Choosing the Best 72 or 78 Inch Dirt Bucket for Skid Steer Applications

[MikePhua]

The Role of Dirt Buckets in Compact Equipment Productivity
Dirt buckets are among the most frequently used attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders. Whether grading, loading, backfilling, or site cleanup, a well-built bucket directly affects cycle time, fuel efficiency, and wear on the machine. The 72-inch and 78-inch widths are particularly popular because they balance coverage with maneuverability, especially for mid-size machines in the 65–100 horsepower range.
Historically, bucket design has evolved from simple welded steel boxes to engineered tools with reinforced edges, replaceable wear components, and optimized profiles for material flow. Manufacturers now offer multiple bucket types—low profile, high capacity, utility, and dirt-specific—each tailored for different soil conditions and jobsite demands.
Key Features to Evaluate When Selecting a Dirt Bucket
When choosing a 72" or 78" dirt bucket, several technical factors should be considered:

• Cutting Edge Type
  • Replaceable bolt-on edge preferred for longevity
    
  • Weld-on edges limit serviceability
    
  • Tooth bars or shanks optional for aggressive digging
    
• Bucket Profile
  • Low profile improves visibility and grading control
    
  • High back increases material retention during transport
    
  • Flat bottom aids in finish grading
    
• Reinforcement and Build Quality
  • AR400 or equivalent abrasion-resistant steel for wear zones
    
  • Scuff bars under the bucket to resist bottom wear
    
  • Side gussets and corner plates for structural integrity
    
• Mounting System
  • Universal quick attach (ISO 24410) for compatibility
    
  • Oversized pins and bushings for durability
    
  • Greaseable pivot points for maintenance
    
• Weight and Capacity
  

• 72" bucket: ~1,200–1,400 lbs, ~0.5–0.6 cubic yards
  
• 78" bucket: ~1,300–1,500 lbs, ~0.6–0.7 cubic yards
  
• Rated for machines up to 100 hp
  

In one grading job in Alberta, a contractor switched from a welded-edge bucket to a bolt-on edge model and reduced downtime by 30% due to faster edge replacement and less wear between shanks.
Popular Brands and Regional Preferences
Several manufacturers dominate the dirt bucket market, each with unique strengths:

• Berlon Industries
  • Known for standardized bolt patterns and strong dealer support
    
  • Offers custom widths and edge configurations
    
  • Popular in Midwest and Great Lakes regions
    
• Virnig Manufacturing
  • Heavy-duty construction with AR400 steel
    
  • Integrated wear bars and optional tooth bars
    
  • Widely used in forestry and demolition
    
• FFC (Paladin Attachments)
  • Offers utility and dirt buckets with high back profiles
    
  • Compatible with most OEM machines
    
  • Strong presence in rental fleets
    
• Star Industries
  • Offers five bucket profiles from 60" to 84"
    
  • Reinforced scuff bars and powder-coated finish
    
  • Designed for quick attachment and high productivity
    
• Brothers Equipment Sales
  

• Extreme-duty 4-in-1 buckets with teeth and side cutters
  
• Built with AR400 steel and hydraulic line protection
  
• Rated for machines up to 100 hp
  

In one fleet in Texas, operators preferred Virnig buckets for their durability in rocky soils, while Berlon was favored in Wisconsin for its ease of sourcing replacement edges.
Cutting Edge Compatibility and Bolt Pattern Challenges
One common issue with dirt buckets is the bolt pattern mismatch between bucket lips and available cutting edges. This can lead to:

• Difficulty sourcing replacement edges
  
• Need for torching or drilling new holes
  
• Increased downtime during edge replacement
  
• Risk of uneven wear or edge failure
  

Solutions:

• Choose buckets with standardized bolt patterns (e.g., Cat, Deere, Case)
  
• Verify edge compatibility before purchase
  
• Consider modifying bolt pattern using a template and drill press
  
• Use hardened bolts and lock washers for secure fit
  

In one rebuild in Maine, a contractor retrofitted a Berlon bucket with Cat-style shanks and a smooth lip edge. The result was a hybrid bucket that allowed fast edge swaps and reduced wear between teeth.
Recommended Upgrades and Maintenance Practices
To extend bucket life and improve performance:

• Install bolt-on side cutters for edge protection
  
• Use hardened cutting edges with wear indicators
  
• Grease pivot points weekly
  
• Inspect welds and gussets monthly
  
• Replace edge bolts every 500 hours or when worn
  

Optional enhancements:

• Add tooth bar for clay or compacted soils
  
• Use quick coupler with hydraulic lock for faster swaps
  
• Paint bucket interior with abrasion-resistant coating
  
• Label bolt pattern and edge type for future reference
  

In one grading job in Chile, a contractor added a bolt-on tooth bar to a 78" bucket and improved penetration in dry clay by 40%, reducing pass count and fuel consumption.
Conclusion
Selecting the right 72" or 78" dirt bucket is more than a matter of width—it’s about matching build quality, edge compatibility, and machine capacity to the demands of your work. With brands like Berlon, Virnig, FFC, Star, and Brothers offering specialized designs, operators can choose a bucket that maximizes productivity and minimizes downtime. Whether grading driveways, loading fill, or trenching utilities, a well-chosen dirt bucket becomes an extension of the machine—and a key to efficient, profitable work.