Help, Back Hoe Bucket Sizes?

[Jay4200]

I am going to add the Back Hoe to my MX5100 next month. My dealer usually orders them with an 18" bucket. I am thinking about also getting a 12" bucket. I have alot of drainage lines to put in and I would think the smaller bucket would be better for digging stumps. It seems the smaller bucket would be better for tearing out the roots. I think the 12" bucket runs around $600.
What do you guys think?

IMHO, an 18" bucket is like a dual-sport motorcycle tire - a worst-of-all-worlds compromise. 12" is much better (9" even better) for pulling stumps and/or trenching for typical 4" drainage pipe. 24" is much better for moving large amounts of soft dirt.

Of course, I have an 18" bucket, but could REALLY use a 9" for the same reason you do.

JayC