What should you consider when selecting a High Tip bucket ?
If you are looking for a High Tip Bucket there are many options to consider. The adage you get what you pay for is very true with High Tip Buckets. Based on over 35 years experience the following tips and guidelines will hopefully help you, when you are selecting and evaluating your next bucket.
1. Dump Action Height
The reason for choosing a high tip bucket compared to a conventionally mounted standard bucket is to benefit from the additional reach that is provided. The more reach that you have the easier it will be to lift and position the bucket confident that you have the clearance to avoid touching or catching edges that need to be avoided.
Note – some high tip buckets have a limited reach, with a B. A. Caulkett High Tip Bucket a dump action of up to 2085 mm above that of a standard bucket can be achieved
2. Any Size You Want
Whilst there are a range of standard high tip bucket sizes available these typically range from 2.5 to 14 cubic metres. If you have a specific application or requirement then look to have a bespoke unit designed. A quality manufacturer will have the in-house capability to design a unit around your exact size and specification requirements
3. Fabrication – Quality is King
Quality of materials is important and the use of Hardox steel should be considered. The techniques used in fabrication and quality of welding are crucial. Unfortunately many high tip buckets are poorly designed and are made of materials that are simply not strong enough for the job. Combine that with poor quality fabrication and low quality welding and that’s when buckets start failing.
When selecting look for a supplier where an individual engineer is involved in the fabrication (and is responsible and accountable for the units quality), additionally all engineers should be BS4872 coded welders.
4. Minimise the corners
Many high tip buckets have multiple internal corners, which can lead to operational issues
- Provides areas where “materials” can get stuck
- Areas can become weak as they are subject to increase wear
- B. A. Caulkett high tip buckets are designed with two internal corners which produces a stronger bucket with reduced operational issues
5. Hydraulically tested and adjusted within the factory
When your High Tip bucket is delivered you should be able to connect to your machine and start using immediately. There shouldn’t be a need to fix leaking connections.
All B. A. Caulkett high tip buckets are factory tested before they are shipped which means that when you get your unit you will be ready for operation within minutes. Simply fit and use.
6. Simplified Maintenance
Maintenance on any equipment is critical if you are looking for reliable operational performance, but we all know that sometimes it can be skipped or neglected. The central single point lubrication system option means that the vehicle operator only needs to grease a single point from which the system then distributes grease to the lubrication points across the bucket.
Key Technical Considerations
- Match the bucket volume to the wheel loader’s rated operating capacity and tipping load
- Consider the bulk density of the material, such as grain, woodchip, waste, compost or aggregates
- Ensure the maximum payload does not exceed the machine manufacturer’s safe lifting limits
- Select a bucket that provides the optimum balance between payload and cycle times
Why does it matter?
Prevents overloading and improves operator safety.
Maximises productivity by carrying the largest safe payload.
Reduces unnecessary wear on the loader’s lift arms, axles and hydraulics.
Helps achieve lower fuel consumption per tonne of material handled.
Ensures the bucket delivers maximum productivity without exceeding the wheel loader’s safe operating limits.
Key Technical Considerations
- Evaluate how the attachment shifts the machine’s centre of gravity during loading and tipping
- Check that the bucket weight and payload remain within the loader’s stability envelope
- Consider the effect on breakout force and digging performance
- Ensure adequate rear axle loading is maintained throughout the tipping cycle
Why does it matter?
Maintains safe machine stability when operating at maximum height.
Reduces the risk of forward tipping or loss of steering control.
Ensures the loader retains effective loading performance.
Improves operator confidence and safety.
Maintains loader stability and effective breakout performance throughout the complete loading and tipping cycle.
Key Technical Considerations
- Verify the maximum dump height achieved by the bucket
- Check the forward dump reach at full lift
- Assess the discharge angle to ensure complete material emptying
- Compare the bucket geometry against trailer side heights or hopper dimensions
Why does it matter?
Ensures material clears high-sided trailers and containers.
Prevents material being left inside the bucket after tipping.
Reduces double handling and clean-up.
Improves loading efficiency and reduces cycle times.
Confirms the bucket can discharge material cleanly and efficiently into the intended receiving equipment.
Key Technical Considerations
- Choose the appropriate steel grade for the intended application
- Assess the floor thickness, side plate thickness and structural reinforcement
- Specify wear components such as heel plates, side wear strips and bolt-on cutting edges
- Consider reinforced pivot areas and heavy-duty cylinder mountings for demanding applications
Why does it matter?
Increases bucket service life.
Reduces maintenance and repair costs.
Improves resistance to abrasion and impact damage.
Ensures the attachment is suitable for the operating environment.
Provides the required strength, durability and wear resistance for the intended materials and duty cycle.
Key Technical Considerations
- Confirm compatibility with the machine’s hydraulic pressure and oil flow
- Verify the quick hitch, bracket or pin mounting dimensions
- Ensure the hydraulic cylinders provide sufficient tipping force and speed
- Check that hose routing and hydraulic connections are suitable for the loader
Why does it matter?
Ensures reliable hydraulic performance.
Prevents slow tipping cycles and reduced productivity.
Avoids installation issues caused by incompatible mounting systems.
Optimises overall machine and attachment performance.
Verifies hydraulic and mounting compatibility for reliable installation, safe operation and efficient tipping performance.
