WIG (Chinese) Grapple Bucket Feedback

[ruwetyet]

I just purchased a WIG Grapple Bucket XN-ZD01-72 supposed to be "Heavy Duty" . I have been searching for about 8 months, just missing out on a few very nice used buckets. This one checks a lot of boxes for what I wanted at a great price of $1200. It may be a China model, but I really wanted one that has good hose and fitting protection from branches and such. Bonus was the Side plates and stout removable leading edge bar included.

2 Questions: I haven't seen any reviews or much about this particular brand bucket. Anyone have anything to share?

Second is that I am not crazy about the welded brace in the bottom of the bucket. The welds are not continuous and it seems like a place for dirt and moisture to sit and prematurely rust out. I'm thinking about just running the bead on the top and bottom all the way. Thoughts?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Bonez]

I would weld it solid as the china steel is cheap and known to rust fast especially when water sits in the bucket. If stored under cover it shouldnt be an issue but sitting in the elements Id definately weld it up as thats a lot of exposed area

 

[foton]

yup do it now if you are gonna do it, and it can not hurt anything being done. really it should make less prone to any seam cracking even if you do not v- groove it out. remember to get your amps right and pre heat it right as that is a big piece of heat sink.

 

[rodby554]

I just purchased a WIG Grapple Bucket XN-ZD01-72 supposed to be "Heavy Duty" . I have been searching for about 8 months, just missing out on a few very nice used buckets. This one checks a lot of boxes for what I wanted at a great price of $1200. It may be a China model, but I really wanted one that has good hose and fitting protection from branches and such. Bonus was the Side plates and stout removable leading edge bar included.

2 Questions: I haven't seen any reviews or much about this particular brand bucket. Anyone have anything to share?

Second is that I am not crazy about the welded brace in the bottom of the bucket. The welds are not continuous and it seems like a place for dirt and moisture to sit and prematurely rust out. I'm thinking about just running the bead on the top and bottom all the way. Thoughts?

Thanks for any feedback.View attachment 11011View attachment 11012

Adding a full weld bead is a common fix to prevent moisture buildup in those gaps. Just be mindful of how the heat might affect the surrounding metal and existing components.

 

[dick_freebird]

I would weld it solid as the china steel is cheap and known to rust fast especially when water sits in the bucket. If stored under cover it shouldnt be an issue but sitting in the elements Id definately weld it up as thats a lot of exposed area

You ain't kidding. I've recently bought a couple of
buckets and a couple of other small assemblies
for a project and every one is rust stained after
a couple of weeks in the weather. I'd rather it
came bare metal than lousy powder coat. But
Chinese powder coat makes the steel look
thicker.

Cold galv primer is this year's color.