How to get clay out of backhoe bucket?

[natedog75]

It seems like someone could invent something like a thumb that would set inside the bucket and then push the clay out when dumping.

This is the idea behind chain option in the above post.

 

[tallyho8]

Don’t pack it by cutting it more with the teeth instead of scooping it out like normal. Think more along the lines of peeling an onion. Takes a little longer but once you get the hang of it it isn’t as bad. Better than trying to get packed clay out. Basically braking up the clay as you are digging it out

It seems like this would work well when you are digging up fairly dry clay, but my clay is so damp and gooey that it just sticks back together again.

I'm having trouble visualizing how the chain method is set up.

 

[tallyho8]

To get the clay stuck in the bucket out I use a shovel. A sharpshooter works the best.

For me this is harder than forgetting about the trencher and using the shovel to dig the hole.

 

[natedog75]

It seems like this would work well when you are digging up fairly dry clay, but my clay is so damp and gooey that it just sticks back together again.

I'm having trouble visualizing how the chain method is set up.

This is from another thread.

 

[natedog75]

It is something. I had saw before. I have never went through the trouble myself but it will bust out the clay when you extend the bucket all the way out by tightening the chains.

 

[om21braz]

Would a strong coat of linseed oil help? Sure seems to help with packed ice/snow on loader bucket.

 

[tallyho8]

View attachment 630647

This is from another thread.

I'm going to try this. It looks like it will work. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bigtiller]

It seems like this would work well when you are digging up fairly dry clay, but my clay is so damp and gooey that it just sticks back together again.

I'm having trouble visualizing how the chain method is set up.

Here is a pdf with pictures and instructions from another member (fisherridge) 7 years ago;

by fisherridge

I found this somewhere.​

Attached Files

• 
  selfcleaningbackhoebucket.pdf (160.4 KB, 728 views)

 

[EddieWalker]

Can you add more water to where your digging? I found that there is a certain amount of moisture in the soil that makes it extremely sticky and hard to get out of my bucket. WHen it dries out, there isn't a problem, and when there is standing water in the hole, there isn't a problem. I don't have a solution that works for those times that it just wants to stick to everything other then putting more water in the hole and dealing with it being muddier.

 

[the old grind]

Cut (or burn/drill a few 1'') holes in the bucket to release suction. (imo, best shortcut, NO sacrifice later when digging dry mat'l.) ...

Yes. :thumbsup:

They make a "CLAY BUCKET" that is just basically a bucket without sides. That's the spend a lot of money option. Works the same as onion peeling method.

Yes. :thumbsup:

DIY bucket mod if you can. Use a 'Silver and Deming' 1/2" - 1" drill bit if that's all you got to drill 'suction relief' holes. (HFT, report!) Two-four holes should do it. My past experience with 15 ton Erie dragline crane and 1/2 yd bucket taught me much.

Journeyman metal worker says low RPM and water coolant will do best to drill 'big' holes. (>1/2") 'Chip' generated will always tell you when pressure and rpm are right. (Go slow, push hard .. )

This one should/could be easy for you. If it's not a 'piece of cake', keep asking. t o g