How to Choose the Right Excavator Bucket Size

Selecting the right excavator bucket size is essential to getting your job done right. However, the different bucket sizes and capacity numbers published by manufacturers make it an overwhelming task. We’re here to make it easy on you.

There are three main items you should consider when choosing your excavator bucket size:

1. The bucket width
2. The bucket capacity
3. The types of material you will handle

These basic guidelines will help you choose the correct excavator bucket size to maximize your productivity and experience other benefits. We’ll talk about those benefits later. First, let’s discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing your excavator bucket size.

The Excavator Bucket Width That’s Right for Your Job

The common bucket widths start from 12” for the compact trenching bucket, all the way to an 96” clean-up bucket for 800 Series excavators and beyond. The bucket sizes typically increase in 6” increments.

There are typically 2-3 different widths of dig buckets for each size machine, and 1-2 different widths of clean-up buckets offered as standard size buckets. For example, Viking West offers the following standard bucket widths for 250 Series machines:

• Dig bucket widths: 36”, 42”, 48” and 54”
• Clean-up bucket width: 66”

It’s helpful to consider the bucket width when the working area is restricted to a certain size. 

The same goes if you need to control the specific width when digging or handling at the job site. You wouldn’t want to dig a 42″ trench with a 48″ bucket.

We should mention it’s important to consult with your local dealer to confirm the actual measurement of the bucket width. The actual bucket width may vary from the standard size callout. For instance, a 42” size bucket might measure 43” in actual size.

Consider Bucket Capacity to Maximize Your Efficiency

There are a few different ways to calculate bucket capacities. Viking West uses the SAE (The Society of Automotive Engineers) heaped method, which is the common method adopted by major machine OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). This method calculates the bucket capacity with the bucket’s inside volume plus the heaped top with a 1:1 ratio for excavators.

See the example below on a 200 series 36” bucket. The orange volume is used to calculate the bucket capacity.

SAE heaped bucket capacity calculation illustration. Orange volume is the calculated capacity.

Knowing your excavator bucket capacity will make you more efficient when moving materials at your job site. As necessary as it is to know your bucket’s capacity, it’s just as important to account for the material you’re handling.

What Types of Material Will You Handle?

A larger capacity bucket yields higher working efficiency, but it’s also important not to exceed the excavator machine limit when handling specific material. 

Check the OEM publication and consult with your local dealer about the job site and the materials you intend to handle. Here’s an example of a Hitachi ZX250 machine suggested bucket capacity versus material.

Bucket size vs. material chart published by Hitachi Construction

When you consider the bucket width, capacity, and the job site materials you will handle, you won’t just make an informed decision. Keep reading, and you’ll see all the ways you benefit from picking the right excavator bucket size.

Why You Need to Pick the Right Excavator Bucket Size

When it comes to buckets, bigger isn’t always better. You don’t always need the largest size available. You need the excavator bucket size that’s right for your job. Only then will you access all of these benefits:

Increased Productivity – The proper excavator bucket size will allow you to get more done in less time.

Safety – Failing to account for the bucket width, capacity or type of material you will handle can cause unsafe work conditions at the job site.

Less Wear and Tear – Using the wrong excavator bucket size can lead to premature wear and tear, which can cause your machine to be unsafe and unreliable.

Reduced Maintenance – Efficient use of your equipment will lead to less damage from repeated use and unnecessary maintenance costs.

Lower Operating Costs – You’ll reduce maintenance costs with more efficient operations, but you’ll also reduce the amount of fuel you use. Let’s not forget the time you save when running your machine efficiently with the right excavator bucket size.

Get the Job Done Right – Choosing the right excavator bucket size goes hand in hand with choosing the right type of excavator bucket. Having the right tools in the right size gets your job done faster, safer and better.

Maximizing your performance on the job site is often about the informed decisions that make a big impact. Follow our guide and consider the three things we discussed to choose the right excavator bucket size: width, capacity and the material you plan to handle.

Let us help you pick the excavator bucket size that’s right for your job. Our trained technical team is ready to take your call at 604-381-0929. For more information on Viking West’s line of buckets, fill-out our online form or give us a call.