Why Correct Bucket Tooth Selection Matters for Doosan Excavators

Choosing the right bucket tooth for a Doosan DH220 or DH280 excavator is not merely a matter of picking a part number from a catalog. The wrong tooth can lead to premature wear, reduced digging efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and even structural damage to the bucket lip. For fleet managers and procurement officers overseeing multiple machines across different job sites, understanding the 2713 series bucket tooth adapter system is essential for maintaining uptime and controlling operating costs.

Doosan, formerly known as Daewoo, has used the 2713 series tooth-and-adapter system across its mid-range excavator lineup for over two decades. The system is designed to distribute impact forces across a wider area of the bucket lip, reducing stress concentrations and extending the service life of both the tooth and the adapter. Unlike weld-on teeth, the 2713 system allows for quick field replacement using a pin-and-retainer mechanism, minimizing machine downtime during maintenance.

In this guide, we will walk through the specific part numbers, material specifications, compatibility matrices, and sourcing strategies that procurement professionals need to make informed decisions. Whether you are maintaining a single DH220 or managing a fleet that includes DH280, DH300, and DX-series machines, the information below will help you select the correct parts and negotiate competitive pricing from reliable suppliers.

Understanding the 2713 Series Bucket Tooth System

The 2713 series is Doosan’s proprietary designation for a family of bucket teeth and adapters used across its excavator and wheel loader range. Each component in the series carries a specific part number that identifies both the tooth geometry and the machine class it is designed for. The naming convention follows a straightforward pattern: the first four digits (2713) denote the series, while the suffix (e.g., 1217 or 1220) identifies the specific application.

There are two main component types within the 2713 system:

• Bucket teeth — These are the replaceable tips that do the actual digging. They attach to the adapter nose using a pin-and-retainer locking mechanism. The most common tooth in this series is the 2713-1217, which is the standard general-purpose tooth for the DH220 class.
• Adapters (also called holders or noses) — These are welded or bolted onto the bucket lip and provide the mounting point for the tooth. The 2713-1220 adapter is designed for the heavier DH280 and related models. Adapters are replaced far less frequently than teeth, typically only when they show visible cracking or excessive wear at the nose.

The locking system used across the 2713 series is a roll pin combined with a sleeved retainer. For the 2713-1217 Doosan DH220 bucket tooth, this means a 9J2358 roll pin inserted through aligned holes in the tooth and adapter nose, secured by an 8E6359 sleeved retainer that prevents the pin from working loose under vibration. This retention method is proven across millions of operating hours worldwide and is considered one of the most reliable systems in the industry.

2713-1217 Bucket Tooth: Specifications for the Doosan DH220

The 2713-1217 is the standard replacement bucket tooth for the Doosan DH220LC excavator and its variants. It is also cross-referenced under the Daewoo part number system, as Doosan acquired Daewoo Heavy Industries in the early 2000s. If your machine was manufactured before 2005, you may see the Daewoo branding on the original teeth, but the 2713-1217 number remains the same.

The 5 KG weight of the 2713-1217 tooth represents a balance between mass and penetration capability. Heavier teeth provide more impact energy when breaking through hard ground, but they also increase the overall weight of the bucket assembly, which can reduce cycle times. For most general excavation work — digging in clay, loam, or moderately compacted soil — the 2713-1217 standard tooth is the optimal choice.

When replacing the tooth, always inspect the adapter nose for wear. If the nose has worn down by more than 3-4 mm from its original profile, the new tooth will not seat properly, leading to excessive play and accelerated wear on both components. In such cases, the adapter should be replaced or built up with hard-facing weld before installing a new tooth.

2713-1220 Adapter: Specifications for the Doosan DH280 and Related Models

The 2713-1220 Doosan DH280 bucket adapter is a heavier-duty component designed for the larger DH280 class machines and several other Doosan models. Unlike the 2713-1217 tooth, the 2713-1220 is an adapter (holder) rather than a tooth, meaning it is the component that welds onto the bucket lip and receives the tooth.

The dual numbering (2713-1220 and 3T1220) reflects the cross-reference between Doosan’s internal part system and the aftermarket aftermarket numbering that has become common in the replacement parts industry. When sourcing from Chinese manufacturers, you may see either number used interchangeably. Always confirm the physical dimensions and weight match the specifications above before placing an order.

At 11.2 KG, the 2713-1220 adapter is significantly heavier than the 2713-1217 tooth, which is expected given that adapters must withstand the full digging force transmitted through the tooth. The alloy steel construction with 48-52 HRC hardness provides the necessary combination of wear resistance and toughness. Adapters that are too hard (above 55 HRC) become brittle and prone to cracking, while those that are too soft (below 45 HRC) wear out prematurely.

Compatibility Matrix: Which Tooth Fits Which Machine?

Selecting the correct bucket tooth or adapter requires matching the part number to both the machine model and the bucket configuration. The table below provides a quick reference for the most common Doosan models that use the 2713 series system.

A few important notes about this compatibility matrix:

• The 2713-1217 tooth is universal across all the listed models. This simplifies inventory management, as you only need to stock one tooth type for the entire 2713 series range.
• The adapter varies by machine class. The DH220 uses the 2713-1219 adapter, while the larger machines (DH280 and above) use the 2713-1220 adapter. The difference lies in the adapter base dimensions, which must match the bucket lip thickness and profile.
• All models in this range use the same 9J2358 pin and 8E6359 sleeved retainer, further simplifying parts stocking.
• Always verify the bucket type. Some machines may have been fitted with non-standard buckets by the previous owner or a third-party attachment supplier. In such cases, the tooth system may differ from the factory specification.

For a complete listing of all Doosan-compatible bucket teeth and adapters, visit the Doosan bucket teeth range on our website.

Material Quality: What to Look for in Aftermarket Bucket Teeth

The performance of a replacement bucket tooth depends heavily on the quality of the alloy steel from which it is cast and the precision of the heat treatment process. Not all aftermarket teeth are created equal, and procurement officers should be aware of the following quality indicators:

Hardness (48-52 HRC)

Hardness is measured on the Rockwell C scale and indicates the tooth’s resistance to abrasion. The target range of 48-52 HRC represents the optimal balance between wear resistance and toughness. Teeth below 45 HRC will wear out significantly faster, especially in sandy or gravelly soil. Teeth above 54 HRC become brittle and may crack under impact, particularly in cold weather conditions.

Tensile Strength (≥1400 MPa)

Tensile strength measures the maximum stress the material can withstand before fracturing. A minimum of 1400 MPa is required for bucket teeth operating under heavy digging loads. This specification is closely related to the alloy composition and heat treatment. High-quality teeth use chromium-molybdenum alloy steel (such as 40CrMo or similar grades) that achieves this tensile strength after quenching and tempering.

Impact Toughness

While not always listed on data sheets, impact toughness (measured in Joules using a Charpy V-notch test) is critical for teeth that encounter rocks or other hard obstacles during digging. Good quality teeth should achieve at least 20 J at room temperature. Some premium manufacturers test at sub-zero temperatures to ensure performance in cold climates.

Surface Finish and Dimensional Accuracy

Precision-cast teeth should have smooth mating surfaces where the tooth seats onto the adapter nose. Any casting porosity, shrinkage cavities, or dimensional deviations in this area will cause the tooth to fit loosely, leading to accelerated wear and potential tooth loss during operation. Always inspect a sample from a new supplier before committing to a large order.

At Join Machinery, all 2713 series bucket teeth are manufactured using the lost-wax (investment casting) process, which produces superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy compared to sand casting. Each batch is tested for hardness (48-52 HRC) and tensile strength (≥1400 MPa) before shipment. For more details on our manufacturing capabilities and quality control processes, see our all G.E.T. products page.

Aftermarket Sourcing: How to Buy Doosan Bucket Teeth from China

China is the world’s largest producer of aftermarket ground engaging tools, and the Ningbo region in Zhejiang province is home to a cluster of specialized G.E.T. manufacturers. Sourcing directly from these factories can reduce costs by 30-50% compared to buying through local distributors in Europe, North America, or the Middle East. However, the savings come with a responsibility to verify quality before committing to long-term supply agreements.

Here is a step-by-step process for sourcing Doosan DH220 bucket tooth and 2713 series bucket tooth adapter parts from Chinese manufacturers:

1. Identify the exact part numbers you need. Use the compatibility matrix above and cross-reference with your machine’s serial number and bucket specifications. Do not guess — an incorrect part number will result in components that do not fit.
2. Request samples before placing a bulk order. A reputable manufacturer will provide 1-2 samples for dimensional verification and material testing. Expect to pay for the samples and shipping, but this cost is minimal compared to the risk of receiving an entire container of non-conforming parts.
3. Verify material certifications. Ask for mill certificates or third-party test reports confirming hardness (48-52 HRC), tensile strength (≥1400 MPa), and chemical composition. Legitimate manufacturers maintain these records for every production batch.
4. Inspect the casting quality. Look for surface porosity, misalignment of the pin holes, and rough mating surfaces. These defects are telltale signs of low-quality casting processes.
5. Negotiate MOQ and lead times. Most Chinese manufacturers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500-1000 KG for standard items like bucket teeth. Lead times are typically 30-45 days from order confirmation to shipment.
6. Arrange shipping and customs documentation. Your supplier should provide a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. For shipments to the EU, check whether anti-dumping duties apply to cast steel parts from China (see trade.gov country guides for current tariff information).

Following these steps will help you build a reliable supply chain for replacement bucket teeth while maintaining quality standards equivalent to OEM parts. The key takeaway is to never compromise on sample verification and material testing — these are the two safeguards that separate a successful procurement program from a costly mistake.

Maintenance Best Practices for Extending Bucket Tooth Life

Even the highest quality bucket teeth will fail prematurely if they are not properly maintained. The following best practices will help you get the maximum service life from your 2713 series teeth and adapters:

• Rotate teeth regularly. Teeth on the outer edges of the bucket wear faster than those in the center due to the wider cutting path. Rotating teeth from the outer positions to the inner positions (and vice versa) equalizes wear and extends the overall set life by 20-30%.
• Replace teeth before they are fully worn. A tooth that is worn down to the adapter nose will cause direct metal-to-ground contact on the adapter, rapidly destroying the nose profile. Replace teeth when they have lost approximately 50-60% of their original length.
• Inspect pins and retainers at every tooth change. The 9J2358 pin and 8E6359 sleeved retainer should be replaced whenever a new tooth is installed. Reusing old pins is a false economy — a worn pin may not seat tightly, allowing the tooth to work loose and potentially fall into the processed material.
• Match the tooth type to the ground conditions. The standard 2713-1217 tooth is designed for general-purpose digging. For abrasive conditions (sand, gravel, granite), consider a tooth with a higher chromium content or a tungsten carbide overlay. For heavy impact conditions (rock breaking, demolition), a tougher tooth with slightly lower hardness may be more appropriate.
• Keep adapter noses clean. Before installing a new tooth, clean any dirt, rust, or debris from the adapter nose and pin holes. Contaminants in the mating area will prevent proper seating and accelerate wear.

By following these practices, operators can expect 300-600 hours of service life from a set of 2713-1217 teeth in typical digging conditions. In highly abrasive or rocky ground, life may be closer to 200-350 hours. Regardless of conditions, regular inspection and timely replacement are far cheaper than repairing a damaged bucket lip or adapter.

Cost Comparison: OEM vs. Aftermarket Bucket Teeth

One of the primary reasons procurement officers explore aftermarket sourcing is cost savings. The table below provides a general comparison of pricing for 2713 series bucket teeth across different sourcing channels. Note that prices are indicative and vary based on order volume, shipping destination, and market conditions.

The most significant savings come from ordering directly from the manufacturer rather than through a trading company or local distributor. However, direct ordering requires more due diligence on the buyer’s part, as there is no intermediary to verify quality. The sample-and-test process described in the previous section is essential for direct sourcing relationships.

For companies ordering in bulk (100+ teeth per order), the cost advantage of direct Chinese sourcing becomes even more pronounced. Many manufacturers offer volume discounts of 10-15% for orders exceeding 1000 KG, and container-load orders (typically 20-25 tonnes) can achieve further savings on a per-unit basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion and Next Steps

Selecting the right Doosan DH220 bucket tooth or 2713 series bucket tooth adapter comes down to three factors: correct part number identification, verified material quality, and a reliable supply chain. The 2713-1217 tooth (5 KG, alloy steel, 48-52 HRC) covers the DH220 range, while the 2713-1220 adapter (11.2 KG) serves the DH280, DH300, DL500, DX300, and DX520. Both use the same 9J2358 pin and 8E6359 sleeved retainer, simplifying inventory management.

For procurement professionals looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, sourcing directly from a reputable Chinese manufacturer is the most effective path. The key safeguards are sample verification, material testing, and ongoing batch-level quality control. By following the sourcing process outlined in this guide, you can build a supply chain that delivers OEM-equivalent teeth at a fraction of the OEM price.

If you would like to discuss your specific requirements, request samples, or obtain a quotation for 2713 series bucket teeth and adapters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have been manufacturing and exporting G.E.T. parts since 2006 and are confident in our ability to meet your quality and delivery expectations.