Backhoe Lube for the bucket?

[Jnasystems]

Hello, I am sure this has been discussed here before, but a search turned up discussions about lubricating the pins - not the bucket. The clay around me wants to stick to the bucket like glue. Is there any lubricant that will stay on the bucket and allow the clay to fall out easier? I hate using a shovel to clean out the bucket.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Bousez]

I use black graphite spray on my loader/backhoe and snowblower .
Some use silicone spray ......
I have done this many times when dealing with clay .
clean the bucket, wait til it's dry , and apply 2 to 3 coats of graphite/silicone

 

[Eric_Phillips]

How about the teflon spray paint stuff people use for mower decks and snow blowers?

 

[gwdixon]

Try diesel fuel in a bug sprayer. Works great.

Not environmentally friendly but it is sure better than digging out the clay with a crowbar.

It does need to be reapplied every so often.

 

[CurlyDave]

You know that motor oil you drain out of your cars and then don't know what to do with?

Take it and spray or paint it on the bucket, works like magic and the price is right.

 

[Jnasystems]

I wouldn't think that any of those products would be good for the environment, so I think I may try the cheapest solution first. How frequently does it need to be reapplied? Once a day - every hour?

Thanks for all the responses. I will report what I find.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Transit]

I wouldn't think that any of those products would be good for the environment, so I think I may try the cheapest solution first. How frequently does it need to be reapplied? Once a day - every hour?

Thanks for all the responses. I will report what I find.

Thanks,
Joe

Yes, clay is a PITA. Reapply when the clay sticks again.

 

[CurlyDave]

Yes, clay is a PITA. Reapply when the clay sticks again.

When the clay first starts sticking again.

If you wait too long you will have to clean the bucket again.

As far as environmental effects go, use your head. If you are digging within 100' of your well, don't use old motor oil, go out and buy some of that non-stick stuff for cooking. Soybean lecithin. It is food grade and won't contaminate much of anything, but it is pricey.

If you are in the middle of nowhere, a few ounces of oil won't do a lot of damage.

 

[Ford tractor]

First of all, nothing will stay on the bucket permanently. Clay is nasty because it sticks, but it's also nasty because it is wet and forms a vacuum that holds it from coming out. (That's the worst!)

I just use a can of generic vegetable oil spray. (generic PAM). Very cheap and pretty effective.

 

[Localmotion]

Try using wax-oil, available from most ag merchants for protecting ploughs etc... from rust out of season. You will probably need to apply it every day, or possibly even every few hours though as it will wear off quickly.