Like there are different types of excavators, there are different excavator buckets, too. These attachments are critical to making the most of your excavator. They vary based on soil conditions, capacity, and technique.
A general-purpose bucket, otherwise called GP bucket, is popular in construction applications. It comes with smooth edges, with or without teeth. It can dig out medium-sized gravel and dirt. The other type of bucket you will likely meet when looking for an excavator plant for hire is the heavy-duty bucket.
It is characterized by thick steel and is usable for dense dirt, thick mud, and hard rocks. It will have straightened sides that lower packing and dump cycles. Finally, you will likely meet rock excavating buckets that have the most durable steels and sturdy strips as reinforcement.
Different from ditch buckets, this one will be shallow and compact and suitable for heavy-duty applications. Divided specifically, the buckets fall under the following categories:
The digging bucket
Most buckets are meant for use in digging out medium-sized material, a feature that is specific to this bucket. Digging buckets can be used with frost, light rock, and loam. They operate on one principle, that form will follow function.
Those buckets meant for soft soil will have blunt and short teeth while those with pointed teeth can be used for frost and rock. Longer, sharp teeth help to improve the amount of force for prying. The width of the bucket will vary based on ground hardness.
Rock buckets
Rock buckets are variations of digging buckets. They have design modifications that make them usable in specialized applications. For instance, rock buckets intended for use in ripping and prying rock will have robust structures with long and sharp teeth on a V-shaped or straight cutting edge.
Rock buckets should have enough strength to focus power for prying rock without compromising its structure. Rock buckets are typically narrow with short tip radii.
V buckets
These buckets have unique designs for saving energy and improving productivity. Rather than rectangular or square geometry like with a conventional bucket, they have a V-shaped face. The face will have three surfaces that engage the ground — the sides and the bottom.
The bottom edge will increase the depth, and the sides shape the slope. The bucket’s cheeks taper from the edges like a bonnet to scoop and reduce side drag during excavation. The angles of the bucket control the slope of the ditch formed. V buckets can be used in excavation for pipe laying.
Clean-up buckets
Here, the idea is for the bucket to scoop dirt and so it has no teeth. The bucket is typical for use with well loosened and soft material and will have a large capacity and a straight edge for engaging the ground.
The side responsible for ground engagement will be bolted with plated steel to reduce maintenance and wear. This bucket is ideal for backfilling, leveling, ditching, and sloping.
Sometimes the buckets will have additional features like drainage holes to suit them for other applications like removing soft mud. In addition to picking the bucket for the job, choose quality. Many companies will sell attachments, but few can supply the best material. Search carefully and select reputable suppliers.
