Transforming a Backhoe Bucket into a Grading Tool

[MikePhua]

The Ford 555 and Its Versatile Backhoe Platform
The Ford 555 backhoe-loader, introduced in the late 1970s and refined through the 1980s, became a staple in municipal fleets and small contractor operations across North America. Built by Ford’s industrial division, the 555 series offered a reliable diesel powertrain, robust hydraulics, and a modular design that allowed for a wide range of attachments. With a standard 24-inch digging bucket on the backhoe arm, the machine was optimized for trenching and excavation—but not necessarily for finish grading.
As grading demands increased, operators began seeking ways to adapt their existing buckets for smoother, more controlled surface work. The challenge was to convert a tooth-equipped digging bucket into a flat-edged grading tool without sacrificing structural integrity or ease of use.
What Is a Grading Bucket Attachment
A grading bucket is a wide, flat-bottomed bucket designed for leveling, backfilling, and shaping terrain. Unlike digging buckets, which have teeth for penetrating soil, grading buckets feature a smooth cutting edge and often a larger width to cover more surface area. They are commonly used in road construction, landscaping, and utility work where precision and finish matter more than breakout force.
Terminology annotation:
• Cutting Edge: The lower lip of a bucket that contacts the ground, typically made of hardened steel.
• Quick Attach Ears: Mounting brackets that allow rapid swapping of attachments without tools.
• Ditching Bucket: A wide, shallow bucket used for cleaning ditches and grading slopes.
DIY Conversion Techniques
Operators have developed several creative methods to convert standard digging buckets into grading tools:
• Welding an old cutting edge over the existing teeth to create a flat surface
• Fabricating a removable pipe sleeve with slots or holes to fit over the teeth
• Attaching flat bars to the ends of a pipe and bolting them to the bucket sides
• Using chains and railroad iron to drag and smooth soil behind the bucket
One particularly effective method involves cutting a slot along the length of a steel pipe and sliding it over the bucket teeth. This creates a rounded grading edge that distributes pressure evenly and prevents gouging. The pipe is secured with flat bars and bolts, allowing for quick removal when digging is required.
Commercial Solutions and Custom Fabrication
Several manufacturers offer purpose-built grading blades that bolt onto existing buckets. These blades are made from high-strength steel and designed to fit a range of bucket sizes. Some models feature side plates that enclose the teeth, while others use a clamp-on design for easy installation.
Operators who frequently switch between digging and grading often fabricate quick attach ears onto their modified buckets. This allows them to swap attachments in minutes, improving efficiency on jobs that require both excavation and finish work.
Recommendations for fabrication:
• Use hardened steel for the grading edge to resist wear
• Ensure the attachment does not interfere with bucket curl or dump angles
• Reinforce mounting points to prevent flexing under load
• Consider a 4-foot grading width for balance between coverage and maneuverability
International Practices and Terminology Differences
In Scotland and other parts of the UK, operators commonly use a “ditching bucket” for grading tasks. These buckets are typically 32 inches or wider and lack teeth, making them ideal for final shaping of roads and embankments. The terminology and approach vary by region, but the goal remains the same: achieving a smooth, consistent finish with minimal rework.
In Canada, similar buckets are used on mini excavators and skid steers, often paired with laser grading systems for precision. The rise of GPS-guided grading has further increased demand for flat-edge buckets that can follow digital contours.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insights
A contractor in Oklahoma retrofitted his Kubota KX121 with a custom grading blade welded to an old bucket. He added quick attach ears and used the setup for driveway grading and septic tank backfill. The blade was 4 feet wide and allowed him to finish jobs faster while maintaining a clean surface.
Another operator in Minnesota recalled seeing a bush truck in the 1970s with a Sherman hoe mounted on an old Ford tractor. The owner had fabricated a pipe sleeve over the bucket teeth and used it to backfill septic tank excavations. The result was so clean that the grass barely showed signs of disturbance.
Conclusion
Converting a standard backhoe bucket into a grading tool is a practical and cost-effective way to expand the capabilities of machines like the Ford 555. Whether through welding, bolting, or commercial attachments, operators can achieve professional-grade finishes without investing in new equipment. These adaptations reflect the ingenuity of field technicians and the enduring versatility of legacy machines—proving that with a little steel and creativity, even a digging bucket can become a precision grading instrument.