What size material bucket do I need for my skid steer?
The right material bucket size depends on your machine's lifting capacity and the type of work you do most often. Compact skid steers with operating capacities under 2,000 pounds pair well with the 60-inch or 66-inch models, which offer excellent maneuverability on residential sites and tight spaces. Mid-size machines in the 2,000 to 2,500-pound range handle the 72-inch bucket comfortably for general earthmoving and landscaping work. Larger skid steers with capacities over 2,500 pounds can take full advantage of the 78-inch or 84-inch models for maximum productivity on commercial sites and heavy material handling.
The 40-inch depth on all models increases capacity without adding excessive weight, so you get more done per cycle without overloading your machine. If you're unsure which width matches your equipment, contact Forge Claw and we'll help you select the right size based on your machine's specifications and the materials you move most often.
Should I choose the weld-on or bolt-on cutting edge?
The weld-on cutting edge is ideal if you're doing general material handling, finish grading, or working in soil and softer materials. The three-quarter-inch by eight-inch edge is welded directly to the shell for a low-profile design and maximum durability. It's heavier and more robust than the bolt-on option, and it won't loosen or require periodic tightening.
The bolt-on edge is the better choice for high-wear environments like rocky soil, demolition sites, or loading abrasive materials like gravel and crushed rock. The replaceable three-quarter-inch by six-inch edge bolts onto a welded base plate, so when it wears down, you can swap it out in minutes without welding or replacing the entire bucket. This saves time and money over the long run if you're running the bucket hard every day. Both options are built tough and will serve you well, so the decision comes down to your typical working conditions and how often you want to perform edge maintenance.
How much more can I move with the 40-inch depth compared to a standard bucket?
Most standard skid steer material buckets range from 30 to 36 inches deep, which limits your heaped capacity and can lead to spillage when moving loose materials like mulch, wood chips, or topsoil. The 40-inch depth on the Series 4 gives you significantly more capacity without requiring a wider bucket that reduces maneuverability. For example, the 72-inch model offers 20.4 cubic feet struck and 25.5 cubic feet heaped, which is roughly 15 to 25 percent more material per load compared to a typical 34-inch deep bucket of the same width.
That means fewer trips between the pile and the truck, less time repositioning, and faster completion of loading and grading tasks. The extra depth also improves visibility of the cutting edge, so you can see exactly where you're digging without leaning out of the cab. Over the course of a full day, the increased capacity adds up to hours saved and more material moved with the same amount of fuel and machine time.
Will this bucket work with my skid steer brand?
Yes, the Series 4 material bucket comes standard with a universal skid steer mounting plate that fits most major brands including Bobcat, Caterpillar, Case, John Deere, Kubota, Gehl, New Holland, and ASV. The universal plate is the most common mounting system in the industry and allows you to swap attachments quickly without tools or modifications.
If your machine uses a non-standard mounting system or you prefer a custom setup, Stinger Attachments can accommodate that request. They can also supply the bucket with a plain mounting plate if you want to weld on your own hardware. When you order from Forge Claw, just let us know your machine make and model, and we'll confirm compatibility and ensure you receive the correct mounting configuration. We've worked with operators running everything from compact loaders to full-size skid steers, and we'll make sure the bucket fits your equipment properly before it ships.
How do I maintain this bucket to get the longest service life?
Regular maintenance is straightforward and will keep your Series 4 material bucket working like new for years. Inspect the cutting edge and wear bars every few weeks and replace them before they wear down to the bucket shell, which prevents damage to the quarter-inch steel floor. If you have the bolt-on edge, keep a spare on hand so you can swap it out quickly when you notice significant wear. Check the mounting plate hardware periodically, especially during the first 10 hours of use, and tighten any bolts that have loosened due to initial settling.
Clean out packed material after each job to prevent corrosion and make it easier to spot cracks, wear, or damage during inspections. If you're working in wet or corrosive environments, consider applying a protective coating to exposed steel surfaces. Store the bucket off the ground when not in use to prevent moisture buildup and rust on the bottom. With basic care and timely replacement of wear components, this bucket will handle thousands of hours of heavy use without major repairs or structural issues.
Is it worth upgrading from my current material bucket to the Series 4?
If your current bucket is wearing out, cracking along the sides, or doesn't have enough capacity for your typical loads, upgrading to the Series 4 is a smart investment. The quarter-inch Grade 50 steel construction and reinforced sides eliminate the flexing and buckling that plague lighter-duty buckets, especially when you're lifting full loads or prying into compacted material. The 40-inch depth gives you more capacity than most standard buckets, which translates directly to fewer passes and faster job completion.
The bolt-on edge option alone can save you hundreds of dollars in maintenance costs over the bucket's lifetime if you're working in abrasive or rocky conditions. The rolled bottom insert and 68-degree back angle improve clean-out and dumping performance, so you spend less time scraping out stuck material and repositioning for better angles. You'll also benefit from the top channel reinforcement and integrated step, which make daily use safer and more efficient. The Series 4 pays for itself through increased productivity, reduced downtime, and lower repair costs, and it's backed by free nationwide shipping from Forge Claw and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.