How to properly select a front loader bucket

The most important accessory on a wheel loader is by far the service bucket. Your choice depends on productivity, the performance of the operation, time between each work cycle, periods of activity, etc.

It is common to see service buckets with distinctive qualities in the cutting edge, teeth, shapes, its made materials, and other variables that can complicate selection. However, it is necessary to understand the main purpose of this tool and the properties of the material to be mobilized to have an adequate selection.

The size of the machine.

The first step in making the right choice will be to size the machine and match it to buckets that are within the range of the loader’s operating capacity. This information is essential, and you can find all the specifications in the operator’s manual in the section on compatible tools and their ranges.

The most common mistake among the inexperienced owners is to choose the single one with the higher volumetric potential and use this one for high-density materials, thus could lead the vehicle to an overload of its components originating wear on the tool, as on the equipment, and damage.

Bucket adaptability with material density.

There are at least 4 different styles of front loader service buckets that must be used depending on the density of the material to be moved, together with the volumetric capacity of the loading truck, number of cycles, etc. This will ensure greater efficiency at the end of the day.

Rock buckets: As the name implies, they are for demanding or abrasive applications in which the material is highly dense such as those found in mines, quarries, and roads. Their dimensions are usually small, but they compensate with other attributes such as high resistance material, specialized segments for rock, special teeth, etc.

4-in-1 buckets: Also called multipurpose buckets, made for different applications such as dozing, material handling with medium to low densities. Its disadvantage is when working with aggregates.

General-purpose bucket: They are the most used in the mobilization of dry sand whose density is relatively low, as well as aggregates. Its volumetric capacity is usually high, offering maximum filling and material retention.

Light material buckets: These are those with the highest volumetric capacity of all configurations and, they’re for very low-density elements such as wood pulp, chips, coal, etc.

For a better selection, follow the tool recommendations from your manufacturer.