Choosing the right grading bucket for your tilt rotator coupler is crucial to maximising your excavator's performance on the job. However, deciding which one to choose can be challenging. Are you unsure whether a scandinavian-style shaping bucket or a standard grading bucket is the better fit for your tiltrotator? In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two types of digger bucket, covering their designs, advantages, disadvantages and ideal applications. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which bucket is best suited for your needs.
Shaping BucketAKA: Scandinavian Bucket, Nordic Bucket |
Grading BucketsAKA: Ditching Bucket, Dyking Bucket |
| Narrower profile | Wider profile |
| Larger capacity | Smaller capacity |
| 45 degree bevelled rear-edge | Standard grading bucket shape |
| Extended flat bottom | Shallow profile |
| More wear-resistant features | Bolt-on blade compatibility |
One of the most obvious distinctions between a Scandinavian-style shaping bucket and a standard grading bucket is their design. The tilt rotator shaping bucket features bevelled rear edges and an extended flat bottom, which makes it perfect for detailed work, such as profiling around drains, curbs and carving out landscapes. In contrast, the standard grading bucket has a traditional wide, shallow design that is ideal for bulk material movement, backfilling and grading our larger areas.
The width of these buckets is another important difference. Rhinox shaping buckets are available in 60" for S60 tiltrotators and 72" for S70 tiltrotators, whereas Rhinox standard grading buckets are even wider, with 72" for the S60 and 84" for the S70. The shaping buckets, while narrower, have a larger capacity; for instance, an S60 shaping bucket weighs 509 kg with a capacity of 0.71 m³, compared to a standard S60 grading bucket, which weighs 501.3 kg and has a capacity of 0.58 m³. The wider size of the standard grading bucket makes it better suited for moving large amounts of material quickly and efficiently.
The best uses of each bucket depends on their design and purpose. The wide, shallow design of the standard tiltrotator grading bucket makes it ideal for tasks, such as moving material into dumpers, backfilling trenches or levelling large areas. Where as, the tilt rotator shaping bucket excels in more complex shaping tasks, thanks to its 45-degree rear edge. As mentioned above, this design makes it particularly useful for profiling around objects in the ground like curbs and drains, or other intricate spaces where precision is required. The biggest benefit of the shaping bucket is the angled shell which prevents the back corners from catching your graded areas when tilting and rotating.
The Rhinox tilt rotator scandinavian-style shaping bucket offers several advantages for more intricate projects. Its tall top plate prevents mud or debris from spilling into the hangers and coupler, avoiding unnecessary damage to your tiltrotator coupler. The Rhinox shaping bucket also features multiple layers of hardened steel to maximise wear resistance. For instance, it comes equipped with a HB500 lip plate, HB400 leading edges and HB400 wear-resistant straps on the underside of the bucket. These features enhance durability and ensure the bucket lasts longer, even under tough conditions. However, one drawback is that the shaping bucket cannot be fitted with a bolt-on blade, as this would increase the height of the bucket lip plate on the underside of your bucket and make it more difficult to maintain a level grade when using the bucket in reverse. To compensate for this, the lip plate is made of extra-hardened HB500 steel. Due to its complex design and the use of hardened steel, shaping buckets tend to be more expensive than standard grading buckets.
The Rhinox standard grading bucket is designed for practicality. They feature a HB400 lip plate with a replaceable HB400 bolt-on blade, which can be removed and replaced when worn out. This ensures maximum protection for your cutting edge, even when working with harsh materials. Our grading buckets can be fitted with optional wear-resistant straps on the back of the bucket, offering extra protection if required. To improve performance in wet conditions, the standard grading bucket includes drainage holes on each side, allowing water to drain when clearing ditches or digging through boggy areas. Rhinox tilt rotator grading buckets also have two centre ribs and two hanger supports that prevent bowing or distortion, which is essential due to its wide design. With its more straightforward construction and reduced use of steel, the standard grading bucket is significantly more affordable than the shaping bucket, making it an excellent option for those working with a smaller budget.
So, which bucket is right for you? If your project involves complex shaping and forming tasks, and your budget allows for it, the Scandinavian-style shaping bucket might be the best option. However, if you are focused on standard grading or bulk material movement, and are working with a tighter budget, the standard tilt rotator grading bucket could be the better choice. Whether you need a shaping bucket for precision work or a grading bucket for efficiency, Rhinox has the perfect bucket for your tiltrotator. You can order both of these buckets online today, or get in touch with our team for assistance. For more detailed information about both of these products, check out more of our content below.