Abstract: A mechanical retention system is disclosed for detachably retaining a ground engaging tool onto an earthworking implement. The retention system uses an elongated steel retainer, which has a convolute spring portion between opposite the end portions of the retainer to allow the retainer to be compressible in one direction in order to be mounted through a retainer opening in the tool into a retainer pocket in the mounting portion of the implement.

Abstract: Teeth are normally mounted on the leading edge of a earthworking implement such as a bucket to aid in the penetration of the material being worked. Furthermore, hard material has been applied to selected surfaces of teeth to increase their wear life. However, in many applications the hard material is located on the surface thereof and is subject to impacts which cause the hard material to prematurely chip away. In the subject arrangement, a symmetrical tooth is provided and has a raised lug on the top and bottom thereof each with a groove defined therein and filled with an abrasion resistant material. Since the sides of the tooth on either side of the raised lugs are thinner, they will wear at a quicker rate than the raised lugs having the abrasion resistant material disposed in the respective grooves therein.

Abstract: Teeth are normally mounted to the cutting edge of a bucket to aid in the penetration of the material being worked. Furthermore, hard material has been applied to selected surfaces of the teeth to increase their wear life. It is advantageous to strategically size and position the application of hard material to the tooth in order to increase wear life and to simultaneously enhance the ability of the tooth to remain sharp for better penetration during the useful life of the tooth. In the subject arrangement, a first portion of hard material having a predetermined width and length is applied to a bottom surface of a tooth and a second portion of hard material having a predetermined width less than the width of the first portion of hard material is applied to a top surface of the tooth. The first and second portions of hard material are applied extending from adjacent a transverse forward edge in a longitudinal direction.