Wheel loaders play a pivotal role on your jobsite. It's their job to move large volumes of dirt, rocks, processed aggregate, snow, and almost anything else that needs to be removed, transported, or loaded. Deciding which wheel loader bucket is right for your machine and the types of projects you typically handle is critical for your productivity and success. Choosing the wrong bucket can derail your entire operation.
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In this article, we cover the most important factors for determining the optimal wheel loader bucket for your specific requirements, so you're as productive as possible.
Consider your material
The job of your wheel loaders is to dig, load, transport, and unload heavy, bulky, and abrasive materials. Ultimately, it's the type of materials you are working with that plays a large role in deciding which wheel loader bucket to use. When it comes to loose materials like sand, gravel, and topsoil, we recommend a general purpose bucket with a larger capacity and curved edges. For carrying large volumes of lower density material like snow or mulch, a light material bucket is typically the best choice. For loading high density rocks or concrete on quarry and mining jobs, we suggest a rock bucket. You can also use a rock bucket for large earthmoving work like site development and road construction.
Typically, the name of the wheel loader bucket tells you what material it is made to work with. For example, a rock bucket with rocks, an abrasion bucket with abrasive materials, a light material bucket with lighter materials, etc.
Think about if you're digging or loading
When deciding which wheel loader bucket is right for your operation, consider the types of jobs you generally handle. If your main task is digging out material, then you'll want a bucket with stronger breakout forces and high penetration teeth. If you're primarily loading trucks, however, then we recommend a high capacity bucket with a smooth profile, straight cutting edge, and a large opening angle.
Find the balance between machine power and bucket size
Contrary to common belief, a larger wheel loader bucket does not always mean higher production. Selecting an appropriate bucket size involves careful consideration of the size and power of your wheel loaders, as well as the dimensions of your trucks and hoppers. Oversizing the bucket beyond the recommended capacity limit accelerates wear, diminishes component lifespan, and leads to costly unplanned downtime.
- Refer to your wheel loader owner's manual for information on bucket size and maximum tipping load
- Assess the truck or hopper size to determine the number of loads required daily to meet your goals
- Choose a wheel loader bucket that efficiently moves the necessary material without overloading the machine.
Advanced features for wheel loader buckets
After determining the basic type of bucket you'll need for your specific type of job and material, next you want to consider additional design features that may save you time or minimize wear and tear. Below are some examples of additional wheel loader bucket features:
- Curved side plates and integrated spill guards for improved material retention
- Wear protectors and additional guarding to minimize damage and extend bucket life
- Quick couplers facilitating easy bucket changes, particularly valuable for frequent bucket changes
- Bolt-on teeth and cutting edges allowing versatility for different project types
- Longer bucket floors to reduce cycle times
Determining Specific Bucket Needs
Buckets tend to fall into five categories:
- Dirt
- Utility
- Snow/Light
- Multi-Purpose
- Specialty
Each type has several different applications it's best suited for and contains a few pros and cons depending on the job.
Starting with an understanding of what you'll be using a bucket for will help you make the best, most cost effective choice.
Begin the selection process by evaluating your application for the bucket. Will you be using it mostly for loading, spreading, digging, handling loose material'or maybe a combination of these jobs? Learn the characteristics of each job to ensure you're getting the right fit.
Talking to a dealer can help. If you explain your requirements to one of those pros, they should be able to provide you with a good recommendation.
Construction
Since buckets are made of steel, steel quality is a very important factor in the decision process. High-strength steel resists wear and increases the lifespan of a bucket. The steel's thickness and grade (yield strength) are what comprise the foundation of a quality bucket.
Yield strength is the amount of stress a material can withstand before permanently deforming, which makes it an important factor when comparing buckets.
A higher yield strength means a stronger, better bucket. While using higher grades of steel does increase the upfront cost of an attachment, it saves time and money over the lifetime of the attachment. Think of it as an upfront investment to protect your productivity and bottom line.
For example, a bucket made from 1'2' Grade 50 steel plate (50,000 PSI minimum yield strength) will be nearly 30 percent stronger than one made with A36 (36,000 PSI minimum yield strength). And a stronger bucket will hold up against higher stress.
Always look through the specs to find the overall weight. A heavier bucket usually means heavier-duty. Virnig buckets weigh upwards of 800 lbs while other manufacturer's buckets are often hundreds less. Where does the extra weight come from? It comes from thicker steel throughout the bucket along with additional reinforcement and bracing.
Multi-Purpose (4-in-1) Bucket
Multi-purpose or 4-in-1 buckets can perform multiple functions because the bottom and sides can separate from the back. This combination bucket enables operators to dig, load, carry, and dump material like a standard bucket. Plus it can grip debris like a grapple, grade dirt, and level dirt.
When closed, a 4-in-1 operates like a standard bucket, and it has the added advantage of being able to dump at maximum height. You can simply open up the bottom of the bucket and spill out the material.
When open, the back of the bucket can serve as a dozer. Because of its clam-style design, a 4-in-1 bucket can also operate like a grapple and pick up materials that can't be handled with a standard bucket.
Although multi-purpose buckets offer distinct advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider. The added weight of the cutting edges and hydraulics reduce the overall material weight the bucket can carry. For example, a Virnig 72-in. V60 Dirt Bucket weighs 700 lbs., whereas its 72-in. V50 4-in-1 Bucket weighs 960 lbs. It's important to consider whether or not the added weight will leave your skid loader with enough lift capacity to do its job.
In addition, the extra capabilities of 4-in-1 buckets does increase cost. You can expect to pay up to three times as much, or more, compared to similar-sized dirt buckets. Because of this, you'll want to evaluate how valuable these extra features are to you.
Bucket Edge Options
Most buckets come with a weld-on cutting edge. There are four other edge options available: bolt-on, toothbar, weld-on teeth, and serrated. Having the right edge option can boost job productivity and eliminate the need to buy another bucket. While there's not a one-size-fits-all answer to which is better, knowing the advantages of each will give you a better idea of which edge will work best for your operation.
Options
Bolt-On Edge
This is the most common cutting edge. Bolt-on edges protect and add strength to the front end of the bucket. They're replaceable and can be reversed before the edge wears back into the bucket. Once both sides wear completely, the edge can easily be replaced.
Quick Tip
Don't try to reuse the bolts when reversing the bolt-on edge, as the threads get damaged in use and the bolts won't be reusable. Instead, just cut them off with a torch and replace.
Serrated Edge
Another option to consider is the serrated edge. These are bolted on the bottom lip of a bucket and are easy to remove or replace'like a toothbar. They're designed to loosen hard-to-penetrate materials like packed gravel. These bucket edges excel in breaking up frozen ground.
There's some unmatched strength involved with this type. With a serrated edge, you'll never have to worry about breaking a tooth or shank. They're strong like a standard bolt-on edge because when the edge contacts the ground the force is exerted across the entire edge. Also, the serrated edge limits the bucket lip from wearing out, which minimizes repair costs and time spent in the shop.
Quick Tip
If you primarily need to smooth out or scrape roadways, the serrated edge is a great option to help cut through tough compact gravel or ice'you can always remove it later if necessary.
BOLT-ON BUCKET TEETH (TOOTHBAR)
Adding a toothbar to a skid steer bucket will drastically increase its digging ability. It'll help cut into rocky soil, scoop loose dirt, and dig out roots. It's a powerful style designed to be relentless.
Despite its relentlessness, the toothbar is both removable and easy to repair or replace. Since the whole edge is removable, the bucket is more versatile, the only downside is cost. Toothbars are more expensive than the weld-on teeth but customers who benefit from the toothbar's versatility find it is well worth it.
For example, operators usually don't want a toothbar (or teeth on the bucket) when clearing snow or back dragging. But, they do want the teeth when they're digging out roots. Having the ability to remove the toothbar gives you the versatility to use the bucket either way. A weld-on doesn't give you that option. If you don't see yourself ever wanting to remove the toothbar, then weld-on teeth are probably the wiser choice.
Take note: weld-on teeth can't be paired with a standard bolt-on edge, but a toothbar can.
Are you interested in learning more about Loader Bucket Cutting Edge Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Quick Tip
Don't use a tooth bucket with missing teeth. This will wear out the shank and the tooth won't fit properly when replaced. It's best to keep extra teeth on-hand and replace them as needed. Regularly inspecting these teeth is recommended.
Weld-On Teeth
Like toothbars, weld-on teeth excel at breaking up compacted soil, catching rocks, and removing roots, but these are permanent and can't be removed. Since the teeth are welded directly to the bucket, they're stronger than a toothbar. The added strength helps it perform better in tough, seemingly impenetrable soil conditions (like clay).
If you will be back dragging, grading, or plowing snow, then weld-on teeth may present a problem. Many operators don't realize the drawback of non-removable teeth until they're well into a project and the lack of versatility suddenly causes a big headache.
Quick Tip
Don't choose weld-on teeth simply because they're cheaper than a toothbar. By choosing weld-on you'll save some money but realize versatility will be sacrificed.
Matching a Bucket to Your Skid Steer
Properly matching a bucket to your machine is critical for optimal performance. Selecting the wrong one can increase costs and accelerate wear.
Below are four important questions and a calculation you should consider before purchasing a bucket.
What Width Should I Purchase?
The first step is to figure out what width you need. We recommend choosing a bucket that's wider than the tracking width of your skid steer. Choose a bucket too small and you'll have to make more trips, which results in higher operating costs and increased timelines.
Keep in mind, bigger isn't always better. The bucket should be big enough for what you need to do, but not too big that the machine can't effectively lift and haul material without being overloaded or tipping forward. That scenario presents a different type of headache.
Bucket Capacity: Struck vs. Heaped
There are two types: struck capacity and heaped capacity. These are measured in cubic feet (ft3).
- Struck is the volume of material held in a bucket when a straight edge is slid across the top and bottom edge of a bucket; it does not include any material outside the bucket.
- Heaped is the volume of material held inside a bucket plus the amount piled on top of it. Heaped capacity is typically 20% more than struck capacity. Use heaped capacity in the calculation below if you want to stay on the safe side.
Knowing the bucket capacity will help you determine the total weight of the material in the bucket, or payload.
You need to ask yourself, 'what material do I plan on lifting and moving most often?' Find the density of that specific material and use it in the calculation below.
For example, dry/loose dirt has a material density of 80 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft3).
Why Is Operating Capacity Important?
To simply answer that question'safety and efficiency.
To determine operating capacity, each model of skid steer is tested using the same procedure.
The loader is parked on a flat surface, and a bucket is raised to a point where it's furthest from the operator. With the bucket extended, it's filled with weights until the rear wheels of the skid steer lift off the ground, in other words, until it tips slightly forward. That measurement is the tipping capacity or tipping load.
- A skid steer with a 3,000-lb tipping capacity may not be able to lift a 3,000-lb object off the ground. Therefore, operating capacity comes into play. Operating capacity is no more than 50% of tipping capacity. It's the total weight the skid steer can safely lift, and is a safety margin set by the manufacturer.
- For example, a skid steer with a 4,000-lb tipping capacity will likely have an operating capacity of 2,000 lbs, which means it can safely lift 2,000 pounds or less. You wouldn't want to be lifting something that weighs over 2,000 lbs. Depending on the skid steer, the capacity can range anywhere from 800 to over 4,000 lbs.
If you don't know your machine's operating capacity you may FIND IT HERE.
Lifting is often the most demanding work a skid steer will perform in its lifetime. Some buckets will be too big or too small for your skid steer, so it's important to match it to your machine to ensure it isn't underutilized or overloaded.
In order to do this, you need to find the total load weight, which is the bucket weight plus weight of the payload. Then make sure it doesn't exceed your skid steer's operating capacity.
What's The Calculation?
Use this equation to quickly estimate if the bucket you choose, along with the material you'll be hauling, will or won't overload your skid steer. Remember to use heaped bucket capacity if you want to stay on the safe side.
Bucket Capacity (ft3) x Material Density (lbs/ft3) + Bucket Weight, w/ Edge (lbs) = Total Load Weight (lbs)
Total Load Weight (lbs) - Skid Steer Operating Capacity (lbs) = Result (lbs)
If the result is a negative number, the skid steer is overloaded. In this case you should choose a lighter bucket. A positive number indicates the skid steer isn't overloaded.
We also have a skid steer bucket load calculator you may find useful here.
Safely Operating and Maintaining Buckets
Problems and sudden expenses are always frustrating no matter your line of business, but take solace in the fact that many are avoidable.
With good technique, a few industry tips, and some preventative steps, avoiding future bucket issues will become easier and your bucket can have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, neglecting safe operation and maintenance can diminish a bucket's lifespan and put your crew at needless risk.
Buckets are simple and inspections are critical to the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the attachment. Periodically check for cracks, stress fractures, and excessive wear. The quick-tach plate is a commonly damaged part on a bucket. If cracked or extremely loose, don't use it, plain and simple. It always requires a solid fit. If not fitting correctly, it requires cleaning, repair work, or perhaps a new plate or bucket. Always make sure the bucket is properly mounted to the skid steer before operating.
Don't let mud or other debris build up in the quick-tach connection area. Check for debris in the quick-tach area before each hook-up. Keeping this area clean will make it safer and easier when connecting to attachments.
Grading is all about technique. Pressure is probably the most important factor when grading. Too much pressure and you'll find it hard to grade with any kind of finesse, also it'll cause unnecessary wear to the bottom of the bucket. Speed is also a factor.
Refer to Virnig's FINISH GRADING GUIDE for more operational tips.
Quick SAFETY Tip:
Never attempt to lift (attachment weight + payload) more than the operating capacity of your skid steer.
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