Backhoe Bucket Size

[lubepimp]

I think I`m finally ready to pull the trigger on a Kioti DK40SE tomorrow, just going through my checklist of haggling points....and reviewing all the great advice I`ve found here for that list. One thing I`m still unsure of in any way is what is a good size for the backhoe bucket for ``general` ùse. Stump removal, digging holes for planting trees, ditching...anything else I see while I`m on the seat lol. It seems price won`t be an issue as the dealer indicated he`s already including àny size`bucket in the BH price. Any thoughtsÉ Cheers, Tyler

 

[Bigfoot62]

You'll need a 36" if you want to dig graves.
Other than that, it's really up to you.
I don't have a clue about that tractor and backhoe. All my experience has been with commercial TLB's.
But, generally, a narrower bucket will give you more force to grub stumps or dig in very hard ground. A wider bucket will move more dirt per bucketful, up to the point that the load is too much for the hoe. (then, it will just slow you down)
If you want to dig a ditch to stand in, for instance, while you're laying pipe, you need a 24"

 

[DK35vince]

For general purpose use an 18" for an 8 1/2' backhoe
A 12" works better for stumps.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For my B26, I have a 12" for normal digging and a 18" cut down to a 7" for trenching. I bought the TLB used and the original owner bought the 12 &18 buckets but quickly found that the 18 was too large for the tractor in most digging instances so he cut it down to a 7" which is plenty wide for trenching in small water lines. I think I would have made it 8" minimum though for a little easier damp soil removal as the 7" clogs up pretty bad in wet conditions.
The 7" does work well for cutting roots on stumps when digging one out. It has almost twice the power as the 12" and will readily cut thru a large root that the 12 wont.
You may want to look at getting two buckets with it. Depending on what you plan to do with it. A 12" is perfect for digging holes with my tractor but a much wider one would be nice for cleaning out ditches

 

[lubepimp]

hmmmm, from the sounds of it I may need to start considering more than 1 bucket. There's actually only 3 stumps currently that I need to remove, may be more in the future as I plan to "rent" myself out. Immediately I will be doing more digging and rock removal (big field stones)....with a hydraulic thumb would a 12" bucket handle stones 2'-3' in diameter?

 

[Eric102]

I have a 12" on my compact tractor and it seems to be just right for normal homeowner projects like digging holes for transplants, digging out stumps and the occasional trench for water lines.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I have a 12 and an 18 on the 3pt hoe on my Ferguson. I'll be buying a new tractor soon and have been torn by this question as well.

I use the 12 way more than the 18 as where I dig mostly, are many many roots and stumps. The 12 goes thru the roots and is the bucket of choice for stump removal. I've done a lot of trenching as well and very infrequently do I need the 18.

I think I will get a new 12 and see if my current 18 will fit the new rig, or I'll try to make it fit.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Soil type where you would be doing most of your digging is determining factor of whether tractor can handle it. I have some soil (well mostly rocks) where I can lift the tractor off the ground with the 7" bucket and not have the bucket pierce the soil more than 2" (the tooth length). Some folks with a sandy loam might easily use an 18" bucket that they could load up easily.

I think every TLB owner should have at least 2 bucket sizes. I would start with a 12" and then see if I needed to go up one size or down one size.

I really like the 7" size for trenching, other than wet dirt compacting in it, it is perfect size. I can drive across it without my wheels dropping off in it too bad which is good for mating up to a ditch, so I don't have to walk the tractor across a wide ditch on the FEL bucket and backhoe.

 

[paulfun9]

AS others have stated the job at hand determines the bucket size. IF it wont hurt your budget too much it might be wise to try and get a good deal on a second bucket along with the purchase. For most of my needs I can get away with the 18" but I will eventually need to get others. Also you might want to look at getting some of the big foot pads for it from the start as the hoe will pull the tractor around without them.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

For ripping out tree roots, nothing is better than a ripper tooth instead of a bucket. In your case, I think I'd buy the 18" bucket for removing dirt and I'd think about buying a ripper tooth to rip out the roots.