Guide to Buying Excavator Buckets for Sale - Key Tips and Advice

Introduction to Excavator Buckets

Excavator buckets are one of the most versatile and important attachments used on excavators. They allow the excavator to scoop, dig, grasp, lift, and move all sorts of materials efficiently. Choosing the right excavator bucket for your needs is crucial to getting the most out of your excavator.

Excavator buckets come in many shapes, sizes, strengths, and designs to handle different materials and jobs. Some common types of excavator buckets include ditching buckets, trenching buckets, grading buckets, demolition buckets, brush rakes, skeleton buckets, rippers, and more. The bucket attached to the excavator arm uses hydraulic force to powerfully dig into the ground or grip objects.

Key Considerations When Buying an Excavator Bucket

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting an excavator bucket:

Bucket Size & Capacity

One of the first things to look at is the overall size and capacity of the bucket. Bucket sizes are typically rated by volume in cubic yards or by the bucket's width. Having a bucket that is too small for the excavator can limit productivity, while one too large can make the excavator unstable.

Bucket Type & Function

The intended application and materials being handled determine what type of bucket you need. Heavy duty buckets with pointed penetrating teeth work well for digging in tough soil and cracking rock. Wide flat buckets are better for smoothing and grading. Consider specialty buckets like brush rakes for land clearing.

Bucket Construction & Strength

Buckets are fabricated from high strength steel and come in a variety of thickness and reinforcement levels. Heavier duty buckets withstand rigorous duty cycles with highly abrasive materials like demolition debris. Lighter duty buckets afford better visibility and precision.

Quick Coupler Compatibility

Choosing a bucket that fits your excavator's quick coupler system enables easy bucket changes. Make sure bucket mounting pins properly match the coupler. Buckets without quick coupler pins require manual bucket changes.

Brand, Quality, & Warranty

Stick with leading bucket brands known for quality manufacturing and durability. Better buckets come with warranties up to 12 months. Avoid no-name buckets that can fail quickly.

Top Brands for Excavator Buckets

Some of the top excavator bucket brands include:

Caterpillar

Caterpillar makes heavy duty buckets in many designs for all their excavator models. Cat buckets use strong materials and welding. A leader in quality and durability.

Bobcat

Bobcat excavator buckets are precisely engineered for performance and strength. They offer buckets for different applications across all their excavator sizes.

John Deere

John Deere has engineered a wide selection of buckets for their excavator line. Buckets feature thick materials, reinforced wear points, and integrated quick coupler compatibility.

Rockland

Rockland manufactures versatile, high-capacity buckets for excavators. They are made from durable materials that provide long service life in tough conditions.

ESCO

ESCO buckets are purpose-built for aggressive digging with strong wear components. They also make specialty buckets like skeleton buckets with grading capability.

Where to Buy Excavator Buckets

Some places to purchase excavator buckets include:

Local Equipment and Machinery Dealers

Your local heavy machinery dealership likely has a selection of buckets for sale or can easily order them. This allows you to inspect buckets in person before purchasing.

Manufacturer Part Stores

Excavator manufacturers like Caterpillar and John Deere have dealer part stores with a big online selection of buckets for their models. Buying direct from them ensures proper fit.

Online Equipment Retailers

Large online retailers like eBay and Amazon provide a huge assortment of new and used buckets for purchase and convenient shipping.

Auctions & Used Equipment Sites

Check auction sites and used equipment sellers to find discounted used excavator buckets. This can save money over buying new.

Tips for Buying Used Excavator Buckets

Used buckets can provide big cost savings. When shopping for used, keep these tips in mind:

Inspect for Damage & Wear

Carefully check for dents, cracks, holes, and bent parts that indicate wear or abuse. Avoid buckets with excessive cutting edge wear.

Match to Excavator

Confirm specifications like bucket width, capacity, mounting, and coupler compatibility work with your excavator before purchase.

Consider Reconditioning

Look for buckets that have been reconditioned with new welds and replaced wear parts. This can extend usable life at a fraction of new cost.

Test Functionality

When possible, test used bucket operation like tilting and hydraulic cylinder function to check for issues.

Low Hour Buckets

Buckets with minimal hours of use offer the most life remaining if all else checks out upon inspection.

With so many excavator buckets to choose from, take the time to carefully match the right bucket to your excavator and needs. A properly equipped excavator will give you maximum productivity and efficiency on all your digging projects.

FAQs

What is the most important factor when selecting an excavator bucket?

The most important factor is choosing the right size bucket for your excavator. The bucket size must be properly matched to the excavator's weight and lifting capacity. An undersized bucket limits productivity, while an oversized bucket can make the excavator unstable.

What types of materials are excavator buckets designed to handle?

Excavator buckets can handle all types of earth materials including dirt, mud, clay, sand, gravel, and shattered rock. Specialty buckets are made to handle materials like brush, snow, demolition debris, scrap metal, and sludge.

What is the difference between a ditching bucket and a trenching bucket?

A ditching bucket has a curved front-edge design optimized for digging v-shaped drainage ditches. A trenching bucket has a flat front edge and side cutters allowing deeper vertical cuts to excavate trenches.

Should I buy a new or used excavator bucket?

New buckets ensure maximum life and come with warranties. But used buckets can provide big cost savings if they are low hour and without damage. Reconditioned used buckets provide a middle ground alternative.

What determines the capacity rating for excavator buckets?

Bucket capacity is measured in cubic yards and is the amount of material the bucket can safely contain and lift. Capacity depends on the bucket's size, design shape, and the excavator model's lifting strength.