Backhoe Buckets for L39

[jakejorgenson]

Is there a good place to get pin on aftermarket type buckets for the L39 or do I need to get them from the dealer? I have the 18" bucket and a lot of the time I think I'd be better off with the 10 or 12" size by not moving as much dirt and being able to clean up a smaller trench. I've got 300 hrs on the machine and probably 1/2 of that is trenching work. I'm getting ready to do about 350 ft through a grass area and just did about 100 ft in the same area that was a little more messy then I think the smaller bucket would have been. Thoughts?

 

[Stubbyie]

For trenching the smaller bucket is better. I thought 12-in was the smallest, but if you can find the 10-in go for it.

For something like stem walls or foundation work or general mucking (tree planting holes) the larger bucket is the ticket.

Another possibility depending on your terrain and soil conditions is to track down a "rock tooth" trenching bucket---in a smaller size might have three teeth all staggered in a claw-like configuration. Even if not in rocky (rock-chipping) conditions this type bucket works well in heavy clayey soils.

The same people that have rock buckets might have aftermarket smaller size 'standard' or generic replacement buckets but I bet you wind up at a Kubota dealer for a plain vanilla bucket.

Please post back your continuing experiences so we may all learn.