Types of Construction Bucket Attachments

Bucket attachments are some of the most common tools in construction. They let machines scoop, carry, and dump material quickly. But not all buckets are the same. Different types are designed for different jobs. Let’s go through main construction bucket attachments and how to choose the right one.

What Is a Bucket Attachment?

A bucket attachment connects to machines like loaders, excavators or skid steers. It’s made to scoop and hold material such as dirt, gravel, sand, or stone. Each bucket has a weight and volume capacity, so choosing the right one depends on the type of material you’re moving and the size of the job.

Machines That Use Buckets

Buckets can attach to many different types of equipment, including:

• Backhoe loaders (front and rear) 
• Telehandlers
• Skid steers
• Standard and compact wheel loaders
• Excavators
• Industrial loaders

Types of Construction Bucket Attachments

Here are the most common bucket styles and what they do:

• General purpose: Good for carrying, dumping, loading, and grading lighter materials. Often used for basic construction tasks. 
• Light duty: Built for moving large volumes of low-density material such as mulch or snow. 
• Heavy duty: Strong design for dense, heavy loads like boulders and stone. Common in roadwork and industrial projects. 
• Side dump: Designed for skid steers and loaders. Dumps material to the side, helpful in tight or high-traffic areas. 
• Multipurpose: Can dig, grade, dump, and even grab material with a detachable back. Works like a grapple plus a bucket. 
• Rock: Has tines on the edge to sift out fine dirt and keep only rocks and debris. Often used on excavators and mining shovels. 
• Grapple: Includes a claw on top to grab and hold bulky or irregular loads.

How to Choose the Right Bucket

Think about the job you need to do and the type of material you’re moving. Check the size and capacity ratings to make sure the bucket matches your machine. The right bucket helps you finish the job faster with less wear on your equipment.

Rent Bucket Attachments From The Cat^® Rental Store

The Cat^® Rental Store offers a wide selection of work tool attachments, including buckets for many types of machines. You’ll find grapples, side dump, multipurpose, and more. Browse our full inventory of attachments or connect with your local dealer to find the right bucket attachment for your next project.

FAQs About Construction Bucket Attachments

• What is the most common bucket type?

General-purpose buckets are the most widely used for basic construction work.

• Which bucket is best for heavy materials?

Heavy-duty or rock buckets handle dense and tough loads like stone, gravel, or boulders.

• Can I rent bucket attachments?

Yes. The Cat Rental Store rents a wide variety of bucket attachments with flexible terms.