Loader Square vs HD bucket

[ejkessler]

Anyone regret not going with the HD bucket instead of the square back bucket? If yes than why? I went with the square back on my newly delivered 3940 HSTC-3 and had them on my previous L2800 HST and L3540 HST and was curious what application(s) would truly necessitate the difference.

 

[LD1]

Anyone regret not going with the HD bucket instead of the square back bucket? If yes than why? I went with the square back on my newly delivered 3940 HSTC-3 and had them on my previous L2800 HST and L3540 HST and was curious what application(s) would truly necessitate the difference.

The 3940 has a MUCH stronger loader and a wider bucket. The square back will be easier to bend up if you do a lot of heavy digging, stump removal, demolition, peeling up concrete, etc. More along the lines of HEAVY construction work.

But for just normal digging, hauling loose material, firewood, etc. The square back is fine. The advantage to it is that it has more volume.

 

[TripleR]

I can only say I am glad I got the HD bucket on my L5030 as I use it pretty roughly and never worry about getting a "smile" like some on here have reported.

 

[Bswope]

I went with the HD bucket on my L3540, ive got pics but they are not the best so im gonna wait to post some till I get better picks but when I went to pick my HD bucket up I could tell it is built heavier than the square back bucket by a good bit. VERY wel built bucket and dont think ill ever bend anything on this bucket. The standard square back bucket just looked to LIGHT DUTY to me and im gonna have this tractor for a long time so I wanted something that will last and not get all bent up over the years.

 

[PHILIP8N]

The HD round back bucket came with my loader, so I cannot compare. Attached are some pics of the HD bucket. Note the round pipe at the top of bucket. Philip.

 

[Jay4200]

Anyone regret not going with the HD bucket instead of the square back bucket? If yes than why? I went with the square back on my newly delivered 3940 HSTC-3 and had them on my previous L2800 HST and L3540 HST and was curious what application(s) would truly necessitate the difference.

I have a HD bucket - I notice almost all of the buckets on used tractors that are for sale are bent - usually across the top. I've beat my bucket mercilessly, and it is as straight as the day I got it. I usually use it for moving dirt, gravel, and a lot of boulders (don't call it the Granite State for nothing). I'd never get a std. duty bucket.

Here is when I was using my bucket as scaffolding for an intra-well excursion (jet to submersible conversion project this past summer). My machine has 2600 hours on it - the cutting edge is just about worn off, but you can see how straight the bucket still is:

JayC

 

[Gordon Gould]

I also went with the heavy duty bucket. Glad I did. I agree with all the pro heavy duty bucket statements made above. Someone above said the standard bucket was good for normal digging. I guess our digging is not normal because there is no digging in my area that does't involve prying up big rocks in hard ground.

 

[jmanatee2]

I also went with the heavy duty bucket. Glad I did. I agree with all the pro heavy duty bucket statements made above. Someone above said the standard bucket was good for normal digging. I guess our digging is not normal because there is no digging in my area that does't involve prying up big rocks in hard ground.

Same here.... You cant put a shovel in the ground without hitting a rock here

 

[LD1]

I was the one that said normal digging.

And by that I ment your average homeowner type stuff. Like cutting in a flower bed. OR leveling a small area for a propane tank. OR skimming some high spots in the yard to fill in low spots.

I would consider things like digging an ornamental pond, cutting a driveway, digging a ditch, and things of the like to be of heavier tasks.

But if the only action the loader is going to see is things like scooping manuer, hauling loose material, and moving snow, the STD bucket is fine and has more volume. BUT if you pan on some heavy digging, prying out stumps, etc, by all means get the HD bucket.