What size Material Bucket do I need for my skid steer?
The right width depends on your machine's rated operating capacity and the type of material you're moving most often. For mid-size skid steers in the 1,800 to 2,500-pound range, the 66-inch or 72-inch widths offer a good balance of capacity and maneuverability. Larger machines rated above 2,500 pounds can handle the 78-inch or 84-inch models, which provide maximum struck and heaped capacity for high-volume jobs. If you're primarily moving lighter materials like mulch or topsoil, you can often size up without exceeding your machine's limits. For heavier materials like wet gravel or demolition debris, stay closer to your rated capacity to maintain stability and avoid strain on the loader.
The 60-inch width works well for compact machines or situations where you need to work in tighter spaces. Forge Claw can help you match the bucket to your specific loader model and typical workload to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Should I choose the weld-on or bolt-on cutting edge?
Both cutting edge options are built for durability, so the choice comes down to your maintenance preferences and equipment access. The weld-on edge is a heavy-duty 3/4 x 8-inch piece welded directly to the bucket shell. It's simple, strong, and ideal if you have welding equipment available and prefer to handle edge replacement in your own shop. When it wears down, you cut off the old edge and weld on a new one.
The bolt-on system uses a 1/2 x 6-inch base edge welded to the shell with a replaceable 3/4 x 6-inch bolt-on edge. This setup allows you to swap edges quickly in the field without welding equipment, cutting downtime significantly. If you work on remote job sites or don't have regular access to a welder, the bolt-on option offers more flexibility. Both edges provide excellent wear resistance and maintain cutting performance through demanding conditions. Consider your typical work environment and maintenance capabilities when making your selection.
How does the 40-inch depth improve visibility compared to standard buckets?
The 40-inch depth is engineered to increase capacity without raising the bucket's overall height to the point where it blocks your view of the cutting edge. Many high-capacity buckets force you to work blind because the top of the bucket sits too high in your sightline when the attachment is at ground level. With the Series 3 Material Bucket, the combination of 40-inch depth, the open reinforcement tube design across the top, and the optimized back angle keeps the cutting edge visible from the operator's seat.
This means you can see exactly where you're cutting, grading, or scooping without guessing or making constant adjustments. That visibility translates into cleaner grading work, less surface damage, and fewer passes to get the job done right. You're not overcutting into subgrade or missing material because you can't see the edge. The result is more precise work, better efficiency, and less rework, especially on finish grading and site preparation jobs where accuracy matters.
What materials can the Series 3 Material Bucket handle effectively?
This bucket is designed for high-volume handling of a wide range of materials commonly encountered in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and demolition work. It excels with dirt, topsoil, sand, gravel, mulch, compost, wood chips, and light demolition debris. The rolled bottom insert and wear bars make it well-suited for abrasive materials that would quickly wear down lighter buckets. The 68-degree back angle and deep profile provide excellent material retention during transport and clean dumping when you're ready to release the load.
While it's not a dedicated rock bucket with skeleton grate construction, it can handle mixed loads with rocks and debris without issue. For sticky materials like wet clay, the rolled insert helps with cleanout, though you'll still want to scrape the bucket between loads to prevent buildup. The reinforced construction and wear protection make it a versatile choice for contractors and operators who move different types of material throughout the day and need one bucket that can handle it all without constant switching.
How do I maintain the Material Bucket to maximize its lifespan?
Regular maintenance is straightforward and keeps the bucket performing reliably for years. Start by inspecting the cutting edge periodically, especially after working in rocky or abrasive conditions. Replace the edge before it wears down to the bucket shell to prevent damage to the base material. If you have the bolt-on edge, replacement is as simple as unbolting the worn edge and installing a new one. Check the wear bars for excessive wear and monitor the welds along high-stress areas like the sides and reinforcement braces.
Clean out the bucket at the end of the day when working with wet, sticky, or corrosive materials to prevent buildup and reduce the risk of rust. Store the bucket off the ground when not in use to keep the cutting edge from sitting in moisture. Grease the pivot points and locking mechanisms on your skid steer's quick attach system to ensure smooth mounting and dismounting. Avoid overloading beyond your machine's rated capacity, which can stress both the bucket and the loader. These simple practices will extend the bucket's service life and maintain peak performance across thousands of hours of use.
Is the Series 3 Material Bucket compatible with compact track loaders?
Yes, the Series 3 Material Bucket is fully compatible with compact track loaders that use the universal skid steer quick attach mounting system. Track loaders benefit from the bucket's increased capacity and excellent visibility, especially when working on soft or uneven ground where the tracks provide better flotation than wheeled skid steers. The 68-degree back angle and reinforced construction handle the demands of track loader operation without issue.
If your track loader uses a different mounting system or you need a custom setup, Stinger Attachments can accommodate that. They can also ship the bucket with a plain back if you prefer to weld your own mounting plate. When selecting a width, consider your track loader's rated operating capacity and the typical materials you'll be moving. Track loaders often have higher capacities than similarly sized wheeled skid steers, so you may be able to run a wider bucket for maximum productivity. Forge Claw can help confirm fitment and recommend the right size based on your specific machine model and application.