Bucket Empty problem

[RandyHut]

I have a small BH attachment that has a 12" bucket. I also have clay and trying to get this bucket to empty is a problem.
Anyone have any ideas for me to empty the bucket when digging?
I was thinking about making a bucket emptier of some kind?
I am sure i am not the first with this problem?

 

[kencunningham]

Try sanding the inside to give the clay less to stick to. Then try some type of lubricant, a Teflon based one, or heck, Pam cooking spray may even work. Im sure some will work better than others. If the clay has a high moisture content, then its gonna want to mash up in the corners and the air pressure pushing against it will hold it in place. Good luck, and remember if you find something that works well, be sure to share.

I just remembered that I read something about paint that is used on snow blower shoots, maybe someone who has a lot of snow may be able to post some suggestions.

 

[kevin37b]

It helps to make light shallow passes and let the teeth whittle the dirt into the bucket . When close to full pull out and dump it . Do not try to cram it full at the end of the pass . Have seen people weld a chain in the bucket and hook the other end to the dipper . Roll bucket out , chain tightens and helps empty bucket . Narrow buckets are a pain when things are wet .

 

[Billrog]

What Kevin says just dig it out in clumps with the teeth and front of the bucket don't jam it full. I've seen them with a chain welded in but the clay will still stick and it's harder to clean it out.

 

[davesl708]

I spray my attachments with WD40 before use including the mower deck. Nothing sticks for several hours of work. I buy it by the gallon and use a hand sprayer to apply. Works pretty good. I have clay soil as well.

 

[ray66v]

If your clay is really wet, and sticky, it's going to be a problem.

The smaller the bucket, the more susceptible to this problem it is.

Oil, Pam, Chains inside the bucket that pull tight when you dump, all may offer some limited relief.

None worked for me, to any acceptable extent.

Your only good options may be to either get a different bucket, (one that is larger), (your machine may not be able to handle that), or what is called a banana bucket, which has no sides, (they are difficult to find), or dry out your ground.

 

[4570Man]

The best solution I have found is to remove the 12" bucket and install the 18" bucket. The 18" Bucket empties way better. If I am forced to use the 12" bucket banging it open a few times usually makes it fall out. I have seen backhoe buckets with a hole cut in the back to release suction, but I don't know how much that helps.

 

[D2Cat]

I have a bucket that has the full width and 3" high open. It's a factory Ditch Witch hoe. Works excellent.

 

[PILOON]

The operator that I hired to excavate 5 ft deep X 200ft X 60ft for a foundation in blue clay located a rock about 12 x 16 and dragged that around for the total excavation.
He'd from time to time rattle it in his bucked to loosen the stuck clay. Seemed to be very effective.