Why using the correct bucket on your excavator or wheel loader really matters

If you’re wondering what difference a Hitachi bucket makes to the performance of your machine, let HCME expert Mark Luijten explain all…

There are many reasons why using a Hitachi bucket is beneficial for your excavator or wheel loader – but what happens if you choose not to? “The main risk is machine stability,” says Product Support Manager Mark Luijten. “It could tip over if you use a bucket that’s too heavy. Also, if the bucket is too large, it reduces the machine production and increases fuel consumption.”   

Another consequence – if the load factor on the machine is too high – is wear and tear on pins and bushings. “Choosing an alternative bucket could cost you more money, if you have to spend on repairing problems further down the line,” adds Mark.   

And a third note of caution, if a bucket is not manufactured in line with Hitachi specifications: “It could cause catastrophic failures on the excavator front attachment, again causing unscheduled downtime and costly repairs.”

A perfect match

That’s why the best bucket for your Hitachi excavator or wheel loader is one that has been specifically designed and manufactured to work in harmony with it. “There will never be a discussion about warranty issues when you use a Hitachi bucket,” adds Mark, “if there is ever any problem with it, it is our responsibility to take care of it.”

You can choose from a wide range of high-quality buckets available via your local Hitachi dealer. The excavator range includes excavating, ditch cleaning, tiltable ditch cleaning, tiltrotator and heavy-duty buckets for mining and quarrying. For wheel loaders, Hitachi offers a variety including general purpose, rock, high dump and light material buckets.

Your local dealer can help you to find the perfect bucket to meet your requirements, using a specially developed bucket configurator. “This is based on the maximum weight of the material loaded in the bucket. It provides a good guideline to help dealers and customers make the right choice for their machine,” adds Mark.

Choosing the correct bucket for your machine will result in a high fill factor. This potentially means a smaller bucket could be used to move the same volume of material as a larger, heavier bucket, resulting in higher production, lower fuel consumption and greater efficiency.

Customised to meet your needs

Hitachi buckets can also be customised for specific applications, thanks to a wide range of options, different connection types, and wear packages to extend the lifetime. For example, if additional protection is needed for working with abrasive materials, extra shrouds can be added to prevent wear and tear, which are also easy to replace.   

And if you’re still not convinced that Hitachi buckets are for you, Mark has the final word: “Using the correct Hitachi bucket guarantees the optimum reliability of your machine – it is a combination of machine and bucket that gives you the total performance.”