Picking The Right Bucket Attachment To Get The Job Done
Getting the most out of your excavator means selecting the right accessories for the job. Bringing the full versatility of these useful vehicles to bear means choosing a bucket that is right for the material that you will be working with. The correct bucket will not only allow you to get the job done more quickly and efficiently, but it will also ensure that your bucket does not wear out prematurely. Using a bucket that is not designed for your application can result in damage to the bucket, ultimately costing you more money and slowing your work down. To select the right bucket, keep these critical tips in mind.
Don't Rely on the Standard Digging Bucket
Most excavators will come equipped from the factory with what is commonly known as a standard or "digging" bucket. This straightforward bucket is reasonably useful for a wide range of different material types, but it is a jack-of-all-trades without mastering any. While it is well suited for light soil and small debris, but it is significantly less useful once you encounter large rocks or hard-packed debris. Although digging buckets are valuable tools, they are not the only attachment that you will want to have in your excavator's arsenal.
Know What You Are Likely to Encounter On Your Job Site
Few things are more frustrating than arriving on a job site and discovering that your equipment isn't quite up to the task. Before beginning work, conduct a thorough survey of the ground or debris that you will be clearing. If you will be moving a large amount of heavy stone or will need to clear tightly packed rocks, then choosing a heavy-duty rock bucket will save you from the pain of having a bucket fail while on the job.
Consider Specialty Buckets
Manufacturers such as XHD produce a wide range of specialty buckets for a variety of different applications. If a traditional digging, trenching, or rock bucket is not appropriate for your job, then a specialty bucket such as a grapple bucket may be a better fit. These buckets allow your excavator to grab onto debris, preventing it from falling out as you move it. XHD grapple buckets can also make it easier to grab certain types of material, such as large bundles of wood or piles of rocks. Specialty buckets such as this can save you a considerable amount of time and effort when used under the right circumstances.
Pay Attention to Size
Bucket size can potentially impact your workflow in two ways: it limits the largest material that you can move, and it can potentially lead to a higher number of back and forth trips. On the other hand, large buckets can be unwieldy in tight spaces and can make picking up certain types of materials more difficult. Along with selecting the proper type of bucket, sizing your bucket correctly is one of the best ways to make sure that your job goes smoothly.
