Loading Shovel Attachments for Waste & Recycling Sites
At B. A. Caulkett, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses operating within the waste and recycling sector.
Whether you’re handling high volumes of waste, recyclable materials, or managing transfer stations, efficiency, durability, and performance are key.
Our industry-proven range of attachments are built to thrive in demanding environments, helping you move more material with less downtime.
Specialist Attachments for Demanding Work
We supply a wide selection of robust, high-quality buckets and attachments, designed specifically for use on wheel loaders working on waste and recycling sites throughout the UK.
Our solutions are trusted by operators nationwide to improve site productivity, safety, and machine utilisation.
High Tip Buckets for Waste & Recycling Applications
High Tip Buckets are a specialist attachment designed to meet the height and material-handling challenges commonly found in waste and recycling operations. These buckets feature an extended tipping mechanism that allows for significantly higher discharge height than standard GP buckets, without increasing machine size or compromising stability.
In transfer stations, material recovery facilities (MRFs), and recycling yards, machines often need to load lightweight, bulky materials such as plastics, paper, and green waste into tall trailers, hoppers, or compactors. Traditional GP buckets can fall short in these settings, requiring the use of ramps or additional lifting machinery. High Tip Buckets eliminate that need, offering a more efficient and safer method of discharge.
High Tip Bucket vs General Purpose (GP) Bucket in Waste & Recycling Applications
| Feature | High Tip Bucket | GP Bucket |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge Height | Extended – designed for loading into high-sided trailers, hoppers, compactors | Standard – often insufficient for taller loads without additional lifting support |
| Material Handling | Ideal for low-density, high-volume materials (e.g. plastics, RDF, green waste) | Better suited for medium-to-high-density materials (e.g. soil, rubble, mixed C&D waste) |
| Efficiency | Faster vehicle loading, reduces cycle times and the need for extra handling equipment | May require ramps or secondary loaders to reach discharge height, slowing operations |
| Machine Stability | Maintains centre of gravity better than using elevated ramps | More stable on flat surfaces, but riskier when used to overload or reach high trailers |
| Versatility | More specialised – best for specific waste streams and transfer loading | General purpose – adaptable to a range of materials but with trade-offs |
| Hydraulic Complexity | Contains hydraulic tipping mechanism – requires more maintenance and monitoring | Simpler mechanical structure – lower maintenance demand |
| Cost | Higher initial investment due to complex structure and customisation options | Generally lower cost; more readily available from most attachment suppliers |
| Customisation | Commonly custom-built for specific machine and application requirements | Often off-the-shelf sizes available, though less tailored |
| Spillage Control | Excellent due to controlled tipping angle and height | Moderate – spillage more likely during tipping, especially into high-sided containers |
| Typical Site Use | Transfer stations, MRFs, recycling depots, biomass handling | C&D waste sites, general landfill prep, skip handling, mixed load movement |
BAC Wheel Loader Attachments Compatible with Major Wheel Loader Brands
Our attachments are built for seamless integration with equipment from leading manufacturers, including:
Whatever make or model you run, we can match your attachment to ensure peak performance and durability.
Case G Series Evolution Wheel Loaders –Â 521G, 621G, 651G, 721G, 821G, 921G, 1021G, 1121G
Hitachi Wheel Loader – ZW160, ZW180, ZW220, ZW250, ZW310
Liebherr Stereoloaders – L514, L518
Liebherr Wheel Loaders – L526, L538, L546, L550, L556, L566, L576, L580, L586
Cat Compact Wheel Loaders 914, 920
Cat Small Wheel Loaders 926, 930, 938
Cat Medium Wheel Loaders 950, 962, 966, 972, 980
Hyundai Wheel Loader – HL930, HL940, HL955, HL960, HL970, HL975, HL980, HL985
LiuGong Wheel Loaders – 835H,848H, 856H, 877H, 890H
Claas Torion Wheel Loaders 1611P, 1611, 1285, 2014, 1913, 956
JCB Wheel Loader – 411, 413, 417, 419, 427, 437, 457
Volvo Compact Wheel Loader – L45, L50
Volvo Large Wheel Loader – L60, L70, L90, L110, L120, L150, L180, L220
Develon Wheel Loaders – DL200, DL220, DL250, DL280, DL320, DL380, DL420, DL480, DL550, DL580
Komatsu Wheel Loaders – WA170, WA200, WA270, WA320, WA380, WA470, WA475, WA480, WA485, WA500
XCMG Wheel Loaders – XC938, XC948F, XC958E, XC968EV, XC968E, XC978U, XC998
General Purpose Buckets in Waste & Recycling Applications
General Purpose (GP) Buckets are among the most commonly used attachments across a wide range of industries, for good reason. Their robust, straightforward design and all-round capability make them a versatile asset for waste and recycling operators dealing with mixed or heavier materials, especially in more rugged site environments.
In recycling applications, GP buckets shine where durability, breakout force, and adaptability are key. They are often the go-to solution on sites handling diverse waste streams, particularly construction and demolition (C&D) materials, metals, aggregates, contaminated soil, and general landfill material. While not designed for high-volume, low-density loads or extended discharge heights, they offer efficiency and resilience where heavier lifting and tougher handling are required.
Advantages of GP Buckets in Waste & Recycling Settings
Strong Breakout Force: GP buckets are engineered to penetrate dense or compacted materials. This makes them ideal for loading construction debris, wet waste, or compacted soil, where digging power and robust edge strength are needed.
Durability in Harsh Conditions: Built with reinforced leading edges, wear plates, and often bolt-on cutting edges, GP buckets are designed to withstand abrasive materials like bricks, concrete, metals, and glass.
Versatile Material Handling: Capable of handling a wide range of waste types – from broken tarmac to wood waste, GP buckets reduce the need for multiple attachments, saving time and simplifying logistics.
Simplified Maintenance: With fewer moving parts compared to hydraulic high tip buckets, GP buckets are easier to maintain, making them well-suited to harsh operating environments where regular downtime is not an option.
Ideal for Ground-Level Operations: GP buckets perform best when materials are stockpiled at ground level, or when loading onto conveyor systems, smaller skips, or low-sided containers.
Cost-Effective Solution: For operations where material types change frequently or where operators need an all-rounder that can handle tough tasks without specialist features, GP buckets offer a durable, affordable option.
