What size concrete bucket do I need for typical residential and farm projects?
For most residential repairs, fence post work, and small foundation pours, the 3/4 yard capacity handles the job efficiently without excess material waste. This size is ideal when you're mixing batches on-site for projects like setting a few fence posts, pouring small equipment pads, or repairing concrete structures around your property. The smaller capacity means less weight on your skid steer and easier material management when working alone.
However, if you regularly tackle larger projects like barn foundations, extensive driveway work, or commercial concrete jobs, the 1 yard capacity reduces the number of mixing and pouring cycles you'll need. Larger capacity becomes especially valuable when you have crew members who can assist with loading and mixing while you operate the skid steer. Consider your typical project scope and whether time savings from fewer fill cycles justifies the additional weight and capacity. Both sizes use the same hydraulic door system and removable chute, so performance and precision remain consistent regardless of which capacity you choose.
Can I mix concrete directly in the bucket or do I need to pre-mix it?
You can absolutely mix concrete directly in the bucket, and this is one of the attachment's biggest advantages. Add your dry concrete mix, then add water directly into the bucket using the integrated safety steps to access the top. Many operators drive the skid steer slowly while gently raising and lowering the bucket to help blend the mixture, or you can use a mixing paddle from the safety steps for smaller batches.
This on-site mixing capability eliminates the need for separate mixing equipment and reduces setup time dramatically. You control the water-to-mix ratio precisely for your specific application, whether you need a stiffer mix for vertical pours or a more fluid consistency for horizontal work. The ability to mix right where you're working means concrete doesn't begin setting up during transport from a remote mixing location. After mixing, you simply drive to your pour location and use the hydraulic door to dispense material exactly where needed. This workflow is particularly valuable on properties where bringing in ready-mix trucks isn't practical due to access limitations, minimum order requirements, or delivery costs that exceed the material value itself.
How does the hydraulic door control work and what skid steer hydraulics do I need?
The hydraulic door operates through your skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic system, the same circuit that powers other attachments like grapples or augers. When you activate the auxiliary hydraulics from your loader's cab controls, the door opens smoothly to release concrete through the bottom of the bucket. Release the control and the door closes, stopping material flow immediately without spillage. This gives you precise control over concrete placement, letting you start and stop pours on demand as you fill forms or navigate around obstacles.
Most modern skid steers with auxiliary hydraulics handle the door mechanism without issues, as the flow and pressure requirements are standard for attachments in this class. Machines with at least 1,500-pound operating capacity typically provide adequate hydraulic power, though you should verify your specific loader's auxiliary circuit specifications match the attachment requirements. The system is simple and reliable, with fewer moving parts than complex metering systems, which means less maintenance and fewer potential failure points. Position your skid steer before opening the door, make your pour, then close it cleanly when finished. The responsive control eliminates the guesswork and waste common with manual dump mechanisms.
Is cleanup difficult after pouring concrete with this bucket?
Cleanup is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the open interior design and smooth steel surfaces. The key is rinsing the bucket thoroughly immediately after each pour, before concrete has time to cure on interior surfaces. Use a pressure washer or strong hose to spray down the inside, paying special attention to the hydraulic door mechanism and hinge points where material can accumulate. The lack of deep corners, complex mechanisms, or hard-to-reach pockets means you're not fighting buildup in hidden areas.
Most operators complete a thorough rinse in just a few minutes, far less time than cleaning traditional concrete mixers or dealing with hardened material in wheelbarrows. The removable chute detaches quickly for separate cleaning, and its simple tubular design rinses clean without tools or scraping. Consistent post-job cleanup prevents concrete buildup that could interfere with the hydraulic door operation or reduce bucket capacity over time. During your rinse, also inspect hydraulic lines and connections for any concrete splatter that could harden and cause leaks. Keep the bucket stored in a dry location between uses to prevent rust on interior surfaces. The simplicity of the design means maintenance focuses on basic cleaning rather than complex mechanical servicing.
What are the main advantages over hiring ready-mix concrete delivery?
Owning a concrete bucket eliminates minimum order charges, delivery fees, and scheduling constraints that come with ready-mix services. For small jobs requiring a half yard or less, delivery costs often exceed the concrete price itself, and many suppliers won't deliver such small quantities. With your own mixing and pouring capability, you handle projects of any size economically without paying for excess material or rush delivery premiums.
Location access is another major advantage, particularly on rural properties, steep terrain, or sites with limited turning radius where large cement trucks simply cannot navigate. You maintain complete control over timing, mixing the concrete when you're ready to pour rather than working around delivery schedules or racing against setup time once the truck arrives. This flexibility is especially valuable when weather conditions change, when you're working around other trades, or when project scope adjustments require more or less material than originally estimated. The bucket also serves as backup capability for contractors who use ready-mix for large pours but need on-demand concrete for repairs, change orders, or finishing work. Over time, the labor savings and delivery cost elimination typically offset the attachment investment within the first season of regular use, especially for operations that handle concrete work monthly.
Will this concrete bucket fit my skid steer brand and model?
The universal skid steer quick attach mount fits most major loader brands including John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Westendorf, Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, and other manufacturers using standard quick attach mounting systems. If your skid steer currently runs buckets, forks, or grapples with quick attach plates, this concrete bucket will mount and secure the same way without custom fabrication or special adapters. Installation takes just minutes using your loader's existing quick attach mechanism.
The key compatibility factor beyond mounting is your machine's operating capacity and auxiliary hydraulics. Skid steers with at least 1,500-pound operating capacity handle the bucket weight plus a full load of concrete comfortably, and machines in this class typically provide adequate auxiliary hydraulic flow for the door mechanism. Smaller compact loaders may physically accept the mounting plate but could struggle with the combined weight of the bucket and wet concrete, so verify your specific machine's rated capacity before ordering. If you're unsure about compatibility with your particular skid steer model, contact us with your machine specifications and we'll confirm fitment. The goal is ensuring safe, effective operation rather than forcing an attachment onto an undersized loader.
How much time does this attachment save compared to wheelbarrow concrete work?
Time savings are substantial, often cutting concrete placement time by sixty to seventy percent compared to manual wheelbarrow methods. Consider a typical scenario: pouring a small foundation or setting multiple fence posts requires moving several hundred pounds of concrete across uneven ground. With wheelbarrows, you're making multiple trips, physically pushing heavy loads, and often rushing because concrete begins setting up before you finish placement. Each trip introduces fatigue that slows subsequent loads and increases the chance of spills or imprecise pours.
The concrete bucket eliminates all that manual hauling. You mix an entire batch, transport it in one trip via your skid steer, then use the hydraulic door to dispense material exactly where needed without physical strain. One operator accomplishes what previously required two or three people with wheelbarrows, and does it faster with better placement accuracy. The efficiency compounds across multiple pours, because you're not fighting exhaustion or racing against setup time. Smaller crews can tackle larger projects, or existing crews complete more jobs per day. Beyond the immediate time savings, consider reduced callbacks for repairs, less material waste from spills or over-ordering, and the ability to take on concrete work you might have previously declined due to access challenges or labor limitations.
What maintenance does the concrete bucket require between jobs?
Maintenance requirements are minimal but consistency matters for long-term performance. After every use, rinse the bucket thoroughly before concrete cures on interior surfaces, paying special attention to the hydraulic door mechanism and hinge points. This post-job rinse is your primary maintenance task and takes just minutes with a pressure washer or strong hose. Weekly or after every few jobs, inspect hydraulic lines and connections for leaks, damage, or concrete buildup that could cause problems.
Check that the hydraulic door opens and closes smoothly without binding or hesitation, and lubricate hinge points according to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent rust and ensure responsive operation. During off-season storage or extended periods without use, clean the bucket completely, inspect for any surface rust on interior steel, and store in a dry location to prevent corrosion. The 3/16-inch steel shell is durable, but consistent exposure to moisture without protection will eventually cause rust issues. Some operators apply a light coat of oil to interior surfaces during long-term storage for additional rust prevention. Beyond these basics, there's minimal mechanical complexity to service. No engines, pumps, or intricate mechanisms require regular attention. The simplicity of the design means maintenance focuses on cleaning and basic inspection rather than complex repairs or part replacements.
Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping on all attachments and easy financing options to help you get the equipment you need.