HOW TO CHOOSE TRACTOR BUCKET ATTACHMENTS
Bobcat® compact and sub-compact tractor buckets are all about matching bucket width to your front-end loader, your tractor and the kind of work you do most. Whether you’re running a Bobcat sub-compact tractor like the CT1021 or CT1025, or stepping up to a larger Bobcat compact tractor platform, the right bucket keeps your machine working efficiently and your day moving.
These standard front-end loader buckets share the same hard-working design advantages – skid bar wear protection, a low-back profile for better cutting-edge visibility and Bob-tach capability – but choosing the right size can make every task faster, cleaner and more controlled based on the job.
Start With Your Loader and Tractor Model
Each bucket is built as a standard replacement for specific Bobcat front-end loaders—so compatibility is step one:
- 48" bucket (FL6) for CT1021 / CT1025
- 60" bucket (FL7/FL8) for CT2025, CT2035, CT2040, CT2535, CT2540
- 66" bucket (FL9) for CT4045, CT4050, CT4055, CT4058
- 72" bucket (FL9-5) for CT5545, CT5550, CT5555, CT5558
(Quick tip: Parts can vary by serial number – use the Serial Number Parts Finder or online parts catalog to confirm fit.)
Choose Your Bucket Width Based on the Work
Once you’ve matched the bucket to the correct loader family for your tractor (FL6, FL7/FL8, FL9 or FL9-5), choose the width available for that loader that best fits the work you do most. Each bucket width is engineered to fit specific loader specs – so compatibility comes first, then you dial in performance for your jobs.
- 48" – Best for tight spaces, gates, small barns and lighter machines where agility matters.
- 60" – The all-around choice for property work: dirt, gravel, mulch, snow and general hauling with a good balance of reach and control.
- 66" – A strong step up for bigger tractors and bigger jobs – more coverage per pass for grading and moving material.
- 72" – Built for higher-capacity work where you want to move more per trip and clear wider paths (great for snow, mulch and bulk material handling).
Match Bucket Capacity to Material and Lift Goals
More capacity can mean fewer trips – as long as your tractor and front-end loader are rated to handle the load safely. Start with your loader specs and lift capacity, then choose a bucket size and capacity that keeps the machine stable and responsive for the material you move most. These buckets increase in capacity as width increases:
- 48" – 6.7 cu. ft.
- 60" – 8.47 cu. ft.
- 66" – 12.7 cu. ft.
- 72" – 15.18 cu. Ft.
If you regularly handle dense materials like wet soil, gravel or rock, a smaller-capacity bucket can help you stay within your loader’s limits, maintain better control and reduce spillage. Always verify bucket fit and rated capacity for your specific tractor and loader (including serial number guidance) before ordering or operating.
Quick Checklist
- Your loader model: FL6, FL7/FL8, FL9, or FL9-5
- Your material: heavy and dense vs. light and bulky – and how that load impacts stability
- Your priority: maneuverability vs. fewer trips/wider coverage
- Your attachment plans: Bob-tach makes it easy to swap to grapples, pallet forks and more
Once you’ve narrowed it down, your local Bobcat dealer can help confirm fit by serial number so your bucket shows up ready to work from day one.
