How to Measure BH Bucket?

Rimmer · Dec 2, 2003

OK, you've probably read the 10" v. 12" bucket discussion started by HoggyB. Here is a related question: How (where) do you measure the width of a BH bucket???

My dealer asked for my preference when I ordered my BX23. I had to admit that I really couldn't make up my mind, based on volume v. digging force. He suggested going with the 12", and I agreed that would be OK. Now, the bucket that I have has a big label on the side that says: 10. Not 10" or 10 in., just 10. (Might mean "warehouse 10" for all I know.) The back of the bucket is about 10.5 inches wide, the mouth is about 11 inches wide, and the teeth measure about 12 inches wide at the widest point, maybe just a little more.
I assume this is a "12 inch" bucket. Guess I can call the dealer tomorrow and ask his opinion.

Whatever "size" it is, it works great! We have some nasty clay here, and the ground has been pretty wet ever since I got the tractor -- a few inches of heavy top soil, followed by a few inches of yellow clay, followed by lots of heavy gray clay -- yuck! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Anyway, I have had little problem with anything sticking in the bucket, and anytime part of a load tried to stick, I have been able to free it by moving the boom side-to-side a few inches (rapidly) once or twice.

As far as digging force, even with stabilizers down hard and the FEL in full dump position and stuck in the ground, if I take a big bite of ground with the BH I can pull the tractor backwards.

Thanks,

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GregJ · Dec 2, 2003

I just went out and measured my 12" bucket and it is 11 3/8" wide to the outside of the bucket and 12 1/8" wide at the teeth.

Greg

equipman · Dec 3, 2003

Rimmer
The BT2912 backhoe bucket on your BX23 is indeed a 12" bucket. The BT2920 is the 10" bucket. If you measure from the widest point (outside edge of the digging teeth) that is the size of the bucket. I don't know what that big 10 on the sticker means. Hope this helps.
Lewis

Rimmer · Dec 3, 2003

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the help. That appears to confirm it is a 12" for sure. Dimensions are exactly as reported by Greg. One comment on Lewis's post; I believe the correct model number for the 12" is BT2921 rather than 2912 (that is how mine is labeled, anyway).

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jsimon · Dec 10, 2003

Rimmer,

I have a BX22, and I also spent alot of time repositioning the machine becuase the BH would pull itself to the bucket instead of the bucket towards the machine.

I try to dig "smart" that is to say keep the teeth/bottom of the bucket at an angle that cuts or peels into the ground. That helped some, but the machine would somtimes get pulled backwards.

I finally took all 4 tires/wheels off and had them fill with beet juice, wow what a difference that makes. that extra weight on the stabilizers and FEL bucket, pretty much keeps the machine in place.

Rimmer · Dec 10, 2003

Thank you for the advice. I agree that technique makes a big difference, too. Starting with the proper bucket angle seems to cause the bucket to be pulled into the ground, rather than pulling the tractor backwards. I'm still learning.

As the Junkman mentioned recently, I have been puzzled by the instructions in the Manual to "remove rear tire ballast when using the backhoe." Doesn't pass the common sense test!

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EquipmentJunkie · Dec 10, 2003

jsimon,
Pardon my ignorance, but what is beet juice? Is it literally beet juice or a nickname for calcium chloride?

MadReferee · Dec 10, 2003

The correct product name is "Rim Guard". It is a patented product that is essentially made from beet juice. Hence the term "beet juice".

Do a search for "beet juice" or "rim guard". There are a number of threads discussing the composition of this stuff.

jsimon · Dec 10, 2003

I think there reasoning is keeping the minimum amount of weight away from the edge of the excavation.

I dug a window well out to put in an escape window, I was as deep as the machine could dig and just as wide. The hole was big enough for the machine to fall into, thats whare I think there logic lies, to avoid the "cave in".

The problem as you know is the machine is just to light for the relative power of the BH.

art · Dec 10, 2003

Often it is the narrow buckets that have the most sticking and the width is always at the outer end of the tips of the teeth. I don't like them any narrower then what you have.