12" or 16" Backhoe Bucket

[PilotRPI]

Getting a BH with my L2501 order. Was looking at my property to figure out the type of tasks I'll be doing mostly. Looks like removing stumps, digging some drainage ditches to pull downspouts away from my house foundation, and moving some smaller boulders. Don't envision much big hole digging in the near future. The 2501 comes standard with a 16", but would the 12" be better for these tasks? Narrower trench to put the drainage pipes would probably be good, and would the narrower bucket help with digging between roots for stump work? I'm also in MA where the soil is a bit rocky. Could also get another bucket down the line if the mission changes.

 

[searcyfarms]

because its a smaller machine/footprint, i would go with a more narrow bucket - the bigger the bucket the more force/weight/energy you need to insert it and remove it especially with something in it - you can always dig bigger with a smaller bucket - dont expect a cut or scut to work that great compared to a mini excavator or full TLB

 

[AchingBack]

If you have sticky clay soil like I do, the 12" is preferable.

 

[mike48130]

I have a 9", 12" and 24", and use the 12" for most everything. The 9" I used for long trenching. Just put in 200+ feet of power line so I put it on. 24" good for big holes or knocking down hills or what have you. 12" I use for stumps and general. If you go too big when digging stumps, you are digging more dirt and trying to break the roots.

If I had to pick one, it would be the 12" for that size ho.

 

[4570Man]

I had a 12” and 18” for my BH-90. I got a 16” and 24” for my m59. The 12” bucket sucked for moving any amount of dirt but it was a lot better than the bigger bucket for digging stumps . I’d probably get a 12” for an only bucket for that size machine.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I agree with the others, get the 12". When I bought my hoe for my B7800 It came with a 16",which was fine for the first job I had for it. I was widening and cleaning up a seasonal creek bed, after that it was too much bucket for pretty much everything I have done. I tried to get a 12" to dig a wall footing but the closest I could get locally, without ordering, was 10" and it has worked well for me. It is slower but I have plenty of time.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Yep, 12" is versatile. Like searcyfarms said, you can always dig a bigger hole. With rocky soil, might be better to take small bites also.

 

[Diggin It]

i only have a 12. Works well in most cases, but if the dirt is moist/sticky, it will stick in the bucket to the point of reducing capacity. Keep a hand shovel or other tool on hand to dig/scrape the bucket out.