Choosing the Right Bucket
Determining the right bucket for your machine

1. Obtain the Maximum Lift for machine from OEM specifications. The maximum lift capacity should be assumed to be at full reach over the side for the machine including the weight of the OEM bucket.
2. Calculate the Adjusted Lift Capacity. This is calculated by adding the Maximum Lift of the machine and the OEM bucket weight.
   (Maximum Lift + OEM Bucket Weight = Adjusted Lift Capacity)
3. Determine the weight of any attachments that will be added to the end of the stick. For example, if there is going to be a coupler, bucket, and thumb, the combined weight of these three attachments is needed.
4. Find the density of the material. Refer to material density chart on page 9 to determine the correct material density.
5. Calculate the Lift Weight. This is accomplished first by multiplying the bucket capacity by the material density. This number is then added to the attachment weight to determine the lift weight. (Bucket Weight x Material Density) + Attachment Weight = Lift Weight)
6. Calculate the Lift Ratio. This ratio is determined by dividing the Lift Weight by the Adjusted Lift Capacity. (Lift Weight/Adjusted Lift Capacity = Lift Ratio)
• If the Lift Ratio is less than 1.0, the bucket chosen is acceptable for the application.
• If the Lift Ratio is above 1.0, a smaller capacity bucket should be chosen for the application.

Material Fill Chart

Example: Find Largest Bucket size for a 20MT Excavator

Mini Excavator Bucket Diagrams

10 + Excavator Bucket