How do you maximise bucket fill rates in wheel loaders?

Getting the most out of your excavator or loader bucket isn’t just about pushing it into a pile of material. Many operators struggle with achieving optimal bucket fills. Today, we’ll share practical techniques to help you maximise your bucket fill rates, which will boost your productivity and reduce wear on your machine, and if you want to learn more about getting the most out of your wheel loaders, we have a wheel loader training course.

Understanding Bucket Fill Factors

Before we dive into techniques, it’s important to understand what affects bucket fill rates. Different materials have different fill factors. For instance, well-blasted rock might only fill 60–70% of your bucket’s rated capacity, while loose dirt or sand can achieve 100–110%. Knowing these fill factors helps you set realistic expectations and adjust your technique accordingly.

The Importance of Material Properties

The material you’re working with greatly influences how you should approach bucket filling. Wet clay behaves differently from dry sand, and freshly blasted rock requires different techniques than settled gravel. Understanding these differences is crucial for achieving optimal fill rates.

For instance, when working with loose sand, you can usually achieve excellent fill rates with a straight push into the pile. However, with compacted material like clay, you’ll need to curl the bucket as you push forward to break up the material effectively.

Matching Speed to Material

One common mistake new operators make is using the same approach speed for all materials. This isn’t effective. When working with loose materials, you can maintain a faster approach speed as there’s less resistance. However, with dense or compacted materials, a slower, more controlled approach allows the bucket to bite into the material more effectively.

Think of it like eating soup versus a steak—you wouldn’t use the same technique for both. Similarly, different materials require different bucket-filling approaches.

Position and Angle Matter

The way you position your machine and bucket is crucial for achieving maximum fill rates. When using a wheel loader, you want to approach the pile at a slight angle, typically about 15 degrees off square. This allows material to flow more naturally into the bucket and reduces resistance.

For excavators, the ideal position is one where you can see both the bucket teeth and the material clearly. Your bucket should be positioned flat on the ground with the teeth level. This starting position ensures you can maintain the optimal cutting angle throughout the dig cycle.

The Three-Pass Technique

For wheel loaders, there is the “three-pass technique.” Here’s how it works:

First Pass: Drive into the pile with the bucket level, about 10 cm off the ground. This creates a clean entry point and prevents the bucket from riding up over the material.

Second Pass: As you continue forward, gradually raise the bucket while maintaining forward momentum. This allows material to flow into the bucket rather than being compressed.

Third Pass: When you feel resistance building, curl the bucket back while continuing forward. This final motion captures the material and prevents spillage.

This technique consistently achieves fill rates of 95-100% in most materials while minimising wear on your machine.

Hydraulic Control and Timing

Understanding your machine’s hydraulic system is crucial for achieving optimal bucket fills. Many operators don’t realise that smooth hydraulic control leads to better fill rates. Jerky movements cause material to spill and reduce efficiency. When operating the controls, use steady, progressive movements rather than sudden ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Attacking the Pile Too High: Many operators try to fill their bucket by driving into the pile at the top. This usually results in poor fill rates because the material above the bucket has nowhere to go. Instead, attack the pile at the bottom, where the material can flow naturally into the bucket.

Curling Too Early: Another common error is curling the bucket too early. This traps a small amount of material and prevents more from entering; any forward motion is then pushing the flat face of the underside of the bucket against the materials, which is not good for the bucket. Wait until you feel the bucket beginning to fill before starting the curl motion.

Excessive Speed: Some operators think that more speed means better fills. Actually, the opposite is often true. Excessive speed can cause the bucket to ride up over the material instead of cutting into it. A controlled, steady approach usually yields better results.

Maintaining Your Equipment

Good bucket fill rates aren’t just about technique—they also depend on well-maintained equipment. Worn bucket teeth or cutting edges can significantly reduce your fill rates. Check your bucket teeth regularly and replace them when they show significant wear.

The same goes for your bucket’s cutting edge. A worn cutting edge makes it harder to penetrate material and reduces fill efficiency. Regular maintenance of these components is essential for maintaining optimal fill rates.

Working in Wet Conditions

We often deal with wet conditions, which can make achieving good bucket fills more challenging. When working with wet material, you need to adjust your technique slightly. The material tends to stick to the bucket, so you might need to adjust your curl timing.

In wet conditions, it’s also important to maintain proper drainage in your work area. Poor drainage can create soft spots that make it difficult to maintain proper bucket position and angle.

Safety Considerations

While striving for maximum bucket fills, never compromise on safety. Overloading your bucket can create unstable conditions, especially when lifting or travelling. Always stay within your machine’s rated operating capacity.

Also, be aware of your surroundings when filling your bucket. Material can fall from overhead, and overcrowded stockpiles can collapse. Maintain safe distances from other machinery and personnel.

Conclusion

Maximising bucket fill rates is a skill that combines technical knowledge, experience, and proper technique. By understanding your material, maintaining your equipment, and using the right approach, you can significantly improve your productivity.

Remember, every operator started as a beginner. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t achieve perfect fills right away. Practice these techniques consistently, and you’ll see improvement in your bucket fill rates over time.