A 4 in 1 bucket, also called a combination or multi-purpose bucket, has a hinged front jaw that opens and closes hydraulically. That one feature lets a single bucket on your skid steer or loader do four jobs: load, grab, doze and level. Here's what each job looks like, how to choose a size, and what your machine needs to run one.
The Four Jobs
- Load, carry and tip. With the jaw closed, it works like a standard bucket for loading, carrying and dumping soil, aggregate and rubble.
- Grab. Close the jaw on a load and it works like a grapple, gripping odd-shaped objects such as logs, brash, kerbs and rubble that would slide out of a normal bucket.
- Doze and spread. Open the jaw and the bucket's back section works as a dozer blade for pushing, spreading and backfilling material.
- Level. With the jaw open, you can level and grade ground, then close it to pick up the spoil without changing attachments.
The Kovaco 87 series 4 in 1 bucket also digs, and it closes with high compression force, which helps it grip loose and awkward loads.
How It Works
The bucket is split into a back section and a front jaw. Hydraulic cylinders on your loader's auxiliary circuit open and close the jaw, so you control it from the cab the same way as any other hydraulic attachment. On the Kovaco bucket the edges are Hardox® steel, and you can run it with or without teeth.
Choosing the Width
Choose a width that covers your wheels or tracks, so you're not driving over material you've just levelled, and one your loader can lift when full. The Kovaco range comes in six widths:
| Model | Width | Capacity | Weight (no teeth / with teeth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 140 | 1440mm | 0.17m³ | 150kg / not listed |
| 87 155 | 1550mm | 0.26m³ | 295kg / 315kg |
| 87 173 | 1730mm | 0.31m³ | 345kg / 365kg |
| 87 185 | 1850mm | 0.33m³ | 355kg / 375kg |
| 87 210 | 2100mm | 0.47m³ | 412kg / 437kg |
| 87 220 | 2200mm | 0.50m³ | 430kg / 455kg |
Kovaco also lists a 2400mm model for bigger loaders.
Check the Weight Against Your Loader
Your loader's rated operating capacity is the safe working weight its manufacturer sets for everyday work. An attachment's weight comes off that figure, so the bucket's own weight, 150kg to 455kg across the Kovaco range, leaves less capacity for the load. Add the bucket's weight to a full load of the heaviest material you'll move and check the total against your loader's rated operating capacity before you choose a width.
Hydraulics and Mounting
Every Kovaco 87 series model runs on 20 to 100 l/min at 160 to 240 bar from your loader's auxiliary circuit. Kovaco makes each bucket to order to suit the machine it goes on, so tell us your skid steer or loader make and model, how attachments mount on it, and its auxiliary oil flow and pressure, and we'll confirm the right model with your quote.
Using a 4 in 1 Bucket Safely
- Keep people well away from the jaw while it opens and closes, and never let anyone reach into it.
- Carry loads low, especially anything gripped in the jaw, and travel slowly on slopes and rough ground.
- Check that gripped loads are held securely before you lift them, and set them down rather than dropping them.
- Follow your loader manufacturer's instructions for the attachment and its hydraulics.
4 in 1 or a Standard Bucket?
If you only ever load and carry, a standard bucket does the job with no moving parts. If one machine has to load, grab, backfill and tidy up on the same job, a 4 in 1 bucket saves you changing attachments.
4 in 1 Bucket FAQs
What is a 4 in 1 bucket used for?
Loading, grabbing awkward materials, dozing and spreading, and levelling ground, all with one bucket.
Does a 4 in 1 bucket need hydraulics?
Yes. The jaw is opened and closed by hydraulic cylinders, so your loader needs an auxiliary hydraulic circuit. The Kovaco bucket runs on 20 to 100 l/min.
What width 4 in 1 bucket do I need?
One that covers your wheels or tracks and that your loader can lift when full. The Kovaco range runs from 1440mm to 2200mm, with a 2400mm model also listed.
See the Kovaco 4 in 1 bucket, or browse everything for compact loaders on our skid steer attachments page, including skid steer pallet forks and the Kovaco sweeper collector. Request a quote with your loader details.
