What size snow bucket do I need for my skid steer?
Choosing the right snow bucket width depends on your skid steer's rated operating capacity and the type of work you're doing. A 6-foot bucket weighs 821 pounds and offers 32.3 cubic feet heaped capacity, making it ideal for compact skid steers working in tight residential driveways or around parked vehicles. Mid-size machines handle 7- to 8-foot buckets well, balancing capacity and maneuverability for mixed commercial and residential work. Larger skid steers with higher lift capacity can run 9- to 10-foot buckets, which move up to 45.6 cubic feet heaped and dramatically reduce the number of passes needed on big parking lots or municipal roads.
Check your machine's operating capacity and ensure it can safely handle the bucket's weight when fully loaded with wet, heavy snow. Matching bucket size to machine capacity maximizes efficiency, prevents strain on your equipment, and helps you clear more properties per day without sacrificing control or safety.
Should I choose a bolt-on or weld-on cutting edge?
Both cutting edge options have advantages depending on your operation and maintenance preferences. Bolt-on cutting edges allow fast replacement in the field without welding equipment. When the edge wears down, you simply unbolt the old one and attach a new edge in minutes, getting you back to work quickly. This is ideal for contractors managing multiple job sites or operators who prefer minimal downtime during peak snow season.
Weld-on cutting edges sit flush against the bucket bottom, providing a cleaner, tighter scrape on smooth pavement and reducing snow buildup along the edge. They're a solid choice if you have welding capabilities in your shop and prioritize scraping performance on finished surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Either option protects the bucket shell from direct abrasion and extends the life of your investment. Consider your typical surfaces, available tools, and how you prefer to handle maintenance when making your decision.
How does the see-through design improve snow removal work?
The see-through open back design on this snow bucket gives operators clear visibility of the area directly in front of the bucket, eliminating the blind spots common with solid-back buckets. This visibility is critical when working in commercial parking lots around parked cars, near building entrances, or along curbs and landscaping. You can see exactly where your cutting edge is, which reduces the risk of clipping vehicles, damaging property, or missing sections of pavement. That translates to fewer callbacks, lower liability, and better customer satisfaction.
The open design also makes training new operators easier and faster, as they can visually confirm their positioning rather than relying entirely on feel or guesswork. For contractors managing crews, this means improved quality control and less risk of costly mistakes. Additionally, the see-through structure doesn't compromise strength. The bucket still features full welded reinforcements and heavy-duty construction, so you get both visibility and durability in one tool.
Can this snow bucket handle wet, heavy snow and ice?
Yes, this snow bucket is specifically engineered to handle heavy, wet snow and packed ice without bending, cracking, or losing performance. The shell is constructed from 3/16-inch Grade 50 steel, a high-strength material that resists deformation under repetitive loading and impact. The sides are 1/4-inch steel with additional 1/2-inch by 3-inch welded steel supports that prevent bowing or flexing when you're pushing through dense snow berms or breaking up compacted ice.
The fully welded 4x2 rectangular tube along the top and bottom radius plate distribute stress evenly across the entire structure, so the bucket holds its shape even during long shifts in harsh conditions. The 68-degree back angle helps material roll in smoothly and stay put during transport, reducing spillage when moving heavy loads. This isn't a lightweight bucket that skates across the surface. The substantial weight and robust construction give your machine the bite and stability needed to push through challenging winter conditions reliably, day after day.
What kind of maintenance does this snow bucket require?
Maintaining this snow bucket is straightforward and requires minimal effort to keep it performing reliably season after season. Regularly inspect the welds, wear bars, and cutting edge, especially after heavy use or impact with frozen obstacles like ice chunks or hidden curbs. Check for any cracks, excessive wear, or loose bolts on the cutting edge if you're running a bolt-on setup. Clean out packed snow or ice that accumulates in corners or around the mounting plate after each use, as trapped moisture can lead to rust over time.
Touch up any paint chips or scratches with cold-galvanizing spray or rust-inhibiting paint to prevent corrosion from spreading. Store the bucket in a dry area when not in use, and avoid leaving it sitting in standing water or snow melt. If you notice uneven wear on the cutting edge, it may indicate an alignment issue with your skid steer, so address that promptly to avoid further damage. With these basic maintenance steps, your snow bucket will continue delivering strong performance and long service life.
Is this snow bucket compatible with my skid steer model?
This snow bucket comes standard with a universal skid steer mount, making it compatible with most major skid steer brands including Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, Case, New Holland, Gehl, and others using the standard skid steer quick attach system. If you're running a machine with a Euro Global-style mount, that option is available as well, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of equipment.
Before ordering, verify your skid steer's rated operating capacity to ensure it can safely handle the weight and volume of the bucket size you're selecting. For example, the 10-foot model weighs nearly 1,200 pounds and can carry over 45 cubic feet of snow, so it requires a larger machine with adequate lift capacity. If you're unsure about compatibility or need help selecting the right size, contact Forge Claw and we'll help you match the bucket to your specific machine and application. The universal mount design also means you can use the bucket across multiple machines in your fleet, adding versatility to your winter operations.
How much faster will I clear snow with a high-capacity snow bucket?
A high-capacity snow bucket can dramatically reduce the time it takes to clear driveways, parking lots, and roadways by moving significantly more material per pass. For example, a 10-foot bucket with 45.6 cubic feet heaped capacity can move nearly twice as much snow as a standard 6-foot general-purpose bucket. That means you're making half the trips to the snow pile, burning less fuel, and finishing jobs faster.
On a large commercial property, that efficiency can cut hours off your total clearing time, allowing you to service more customers per day or respond to additional service calls during heavy snowfall events. The time savings also reduce labor costs and equipment wear, as you're not running your machine as long to achieve the same results. For contractors working on tight schedules or managing multiple properties, a purpose-built snow bucket with high capacity is a direct investment in productivity and profitability. The combination of volume, visibility, and durability means you're working smarter, not just harder.
What's the advantage of the 68-degree back angle?
The 68-degree back angle is specifically designed to improve material retention and control during snow removal operations. This angle allows snow to roll smoothly into the bucket as you drive forward, reducing spillage off the sides and keeping material contained as you transport it to the pile. When you're moving wet, heavy snow or pushing through deep accumulations, that back angle helps the bucket carry its full capacity without losing material along the way.
It also improves performance when stacking snow. You can drive into an existing pile with confidence, knowing the bucket will hold its load and allow you to build taller, more stable piles without snow cascading back over the top. The angle works in conjunction with the reinforced sides and see-through design to give you better control and visibility throughout the entire clearing process. For operators managing tight spaces or limited staging areas, this design detail makes a real difference in how efficiently you can work and how much snow you can move without wasted effort or cleanup.
Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and easy financing on all snow buckets, so you can get the equipment you need delivered to your door without hassle.