a pin punch (never a hammer straight on the pin), clean and inspect the adapter nose, slide on the new tooth, fit a new pin and retainer, and check the tooth does not rock. Most "lost tooth" complaints TTRMCO hears come from re-using old pins, not from the tooth itself.

Before you start: safety

• Park on level ground. Rest the bucket on wooden blocks with the teeth facing forward and slightly raised so you can reach the pins.
• Switch off the engine, remove the key and engage the hydraulic lock lever.
• Wear safety glasses, gloves and safety boots. Pins and retainers can fly out when struck.
• Never stand under a raised bucket supported only by hydraulics.

Tools

A 2 to 4 kg sledge, a pin punch of the right diameter, a pry bar, a wire brush, and grease. A side-pin system needs a short punch; a top-pin system needs a long one.

Step by step

1. Find the pin direction. Side pin or top pin? The pin is driven out from the opposite side of the lock.
2. Drive the pin out. Put the punch on the pin and strike the punch. If the pin is seized, soak it with penetrating oil for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the tooth. Rock it gently with the pry bar. Do not hammer the adapter nose.
4. Inspect the adapter. Clean it and look for a rounded or cracked nose. If the tooth will rock on a new adapter, it is time to replace the adapter too.
5. Fit the new tooth. Slide it fully onto the nose so the pin holes line up.
6. Fit a new pin and retainer. Drive the pin until it sits flush and the retainer locks.
7. Test. Try to move the tooth by hand. It should not rock. Re-check after the first hour of work.

Common mistakes

Pins and teeth from TTRMCO

Pins for the most common machines: Komatsu PC200 pin, Komatsu PC220 pin. Teeth: PC200 teeth (DM), Hyundai R210 teeth (DM), CAT 950 loader teeth (DM).

FAQ

How long does it take to change a full set of teeth?

On a 5-tooth excavator bucket, about 30 to 60 minutes for an experienced mechanic, longer if pins are seized.

Should I change all teeth at once?

Change all teeth that are worn close to the adapter. Mixing very worn and new teeth makes the bucket cut unevenly.

Can I weld a tooth instead of pinning it?

Not on a pin-on system. Welding locks the tooth to the adapter and makes the next change much harder.

Who sells genuine teeth and pins in Iran?

TTRMCO, the official DM and ZF dealer, with a breakage and authenticity warranty. Call +98 21 91001357.

Order from TTRMCO

Not sure which part fits your machine? Send a photo of the old part and your machine model. TTRMCO has more than 30 years in road-construction and mining wear parts and is the official dealer of DM and ZF in Iran. Every DM and ZF part ships with a breakage and authenticity warranty, and we export to neighbouring countries.

• Phone: +98 21 91001357
• Mobile / WhatsApp: +98 912 577 7516
• Website: ttrm.ir