What bucket for S250

[vic3500]

Hi I'm relatively new to skid steers, and have a Bobcat S250 that came with forks only. I use the Bobcat for my 2-3 acres to spread and grade an 800 meter gravel driveway. Little bit of digging and small stump removal. Move snow piles around home when my truck or atv plow can't move them anymore. Also, i'll be doing a little bit of (3-5 contracts, townhouse, supermarket type lots) snow stacking and helping out a buddy who plows. I can only afford 1 bucket. Need some advice wading through all the options out there. Snow bucket probably wont work for my day to day stuff around the house. Top of my list right now is the 74 inch Bobcat brand low profile bucket. (will this work for snow?) My dealer is asking about $1000 plus $350 for a bolt on cutting edge. I dont know anything about cutting edge, and i'll probably only run the machine 50-100 hours a year. Do i need a bolt on edge? Do i need heavy duty? What is a construction bucket? Is there a better aftermarket brand i should consider? thanks

 

[SkidRoe]

If cost is your issue, why not look for a used bucket? I see them all the time in my area for $400-$500. Besides, owning one attachment is like owning one screwdriver....
If you only plan to by one bucket, I would go for a material/dirt bucket over a snow bucket. Snow buckets tend to be built lightly and over-sized, as snow is light and easy to dig. A dirt bucket handles snow no problem, and keeps your options open.
Based on your usage, I would say that that you do not need a bolt on cutting edge.
HTH,
SR

 

[vic3500]

If cost is your issue, why not look for a used bucket? I see them all the time in my area for $400-$500. Besides, owning one attachment is like owning one screwdriver....
If you only plan to by one bucket, I would go for a material/dirt bucket over a snow bucket. Snow buckets tend to be built lightly and over-sized, as snow is light and easy to dig. A dirt bucket handles snow no problem, and keeps your options open.
Based on your usage, I would say that that you do not need a bolt on cutting edge.
HTH,
SR

Thanks that's helps a bunch, I didn't think I needed the bolt on edge but just wanted another opinion. Btw I can't find any used buckets in my area at all! And I tried!

 

[reaperman]

A S250 should come standard with a 78" bucket. I would stay away from a low profile bucket especially if its only a 74". The 250 can handle a 78" dirt bucket easily without losing volume like a low-pro bucket would. If you had to choose a low profile bucket, I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 84 inch. I've used a 84" on a 250 many times in dirt without issues. It could also solve your dilemma for a dirt/snow bucket. The dealer should have more options available than a 74". If not, skid steer buckets are interchangeable with other bucket brands. Perhaps you have a John Deere, New Holland, Cat, etc dealer close that may also have other options available. As far as the cutting edge goes? There is no rush, you can install a cutting edge at any time as long as your bucket isnt worn past the factory holes on the blade of the bucket. For average homeowner use you have years before you need to make that decision. .

 

[vic3500]

A S250 should come standard with a 78" bucket. I would stay away from a low profile bucket especially if its only a 74". The 250 can handle a 78" dirt bucket easily without losing volume like a low-pro bucket would. If you had to choose a low profile bucket, I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 84 inch. I've used a 84" on a 250 many times in dirt without issues. It could also solve your dilemma for a dirt/snow bucket. The dealer should have more options available than a 74". If not, skid steer buckets are interchangeable with other bucket brands. Perhaps you have a John Deere, New Holland, Cat, etc dealer close that may also have other options available. As far as the cutting edge goes? There is no rush, you can install a cutting edge at any time as long as your bucket isnt worn past the factory holes on the blade of the bucket. For average homeowner use you have years before you need to make that decision. .

Thanks reaper man that makes sense, but whats the real difference between a LP and a dirt bucket. When i compare the construction to the LP on the bobcat website it seems the LP holds more? And would 84 in dirt bucket be good for gravel grading?

 

[Bobcatdan]

Thanks reaper man that makes sense, but whats the real difference between a LP and a dirt bucket. When i compare the construction to the LP on the bobcat website it seems the LP holds more? And would 84 in dirt bucket be good for gravel grading?

S250 normally run a 80". A lot of guys like the low pro due to the design, they can see the cutting edge better. There are a lot of aftermarker companies that make buckets, so you should be able to find a new one in your price range. In reguards to the bolt on cutting edge. I have really come to like them. The cutting edge is the fastest wearing part of a bucket and unless you have the skills to cut the old one off and weld a new one on, it is very expensive to replace the stock cutting edge. Now with low use, it should take you forever t wear it down, but personally I would still get a bolt on.