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The secret to choosing the best bucket for your machine

News
17 Dec 2025
When it comes to choosing the right size of bucket for an excavator, bigger isn’t always better. A large-capacity bucket may seem like the obvious choice for achieving high productivity and low costs per tonne. However, as they are heavier than smaller-capacity buckets, they can be difficult to fill properly and make the machine move more slowly, ultimately reducing production levels.

A smaller bucket with a high fill factor will load a similar amount of material as a large bucket with a low fill factor, according to HCME Product Manager Mark Luijten. He advises customers on the optimum size bucket for their machine, which brings multiple benefits: “It means increased production, faster cycle times, lower fuel costs per tonne, reduced wear, longer lifespan of pins and bushings, and less stress on the structure of the boom and arm of the machine,” he explains.

Operators will also notice the difference between using a smaller bucket with a high fill factor instead of a larger bucket with a low fill factor. “The machine doesn't have to work as hard with the smaller bucket, which makes everything run faster and more smoothly,” adds Mark.

He cites a ZX690-7 as an example, fitted with a bucket with a 3.9m³ ISO bucket capacity. “The fill factor was 134%, meaning the actual volume inside the bucket was 5.25m³. It could load a 65-tonne dump truck with 42m³ in eight passes.”

Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, Hitachi buckets are as light as possible without compromising on durability. “For higher performance, less environmental impact, greater efficiency, and less stress for operators, choose a bucket recommended by your machine manufacturer,” concludes Mark.  

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