I first timer here, if subject has been debated over please redirect me in right place. little context, i am an operator on trail building , foot path about 3 feet wide tread that we build with soil we get from borrow pit. i run an JD 26g mini, and i would like to know how bucket size would help me digging through rocky soil(+-2 feet diameter rock tight with sandy silt through) the machine is now equipped with an 24 inch digging bucket, 5 teeth, 0.13 cy, it is listed for bigger machine on the plate (27-35g) i have the feeling that it might be easier with a smaller bucket. any taught? thanks
You are correct bk. The 24 inch bucket is harder to pull and also puts a lot of strain on your stick with a twisting action as it gets hung up in rock. Tiger teeth on your bucket helps as well. If conditions get bad I alternate between a 1ft (300mm) bucket and single tyne ripper.
Welcome to the Forums bk! Glad to have you! IMO a 24" bucket on a 6K machine is too large if the ground is hard and rocky. We have an 18" bucket for hard ground and a 24" bucket for grading for our 305E 12K lb machine for comparison. Do you have a quick coupler?
I have a 35 with cab and angle blade, and mount the 18" bucket for anything bony. For your size machine I'd leave that 24" at the shop and find an 18" for the easy work and a 12" for the hard work. Love to have a single ripper as mentioned above, but without a QC as CM is asking, it would be a pain to have to mount and unmount a ripper to move any materials.
i dont have a quick coupler , when it get rocky it usually last a few days , two bucket size would be an option but not switching tool every pit. how would productivity increase with smaller bucket, if any ( will need to convince boss to lay a few extra buck) in the meanwhile is there any best practice for digging rocks, i try mostly to throttle up and let the hydraulic force its way, with little of stick out movement when stuck, i feel it kinda lessen the leverage of the curling bucket. thanks
you are prying the rock towards you. Often you need to back up a bit and relieve the side of the rock towards you to let it move up and in your direction. Just a little time spent on the near side like that is often the fastest way. Once I get it where it will come out, I tend to pry with the heel of the bucket well supported. It provides the maximum breakout force. You can break a tooth shank doing that, but I never have in many many years of digging.
Good day We have a lot of information on file regarding buckets, attached is some that you may find helpful. Kind regards Uffex