HLA attachments such as a skid Steer bucket are essential accessories for your machine. It is versatile and can help you complete your project efficiently. In order to avoid repairs that result in significant expenses, it is crucial to know how to use and maintain your skid steer buckets. Learning a few industry tips, using better operating techniques, and knowing preventive steps can help you avoid any bucket issues and increase the lifespan, ensuring you get your money’s worth.
Things to Consider When Buying or Replacing Bobcat Buckets
- Proactive Buying
The best and easiest way to avoid any unexpected problems with your skid steer bucket starts with the purchase process. It helps to match the size and capacity of the attachment to the equipment and ensure compatibility to ensure optimal performance. - Select the Right Skid Steer Bucket
This involves the following aspects:- Bobcat Bucket Construction
The quality of the material used to manufacture the bucket as well as its thickness impacts the life of the attachment to a great extent. High-grade steel resists wear and tear and can help enhance the productivity of the bucket. - Capacity of the Bucket
The rule of thumb is to choose Bobcat buckets that have a width as broad as the outside girth of the skid steer tracks. This will help reduce the chances of tipping as a result of equipment imbalance. - Design of the Attachment
Properly designed buckets can enhance overall equipment performance and help them last longer. Also, check the radius bottom to ensure that the load gets evenly distributed. - Bucket Reinforcement
It helps to look for support plates on the sides and heels of the bucket as they can reduce wear and tear in the attachment.
- Bobcat Bucket Construction
- Choose the Right Bucket Accessories
Keep in mind the following factors when choosing Bobcat buckets:- Cutting Edge
When the cutting edge comes in contact with hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt and grinds against it, it wears off quickly. Opt for a bolt-on reversible cutting edge or weld-on cutting edge to prevent excess damage. - Bucket Teeth
Inspect the bucket teeth regularly and look for missing or damaged teeth. Be sure to replace the worn-out portions immediately.
- Cutting Edge
- Skid Steer Bucket Maintenance
Maintenance of bucket attachment includes the following:- Inspections
Look for excessive wear, cracks, dirt buildup, and loose hoses and fix these problems immediately. Do not let mud or dirt accumulate in the bucket coupler. - Grading Technique
Avoid too much pressure on the bucket attachment when operating your skid steer. Also, keep a check on the speed to prevent accidental damage. - Pressure and Dragging
When using a skid steer bucket, avoid sudden impact with hard surfaces as much as possible to prevent excessive wear.
- Inspections
Changing Skid Steer Buckets
If you are planning to buy a replacement bobcat bucket, it is beneficial to know the steps involved in changing them. This information will help you choose the perfect attachment and ensure a smooth experience when replacing it.
Follow Skid Steer Safety Measures
When you decide to change the bucket attachment on your skid steer loader, safety and location are two crucial aspects that you need to keep in mind. It is wise to think of the people around you and your equipment and clear the area to avoid serious mishaps. In addition to this, consider the following when replacing a skid steer bucket:
- Look for a flat surface before beginning the removal process.
- Be sure to remove any rocks or debris that may disturb your work.
- Ensure no unnecessary people are around to prevent accidents on the job.
- Once you are sure that you have a clear workspace, you can begin changing the skid steer bucket attachment.
Remove Your Skid Steer Bucket
Before removing the bucket attachment, it is essential to know if you have a quick or manual skid steer attachment system. All newer skid steer models typically have a quick attachment system, which you can operate from inside the machine. This way, you can avoid detaching anything manually and complete the task from within the cab. Then, take the necessary safety precautions before removing the current attachment.
For a skid steer loader with a quick attach system
- Ensure there is no debris in the current accessory.
- Look for the release button on the side panel of your equipment on your quick attachment.
- Reverse your skid steer loader to release the bucket from the mounting plate.
For a skid steer with manual attachments
- Clear off any stones, debris, and dirt from your attachment.
- Release the lock pins located on the outside of the skid steer bucket attachment.
- Tilt your skid steer from inside the cab to free the mounting plate.
Add a New Attachment
Adding a new skid steer bucket to your machine involves a straightforward process for manual and quick attach systems. First and foremost, angle your machine over the new replacement attachment before getting started.
For a quick attach system
- Align the mounting plate in your skid steer to the new bucket.
- Then, let the mounting plate slide into the bucket’s saddle.
- Operate your skid steer slowly so that the arms slide into the bucket and lock into place properly.
- Remember to press the engagement button of the quick-attach system and ensure the skid steer bucket locks into its place.
For a manual system
If you have a manual system, you need to manually attach the bucket to the machine and secure it into place using the lock pins. Once you are done with it, ensure everything is aligned perfectly to avoid any mishaps in future due to the replacement bucket. It helps to double-check your work before using the new attachment.
Tag Equipment Offers a Wide Range of HLA Skid Steer Attachments
At Tag Equipment, we strive to deliver high-quality HLA attachments, including skid steer buckets. We have experts to help you choose the right attachment that is compatible with the make and model of your equipment. We deal with reputable manufacturers and supply the following HLA buckets:
- Skid Steer Bucket
- Bucket with Digging Teeth
- Concrete Slab Lifter Bucket
- Scrap Grapple Bucket
- Bucket & Regular Utility Grapple
- High Dump Bucket
- High Volume Snow Bucket
- HLA Stone Fork
For more information about our HLA skid steer attachments, please call us at 647-559-3703 or fill out our online form.
Also Read: