There are several factors that can help excavator operators improve productivity in daily construction tasks, but one of the most important factors usually comes back to choosing the right excavator bucket.

Some excavator operators may prefer to use standard buckets for all applications. However, this approach can have a negative impact on operator productivity. For example, using standard buckets instead of trench buckets in ditching or deep digging applications may result in a loss of efficiency.

Before selecting a bucket, the operator must consider the purpose of the bucket, the density of the heaviest material, the attachments available, and the coupling system for easy replacement of attachments. The operator should also check whether the bucket selected exceeds the operating capacity of the machine.

Tip No. 1: Choose a bucket type with soil conditions in mind

There are two main bucket types for contractors to choose from: heavy bucket and heavy bucket.

Heavy-duty buckets are the most commonly used type of bucket for excavators because they work in a variety of soil conditions such as clay, gravel, sand, silt and shale. Barrels are made from high-quality, wear-resistant materials, durable side knives, extra strength and protection and bottom wear pads.

Heavy-duty bucket is best suited for excavator operators handling abrasives in heavy or heavy-duty digging and truck loading applications. The bucket is made of wear-resistant material for added protection and strength when digging in loose rock or pits and quarries. The side knife of the bucket, shell bottom, side wear plate and welding wear cover are composed of wear resistant materials. In addition, stiffening gussets help stiffen machine fittings to the connecting bucket to facilitate uptime.

Additional wear resistant parts manufactured in heavy duty buckets include cut edges, front wear pads and rolling wear bands.

Tip No. 2: Select a bucket style to suit your digging needs

There are three main types of buckets used by excavators. They are digging ditches, digging ditches and tilting buckets.

Ditching buckets can easily dig narrow, deep ditches while maintaining excellent breaking force and providing quick cycle times for excavators. The bucket is constructed of wear resistant material to reduce weight and provides high strength side wear plates and bottom wear bands for increased durability.

Ditching buckets are similar in shape to standard digging buckets, but are wider and deeper in shape for smooth operation in sand and clay. In addition, the bucket has the best versatility when loading materials, grading, backfilling, clearing ditches to improve drainage, and working on slopes.

Standard features of the ditch bucket include lifting eyes for lifting, welding side cutters and reversible bolt cutters to keep the work area smooth after the work is completed.

Angle dips are universal and cost effective in land consolidation, grading and clearing applications. The barrel can be rotated 45 degrees to the center in any direction, and equipped with auxiliary flow control valve, tilt speed can be adjusted.

When using an angle-tilting bucket, operators can easily grade or level an area without having to frequently change the position of the excavator, thus increasing operational efficiency.

The angled bucket has many other features including:

• Heavy-duty components with greater strength and power
• Protection during normal operation is provided by leak protection and cylinder protection
• Universal hydraulic connection, easy to connect or remove hydraulic piping

Tip No. 3: Add accessories to customize buckets

The excavator can use the lifting eye of the bucket to lift, transport and place the pipe. This is common among utility contractors working on wet or dry utility projects that place pipes in open ditches. Operators should often refer to the load diagram of the excavator to understand the capacity of the machine to meet the needs of side lift and side lift.

Some manufacturers, such as Bonovo, offer a power tilt quick coupler that eliminates the need for multiple attachments and manual labor on the job site. According to the type and application of the excavator, the power tilt coupler can tilt 90 degrees to the left or right, and the flexibility can reach 180 degrees.

Adding flexibility to the attachment can help operators save valuable time as they may not need to frequently reposition the excavator while working or stop to replace the attachment to perform certain tasks. This is especially beneficial when working under or around objects, such as underground pipes.

The attachment is most useful for general excavation, underground utilities, grading and erosion control applications.

Another key to improving excavator productivity is investment in quality accessory change systems, which are optional on most manufacturers’ machines. Investing in a high-quality attachment connection system, such as quick couplers, can extend the versatility of attachments and improve utilization.

Depending on ground conditions and material density, a utility contractor may need to install ditching barrels in one location, ditching barrels in another location, or tilting barrels in the next location. The quick coupler makes it easier and faster to replace barrels and other accessories on the job site.

If operators can quickly switch between buckets to best match the groove width, they are also more likely to use the right size bucket.

Side and bottom wear plates, side protectors and side cutters are other bucket accessories that help reduce wear and tear, keeping the machine running as long as possible to protect the investment.

Tip No. 4: Inspect wear items and replace parts

The maintenance of excavator bucket is as important as the regular maintenance schedule of excavator itself, which can not be ignored. It is recommended to check the bucket teeth, cutting edges and heel daily for obvious wear or damage. Bucket teeth should be replaced before wear, so as not to expose the bucket joint. In addition, check the wear cover for wear and replace it if necessary.

There are many replaceable wear and tear items on the bucket, so it is critical that these items be replaced to extend the life of the bucket when the operator completes routine inspections. If the bucket shell is worn beyond repair, the equipment owner should replace the bucket.

If you need to know more about excavator bucket related attachments, you can contact us, we will bring a more professional answer.