What size High Volume Material Bucket should I choose for my skid steer?
The right bucket width depends on your skid steer's rated operating capacity and the materials you handle most often. The 7-foot model (1.5 cubic yard capacity) works well for lighter materials in tighter spaces or on smaller high-capacity machines. The 8-foot and 9-foot models offer a balance of capacity and maneuverability for most operations handling silage, manure, mulch, or compost. The 10-foot model (2.2 cubic yard capacity) maximizes volume for open environments and the largest skid steers on the market.
Before ordering, verify your machine's lift capacity can handle the loaded weight. Stinger Attachments designs these buckets for high-capacity skid steers, so matching the bucket width to your machine's capabilities ensures optimal performance without overloading your loader. Consider the density of materials you typically move—lighter, bulkier materials allow for wider buckets, while denser loads may require a narrower width to stay within your machine's limits.
Should I choose a weld-on or bolt-on cutting edge for my material bucket?
The cutting edge choice depends on your typical work conditions and maintenance preferences. Weld-on edges are permanent, low-profile, and ideal for smooth surfaces and general material handling where abrasive wear is minimal. They provide a clean look and eliminate the need for hardware maintenance. Bolt-on edges are replaceable, making them the better choice if you work in abrasive conditions or want to extend the bucket's lifespan without welding repairs.
When the edge wears down, you simply unbolt it and install a new one, minimizing downtime and avoiding damage to the bucket shell. For operations moving silage, manure, or compost exclusively, weld-on edges often suffice. For contractors handling varied materials including aggregates or working on rougher surfaces, bolt-on edges offer more flexibility and easier long-term maintenance. Keep a spare bolt-on edge on hand so you can swap it quickly when needed and maintain productivity.
How does the 70-degree back angle improve performance compared to standard buckets?
Stinger Attachments selected the 70-degree back angle after extensive testing to optimize both scooping and dumping performance on most high-capacity skid steers. This angle improves bucket curl when loading, giving you better digging force and material retention as you scoop. More importantly, it creates a more complete dump cycle—material releases cleanly without clinging to the bottom or requiring multiple shakes to clear the bucket.
The angle works together with the bottom radius support to create a smooth interior profile that prevents material from getting stuck in corners or along the back wall. This means less time repositioning or shaking out stubborn loads, which reduces operator fatigue and keeps your workflow moving efficiently. Over a full day of loading and dumping cycles, the improved material release adds up to significant time savings and less wear on your machine's hydraulics from excessive bucket manipulation.
What materials is this High Volume Material Bucket designed to handle?
This bucket excels with high-volume, lightweight to medium-density materials where capacity matters more than digging force. It's ideal for agricultural operations handling manure, silage, bedding, fertilizer, and feed materials. Landscape contractors use it effectively for mulch, compost, topsoil, bark, wood chips, and similar bulk materials. It also works well for construction debris, loose aggregates, demolition waste, and material yard operations moving large quantities regularly.
The high struck capacity from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic yards means you move more material per cycle compared to standard buckets, which is especially valuable with lighter, bulkier loads. While the bucket is built with ¼-inch Grade 50 steel and heavy reinforcements, it's not designed for heavy digging in compacted soil or dense rock—that's where tooth buckets or rock buckets are better suited. Focus on materials that benefit from high volume capacity, and this bucket will dramatically improve your productivity and reduce the number of trips needed to complete jobs.
How do I maintain my High Volume Material Bucket for long-term durability?
Maintenance is straightforward but essential for maximizing bucket lifespan. Inspect the cutting edge regularly and replace or repair it before it wears down to the shell—edge wear is normal, but protecting the bucket shell prevents costly damage. If you chose bolt-on edges, check the bolts periodically and keep a spare edge on hand for quick replacement. Examine the mounting plate and pins for wear or deformation, especially if you're loading heavy materials regularly.
Grease any pivot points according to your skid steer manufacturer's recommendations. After working with corrosive materials like manure or fertilizer, rinse the bucket interior to prevent accelerated corrosion, particularly if storing the bucket for extended periods. Check the side braces, top channel brace, and bottom radius support for cracks or damage, though the ½-inch and ¼-inch steel construction resists this well. Store the bucket off the ground when not in use to prevent moisture accumulation and rust on the bottom edge. With basic attention and prompt edge replacement, this bucket will deliver years of reliable service without major repairs.
Can I use this bucket on different skid steer brands and models?
Yes, the High Volume Material Bucket comes standard with a universal skid steer mounting plate that fits most skid steer loaders right out of the box. This includes popular brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, Case, New Holland, and others using the standard quick-attach system. If you're running a machine with a Global or ISO construction carrier mount, Stinger Attachments offers those mounting options as well, so you can specify the correct configuration when ordering.
This versatility is particularly valuable if you manage a mixed fleet or plan to upgrade machines in the future—the bucket can move between compatible machines without modification. Before ordering, confirm your skid steer's mounting system and rated operating capacity to ensure proper fit and safe operation. The bucket is designed for high-capacity skid steers, so verify your machine can handle the loaded weight of your chosen width. This cross-compatibility makes the bucket a smart long-term investment that adapts as your equipment lineup changes. Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and flexible financing on all attachments.