Understanding the Role of Ditching and Grading Buckets
Both ditching and grading buckets are designed for shaping, finishing, and cleaning up job sites — but each excels in specific conditions. Knowing which to use can make your excavation work faster and more precise.
Ditching Buckets
A ditching bucket (sometimes called a “clean-up bucket”) features a wide, shallow body with a smooth edge.
-
Ideal for draining, sloping, and landscaping.
-
Often includes drainage holes to prevent water retention.
-
Perfect for light materials such as sand, topsoil, or clay.
-
Typically available in sizes between 36–84 inches.
Grading Buckets
A grading bucket focuses on surface finishing and final leveling.
-
Wider and smoother than digging buckets, often without teeth.
-
Ideal for final passes, grading roads, and backfilling.
-
Often used with tiltrotators for precision shaping.
-
Constructed with reinforced cutting edges for consistent performance.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Ditching Bucket | Grading Bucket |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Ditching, draining, landscaping | Final grading and finishing |
| Teeth | Optional | Usually smooth edge |
| Material | Light soils | Mixed materials |
| Design | Shallow and wide | Wider, flat base |
| Ideal Task | Slopes and waterways | Leveling and shaping |
Which Bucket Should You Choose?
If your project involves creating ditches, slopes, or trenches, a ditch bucket is your best choice.
If your goal is fine grading or smooth finishing, go with a grading bucket.
Contractors often keep both on hand to switch as needed, using quick couplers for faster changes.
How IPX Global Fits In
Our future product range will include precision-engineered ditching and grading buckets designed for U.S. excavators — offering exceptional strength, compatibility, and balance for professional contractors nationwide.