Rollout Buckets and Their Role in High-Reach Loading

[MikePhua]

The Function and Design of Rollout Buckets
Rollout buckets are specialized loader attachments engineered to extend the dump reach and height beyond the machine’s standard geometry. Unlike conventional buckets that rotate around the loader arms, rollout buckets use a hydraulic linkage or cylinder system to roll forward and discharge material at a higher elevation. This design is especially valuable when loading tall-sided trucks, hoppers, or feed bins where clearance is limited.
The bucket’s pivot point is typically located behind the cutting edge, allowing the material to be tipped forward while the loader arms remain stationary. This mechanism increases dump height by 12 to 24 inches depending on model and machine configuration.
Terminology Note

• Rollout Bucket: A loader bucket with a hydraulic mechanism that rolls the bucket forward to increase dump height.
  
• Dump Clearance: The vertical distance between the bucket’s discharge point and the ground when fully raised.
  
• Linkage System: A set of arms and pivots that control the bucket’s rolling motion.
  
• High-Side Truck: A haul truck with tall bed walls requiring elevated discharge points.
  

Applications and Operational Advantages
Rollout buckets are commonly used in:

• Agricultural feedlot operations for loading silage into mixers
  
• Waste transfer stations for compacting and loading refuse
  
• Quarry and aggregate sites for loading high-sided dump trucks
  
• Recycling yards for transferring light bulk materials
  

Advantages include:

• Increased dump height without modifying the loader arms
  
• Reduced spillage due to controlled forward roll
  
• Improved visibility during discharge
  
• Compatibility with standard quick coupler systems
  

In one example, a feedlot in Nebraska retrofitted a rollout bucket to a Case 721F loader to load silage into a vertical mixer. The standard bucket couldn’t clear the mixer’s rim, but the rollout bucket added 18 inches of reach, eliminating the need for ramps or repositioning.
Hydraulic Requirements and Compatibility
Rollout buckets require an auxiliary hydraulic circuit to power the rolling cylinder. Most mid-size and large loaders offer this feature, but older machines may need retrofitting. Key parameters include:

• Hydraulic pressure: 2,500–3,500 psi
  
• Flow rate: 15–25 GPM
  
• Cylinder stroke: 12–18 inches depending on bucket size
  

Operators should verify that the loader’s hydraulic system can support the additional flow without compromising lift or tilt functions. Installing flow restrictors or priority valves may be necessary to balance performance.
Structural Considerations and Wear Points
Rollout buckets experience unique stress patterns due to the rolling motion and extended reach. Common wear areas include:

• Pivot bushings and pins
  
• Cylinder seals and rod ends
  
• Linkage arms and weld joints
  
• Cutting edge and side plates
  

Routine maintenance should include:

• Greasing all pivot points daily
  
• Inspecting cylinder seals for leaks
  
• Checking linkage alignment and bolt torque
  
• Replacing cutting edges every 500–1,000 hours depending on material
  

Using hardened pins and bushings can extend service life, especially in abrasive environments like sand or crushed stone.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2022, a recycling facility in Ontario upgraded its Komatsu WA320 loader with a rollout bucket to load shredded plastic into tall trailers. The previous setup required a ramp and multiple repositioning maneuvers. With the rollout bucket, the operator completed each load in 30% less time and reduced spillage by half. The facility later added a second unit to its fleet.
Manufacturer History and Market Trends
Rollout buckets are produced by manufacturers such as Rockland, ACS Industries, and Craig Manufacturing. These companies specialize in custom loader attachments and offer models for machines ranging from 2-yard to 6-yard capacities.
Global demand for rollout buckets has grown steadily, especially in sectors where vertical clearance is a limiting factor. While not as common as general-purpose or 4-in-1 buckets, rollout units fill a critical niche in high-reach loading.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Operators

• Match bucket size to loader lift capacity and hydraulic specs
  
• Train operators on rolling mechanics and safe discharge practices
  
• Inspect linkage and hydraulic components weekly
  
• Use bolt-on cutting edges for easy replacement
  
• Document bucket performance and wear patterns for future purchases
  

Conclusion
Rollout buckets offer a practical solution for high-reach loading challenges in agriculture, waste management, and industrial operations. By extending dump height and improving discharge control, they enhance productivity and reduce material handling complexity. With proper hydraulic integration and disciplined maintenance, rollout buckets can transform a standard loader into a precision loading tool tailored for vertical efficiency.