What size Material Bucket (MB1) should I choose for my skid steer or compact tractor?
Choosing the right width depends on your machine's lifting capacity and the type of material you handle most often. The MB1 comes in five widths: 60, 66, 72, 78, and 84 inches. For compact tractors and smaller skid steers, the 60 or 66-inch models offer excellent maneuverability without overloading your hydraulic system. Medium-sized skid steers can handle the 72 or 78-inch options, which give you more capacity per scoop while maintaining good visibility and control. The 84-inch bucket is ideal for larger machines and jobs where maximum material movement is the priority.
Match the bucket width to your machine's rated operating capacity, and consider the space you're working in. Tighter job sites benefit from narrower buckets that are easier to position, while open areas allow you to take advantage of wider buckets for faster material handling. Forge Claw can help you determine the best fit for your specific machine and application, and we offer free nationwide shipping on all sizes.
How does the MB1 Material Bucket compare to a standard general purpose bucket?
The MB1 is specifically engineered for high-volume material handling, which sets it apart from standard general purpose buckets. The key difference is capacity—the MB1 offers struck capacities from 10 to 14 cubic feet and heap capacities up to 17.5 cubic feet, allowing you to move significantly more material per trip. The reinforced bottom radius and grade 50 steel construction make it more durable when handling abrasive materials like gravel, rock, or wet dirt that can wear out lighter buckets quickly.
The 68-degree back angle provides better rollback for dumping and helps keep material contained during transport. The top support brace improves cutting edge visibility compared to many standard buckets, giving you more precision when loading. While general purpose buckets are versatile for light tasks, the MB1 is built for operators who need to move large volumes of material efficiently and reliably. The reinforced sides and wear bars extend service life in demanding applications, reducing your total cost of ownership over time.
What's the advantage of the bolt-on cutting edge versus the weld-on option?
The bolt-on cutting edge offers the advantage of quick, easy replacement without welding equipment or specialized skills. When your cutting edge wears down from regular use, you can swap it out in minutes using basic hand tools, which minimizes downtime and keeps you productive. This is particularly valuable if you're working in remote locations or don't have access to a welder on short notice. The bolt-on design also allows you to replace just the edge without affecting the rest of the bucket structure.
The weld-on option provides a more permanent installation and eliminates the need to check bolt tension periodically. Some operators prefer the cleaner profile of a welded edge and the assurance that it won't come loose during heavy use. Both options use the same high-quality steel and will hold up to abrasive materials and tough conditions. Your choice comes down to your maintenance preferences and available resources. Either way, the MB1 is designed to make edge replacement straightforward and cost-effective.
Can the MB1 Material Bucket handle wet or sticky materials like clay and wet topsoil?
Yes, the MB1 handles wet and sticky materials effectively, though you'll want to clean it out after use to prevent buildup. The 68-degree back angle helps material roll out cleanly when dumping, and the smooth interior surfaces reduce the amount of material that sticks during operation. Wet clay, topsoil, and similar materials can pack into any bucket over time, but the MB1's reinforced construction means you can use your bucket edge or a tool to scrape out packed material without damaging the shell. The grade 50 steel won't dent or deform from normal cleaning, and the reinforced bottom radius prevents stress cracks that can develop when handling heavy, wet loads.
For best results with sticky materials, operate at a slight angle when dumping to encourage material flow, and clean the bucket between loads if buildup starts affecting capacity. Regular cleaning also prevents corrosion from moisture sitting in the bucket. The MB1's durability means it stands up to the extra wear that comes with wet material handling, making it a reliable choice for landscaping and earthmoving applications year-round.
Is the MB1 Material Bucket compatible with my skid steer brand?
The MB1 comes standard with a universal skid steer mounting plate that fits most common skid steer brands including Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, Case, New Holland, Gehl, and many others. The universal plate design ensures quick attachment and detachment using your machine's standard quick-attach system. If you have a less common machine or prefer a custom mounting solution, Stinger Attachments can accommodate special mount requests. Before ordering, verify your machine's quick-attach style—most modern skid steers use the standard quick-attach system, but older or specialized machines may vary.
Forge Claw is here to help confirm compatibility and answer any fitment questions before you order. We want to make sure your MB1 arrives ready to work with your equipment from day one. The mounting plate is engineered to distribute forces evenly across the attachment points, which protects both your machine and the bucket during heavy use. With free nationwide shipping and expert support, getting the right fit for your skid steer or compact tractor is straightforward and hassle-free.
How long do the wear bars and cutting edge typically last on the MB1?
Wear bar and cutting edge life depends heavily on the materials you're handling and how aggressively you operate. In typical landscaping and light earthmoving applications with dirt, mulch, and gravel, you can expect the cutting edge to last several hundred hours of use before needing replacement. The 1/2 x 4-inch wear bars are designed to protect the cutting edge and extend its life by distributing wear across a larger surface area. If you're working with highly abrasive materials like rock, concrete debris, or frozen ground, wear will occur faster and you should inspect the edge and wear bars more frequently.
Signs that replacement is needed include a rounded or thin cutting edge that reduces digging performance, or wear bars that have worn down close to the bucket shell. The bolt-on edge makes replacement quick and affordable, and keeping a spare edge on hand means you can swap it out between jobs without losing productivity. Regular inspection and timely replacement of wear components protects the bucket shell from damage and maintains optimal performance. Proper maintenance of these wear items is a small investment that significantly extends the overall life of your MB1.
What maintenance does the MB1 Material Bucket require?
The MB1 is designed for minimal maintenance, but a few simple practices will keep it performing at its best for years. After each use, especially with wet or sticky materials, clean out any packed material to prevent buildup and corrosion. Inspect the cutting edge and wear bars regularly—replace the edge when it becomes rounded or thin, and replace wear bars before they wear through to the shell. If you're using the bolt-on cutting edge, check the bolts periodically to ensure they're tight and replace any that show signs of wear or damage.
Inspect welds and structural components for cracks or damage, particularly if you've been handling heavy loads or working in rocky conditions. Store the bucket in a dry location when not in use to minimize rust and corrosion, or apply a rust preventative if outdoor storage is necessary. The grade 50 steel construction is highly resistant to wear and damage, but keeping the bucket clean and addressing wear items promptly prevents small issues from becoming costly repairs. These basic maintenance steps take minimal time and ensure your MB1 remains a reliable, productive tool throughout its service life.
Can I use the MB1 for snow removal in addition to material handling?
Yes, the MB1 works well for snow removal, particularly for pushing and stacking snow in parking lots, driveways, and other large areas. The wide bucket widths allow you to clear significant areas quickly, and the reinforced construction handles the impact and scraping that comes with snow removal. The cutting edge bites into packed snow and ice effectively, and the 68-degree back angle helps contain snow during transport to dump piles. Keep in mind that the MB1 is heavier than dedicated snow buckets, which can affect your machine's fuel efficiency and speed during long snow removal sessions.
For occasional snow work or clearing your own property, the MB1 is an excellent multi-purpose choice that eliminates the need for a separate snow bucket. For professional snow removal contractors who plow daily throughout winter, a dedicated snow bucket or pusher might be more efficient. The bolt-on cutting edge is particularly useful in snow applications—you can replace a worn edge quickly without downtime during the busy winter season. The MB1's durability means it handles the freeze-thaw cycles and impact loading of snow removal without damage, making it a versatile attachment for year-round use. Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and flexible financing to help you get the attachments you need.