BAC High Tip Bucket on Develon DL280
- High Capacity 6.0m³ Bucket to Improve Productivity
- Mesh Spill Guard with Viewing Slots to Improve Visibility
- 1.2 m Additional High Tip Action
- High Lift Arms with High Tip Bucket
- Heavy Duty Rams for Smooth Tipping Operation
- BAC High Tip Buckets for All Wheel Loaders
Technical Considerations for Using Develon DL Wheel Loaders with High Tip Buckets for Handling Wood Chips
Handling bulk, low-density materials such as wood chips requires tailored equipment configurations that optimise efficiency, minimise spillage, and ensure operator safety. When utilising Develon wheel loaders—ranging from the DL200 to DL580 models—with high tip buckets, several key technical factors must be evaluated.
These include bucket design and manufacturing, loader configuration, and operational efficiency.
1. Wood Chip Characteristics
Wood chips are light, fibrous, and bulky with a low bulk density (typically ranging between 160–320 kg/m³ depending on moisture content and chip size). This characteristic makes volumetric capacity more critical than breakout force in loader operations. Additionally, wood chips may vary in particle size and moisture, influencing flow characteristics, compaction, and loading efficiency.
2. High Tip Bucket Design Considerations
2.1. Volumetric Capacity
- High tip buckets are specifically designed for materials like wood chips that require increased volume handling. Bucket capacities should be matched to both the density of the chips and the machine’s stability limits.
- Typical high tip bucket capacities for wood chips may range from 4.0 to 10.0 m³, depending on loader size.
2.2. Dumping Mechanism and Geometry
- High tip buckets feature a forward-tilting dump mechanism that allows for higher discharge heights. This is particularly useful when loading high-sided trucks, hoppers, or silos.
- Dump angles are crucial—ideally, the bucket should achieve at least a 45° tip angle to ensure full material discharge.
2.3. Extended Reach and Height
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The design must provide sufficient extended dump height to compensate for the bucket’s increased geometry. This often involves a parallelogram linkage system that lifts the bucket above the standard hinge pin height.
2.4. Structural Integrity
- Given the larger size and increased weight from both the bucket and the load, reinforced structural components are essential:
- High-strength wear-resistant steel (e.g., Hardox or similar).
- Double-lipped or box-welded arms to support heavy loads.
- Additional gussets and pivot points to manage torque and stress during tipping.
2.5. Sealing and Retention Features
- The bucket should have high sides and a closed rear profile to prevent spillage.
- Edge retainers or spill guards may be included to retain material during travel.
3. Loader Selection Considerations
3.1. Loader Model vs Application
Each Develon wheel loader has different capabilities in terms of power, weight, hydraulic capacity, and tipping load. Below is a guide aligning loader models with typical wood chip handling requirements:
| Loader Model | Recommended High Tip Bucket Size | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| DL200 / DL220 | 3.5 – 5.0 m³ | Light-duty wood chip transport or indoor operations |
| DL250 / DL280 | 5.0 – 6.0 m³ | Medium-volume chip handling with moderate height discharge |
| DL320 / DL380 | 6.0 – 8.0 m³ | Continuous high-output applications with standard height discharge points |
| DL420 / DL480 | 7.0 – 9.0 m³ | Larger facilities with high loading requirements |
| DL550 / DL580 | 9.0 – 10.0 m³ | High-capacity chip transfer to railcars or industrial boilers |
3.2. Hydraulic System Performance
- High tip buckets demand additional hydraulic flow and pressure, particularly during the tipping and retraction phases.
- Loaders should be equipped with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics and programmable flow rates.
3.3. Counterbalance and Stability
- The combination of a larger bucket and high-centre-of-gravity material load affects stability. Adequate rear counterweights must be installed.
- Electronic Load Moment Indicators (LMIs) and onboard weighing systems are recommended to monitor load safety in real-time.
4. Operational and Safety Considerations
4.1. Visibility and Control
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High tip operations restrict visibility during tipping. Opt for loaders with high-visibility cabs, rear-view cameras, and 360° monitoring systems.
4.2. Tyre Selection
- Use L3 or L4 radial tyres with good floatation capability for uneven terrain commonly found in chip yards or sawmills.
- Consider tyre chains or foam filling for high-wear applications.
4.3. Maintenance Access
- The added complexity of the high tip mechanism necessitates easy maintenance access to linkages, hydraulics, and pins.
- Look for loaders with centralised greasing points and automatic lubrication systems. BAC buckets are available with single point auto greasing systems
BAC High Tip Bucket on Develon DL280 and other Develon DL models
When handling wood chips with a high tip bucket on a Develon wheel loader, matching the correct loader model to the bucket size and application is essential. Considerations around bucket design, structural durability, hydraulic capability, and operational safety all contribute to effective, reliable performance. Proper alignment between loader capacity and bucket volume ensures both productivity and machine longevity in demanding environments like biomass plants, sawmills, and chip storage yards.
