4 Tips to Select the Right Loader Bucket for Your Compact Loader

Summary

Before selecting a loader bucket, evaluate its weight and capacity. Then, consider the application the bucket will be used in, the density of your heaviest material, any needed bucket accessories and coupling system options for easy attachment changes. Choosing the right bucket can go a long way toward meeting your daily production goals.

Evaluate material density

Before performing tasks like loading, carrying and stockpiling, determine the best bucket size, weight and capacity for the job. Calculate the average density of the material you’ll be moving, and then compare that figure to the loaders’ tipping load and lifting capacity to ensure you can properly move the material. 

If you are working with different types of materials, specify the bucket based on the heaviest material it will handle. Pushing a machine beyond these limits can accelerate wear, affect machine durability and significantly lower your return on investment.

Match loader bucket to material

Bucket choices for compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders are numerous, so it’s important that you understand the different loader bucket styles to best meet your needs. 

Standard-duty loader buckets 

The most common bucket is a standard-duty bucket for maximum filling and material retention. Standard-duty buckets are ideal for light-duty tasks, such as grading, leveling and day-to-day material handling. They offer good breakout force, especially when working on general aggregates in construction and municipal applications. 

Heavy-duty loader buckets 

For more abrasive applications, consider pairing your loader with a heavy-duty bucket. Typically, they are designed with high breakout forces and optimized capacities to make quick work of big tasks. Use heavy-duty buckets for grading, leveling, carrying, loading and material handling. 

Severe-duty loader buckets 

For extreme applications, including grading, leveling and material handling, use a severe-duty bucket. Thick mounting frames in severe-duty buckets are designed to withstand higher breakout forces. Bolt-on corner cutting edges protect bucket corners. 

Light-material loader buckets 

If you are looking to move larger loads with smaller densities, a light-material bucket may be an economical solution. Light-material buckets offer higher capacities than standard-duty buckets, making them ideal for lifting snow, mulch, fertilizer or other light materials. These buckets are often used in snow applications. 

Specialty loader buckets 

If your jobsite calls for a different bucket style and design, consider specialty buckets. Many compact equipment manufacturers make a variety of unique buckets, including rock and combination (or 4-in-1) buckets. 

Rock buckets work well for handling rocks and debris in construction applications. This type of bucket features tines to easily separate materials while the soil sifts through. 

Combination buckets are versatile attachments with multiple functions, including loading, grappling, dozing, leveling and digging. 

For help making the best decision when selecting a bucket, visit your local dealer.

Use ground engaging tools

Cut through material more easily with ground engaging tools, such as bucket teeth. Many manufacturers offer a vast number of interchangeable bolt-on teeth options for specific buckets. Heavier-duty buckets, such as rock buckets, typically feature weld-on teeth to reduce wear. 

Replaceable cutting edges and extra guarding, such as shanks, can be added to buckets to protect and promote overall productivity.

Quickly change buckets

There are times when an application calls for more than one bucket. Most manufacturers provide an attachment quick-change mechanism for easily changing loader buckets and other attachments. While these systems can save you time, consider opting for a powered quick-attach mechanism for your loaders. These mechanisms provide many more efficiencies by allowing operators to rapidly change buckets or other non-hydraulic attachments from the comfort and security of a cab. 

Selecting the right loader bucket can increase your productivity and reduce operating costs. Evaluate the bucket weight and capacity first, then select the bucket design that best matches your application. If you are unsure about material weights or which bucket may be the best choice for your application, contact your local dealer for assistance.