Finding the right kind of excavator for a job is one thing, but
finding the right excavator bucket for your project can make or
break your efficiency. When it comes to the different types of
excavator buckets, you can find finishing, digging and trenching
buckets — each equipped to carry out a specific task. With 11
excavator buckets to choose from, it can be difficult to tell which
one will fit your needs best, especially when some buckets have
overlapping characteristics. If you’re having trouble making a
decision, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re
breaking down each excavator bucket in detail and answering some of
the most common questions people have about excavator attachments.
A Brief Overview
An excavator bucket is a key component of these machines, serving
as the workhorse that does the heavy lifting. Buckets for
excavators come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for
specific purposes. They are typically made of durable materials
like steel to withstand the rugged conditions they are exposed to.
Types Of Excavator Buckets
Excavator buckets can be broadly categorized into various types,
including digging buckets, trenching buckets, and grading buckets.
Each type has distinct features and applications, making them
suitable for specific tasks. Understanding these differences is
crucial when selecting the right bucket for a job.
1. Digging Bucket
2. Rock Bucket
3. Utility Bucket
4. Grading Bucket
5. Tilt Ditch Cleaning Bucket
6. V Bucket
7. Frost Bucket
8. Micro Trenching Bucket
9. Skeleton Bucket
10. Rake Riddle Bucket
11. Clean-up Bucket
1. Digging Bucket
The digging bucket is likely what one envisions when they’re
thinking of a traditional bucket on an excavator. The digging
bucket has multiple uses, but its main use is right in the name —
digging!
A digging bucket typically features teeth on the end of the bucket
that allow it to break through and dig up hard surfaces for general
construction and landscaping purposes. While the digging bucket is
the most popular, it’s not always the best choice. Projects that
require digging up a hard surface may benefit from using a rock or
frost bucket (more on those later), and then using a digging bucket
to finish the job.
Best for: Digging up hard surfaces and moving material in general
construction and landscaping projects.
2. Rock Bucket
A rock bucket is ideal for compact and hard surfaces that you need
to break through. A rock bucket is reinforced for extra strength
that can withstand a lot of pressure, but the most notable feature
of a rock bucket is its sharp teeth that can better penetrate
stubborn surfaces when a digging bucket just won’t do.
A rock bucket is an extremely versatile option, as you can use it
for various projects where digging and moving materials are
necessary. Asphalt removal and stone extraction are two projects
where you’d often see a rock bucket.
Best for: Penetrating and breaking up solid surfaces like asphalt,
stone and large sheets of rock.
3. Utility Bucket
Utility buckets prove to be extremely useful when you’re excavating
near pipes and cables. Cable strikes are inconvenient and can harm
to the excavation crew. With the utility bucket, construction crews
can continue their digging or trenching without running the risk of
striking a utility line.
Instead of teeth at the edge of the bucket, a utility bucket uses a
rounded edge that is double-enforced for structural integrity. This
rounded edge keeps excavators from accidentally catching loose
cables and wires. Utility buckets are often seen on a project in a
residential area that uses underground systems for their water,
gas, electricity and other utilities.
Best for: Digging near utility lines and pipes without running the
risk of striking a cable.
4. Grading Bucket
A grading bucket is another common excavator bucket, but instead of
using it for digging, a contractor uses it for smoothing and
leveling a surface. Grading buckets, also known as finishing or
trench cleaning buckets, are short, shallow and wide.
Grading buckets are not designed to move heavy materials but
instead create a flat profile at the end of a project. The
excavator operator achieves a smooth surface by dragging the long,
flat edge of the bucket along the ground to distribute a fine
aggregate. The nickname “finishing bucket” refers to when a project
is over a contractor would use a grading bucket to clean up and
level everything back out.
Best for: Leveling and profiling the ground to leave a smooth
finish, also known as grading. Works best with softer materials
such as fine dirt and sand.
5. Tilt Ditch Cleaning Bucket
