Well the 24" might be better all the way around. I think if I got a 36" I would be changing back and forth with the 18" pretty often when going from hard rocky soil to soft soil. And we have both in our area. For every four buckets, I would be gaining one, it being 6" wider. Also I don't think it would take much more digging power for it either. I think the New Holland buckets would work on the Bradco's. They are made by them. While looking for a bucket, I saw a New Holland backhoe attachment with Bradco stamped on it. But I would call Bradco before I bought one just to make sure. Another thing, I tried to change buckets a while back and I could not get the pin out. Any tips on this would be helpful. Thanks!
Actually for every 3 cycles you would be gaining 1+
4 buckets with the 18" is about 12 cubic feet.
3 buckets with the 24" bucket is is about 13 cubic feet. (When you get a heaping bucket you can pile more dirt on the larger bucket opening.)
9 buckets with the 24" is about equal 13 buckets with the 18".
Bradco hoes are also sold at the Gehl dealers under the Edge brand name. My next door neighbor also has a Bradco 609 that he bought with his Gehl skid steer from the dealer. It is labeled Edge 609.
Looks like we should compare prices between Bradco, New Holland and Gehl.
As for the pin, get another pin or piece of pipe and a sledge hammer. I had to smack mine a few times from each side to loosen it up so I could drive it out. My pin had enough wear on one side that the pin was catching on the bushing. I put a pry bar under the bucket so I could wiggle it up and down while striking the pin. My worn pin was the one that goes through the stick. That is the pin I replaced.