Clay sticking to bucket

rjok · May 5, 2018

DJ54's method works for me also. When I first got our backhoe with a 12 inch bucket I was having the same problem. Very frustrating to be sure. I called a neighbor who operated equipment for a living to teach me how to dig a trench. His method was like what DJ54 said. Just don't scoop like ice cream. Rick

joeu235 · May 5, 2018

Down here, you'd just wait a week.

AxleHub · May 5, 2018

Clean the bucket of any it or rough surfaces. If needed, use a sandpaper wet/dry. Use no course sandpaper or grinder wheels or anything that De's not make the surfaces smooth. (no grinder marks - none). Then get a spray polymer. Not paint, not oil, not any spray lubricants. Just spray polymer (because a polymer doesn't coat, it attaches).

Spray a light coat and let cure for 2 or 3 hours. Spray a second time, dry, spray a 3rd time - each time it doesn't matter that it feels dry and 15 minutes - dry for a couple hours each time.

If done right, it will feel slippery and not just smooth or greasy. Good luck.

Gary Fowler · May 5, 2018

I think a vent oil in the back of the bucket might work to relieve the vacuum hold that the wet clay has. I think that is the more powerful agent working to keep the soil from dumping. I don't think it would have to be a very big hole in order to work.
If you cut a hole, save the plug so you can weld it back in if needed.

bigdeano · May 5, 2018

It might work to spray with used motor oil every few scoops. Never tried it though. Some kid would be happy to make a few bucks to stand there and spray.