Gradeblade Uses: Turn a Toothed Excavator Bucket into a Grading Tool

GRADEBLADE attachments let an operator keep the digging bucket on the machine, then quickly convert it for smoothing, grading and cleanup. A Crumbing Blade is approximately the width of the bucket for trench bottoms and controlled grading. A Squeegee Blade is wider than the bucket, with wings that help gather and redistribute material for finish grading and site cleanup.

Trenching, Utilities and Plumbing

After a toothed bucket digs a trench, the teeth can leave grooves and an uneven bottom. A bucket-width Gradeblade Crumbing Blade covers the teeth and gives the operator a straight cutting edge for smoothing the trench bottom before pipe, conduit, drainage or other utility work. After backfilling, the same blade can be used to smooth the surface above the trench.

Septic and Drainage Work

Septic installers and drainage contractors often need both excavation and a controlled finished surface. Gradeblade lets the operator dig normally, attach the blade in about a minute after the initial weld-on hook has been installed, and make smoothing passes without changing to a second bucket. That can reduce bucket swaps and hand cleanup around the excavation.

Concrete, Footings and Foundations

For footing trenches, foundation work and other concrete preparation, the Crumbing Blade is useful where a smoother trench bottom or subgrade is needed. The straight cutting edge spans the bucket teeth so the operator can trim and smooth rather than leave tooth grooves behind.

Landscaping and Finish Grading

For grading soil, shaping beds, smoothing disturbed areas and cleaning up after excavation, the wider Gradeblade Squeegee Blade is the better choice. Its wings help keep loose material in front of the blade instead of simply pushing it away from the bucket. It is useful for pads, approaches, yards, landscape areas and general site finishing.

Excavation and General Construction

Excavation, utility, demolition and general contractors can use the same digging bucket for excavation and then switch quickly to grading or cleanup. Gradeblade is designed to reduce the need for a separate cleanout bucket when the job calls for a smooth trench bottom, a cleaner finished grade or less hand work with rakes and shovels.

Cemeteries and Narrow-Site Work

Crumbing Blades are useful where excavation space is limited and a smooth bottom or neat finished surface matters. Because the blade attaches to the existing toothed bucket, the operator can dig and then finish the excavation without bringing another bucket into the work area.

Tracks, Roadsides and Larger Surface Cleanup

Wider Squeegee Blades can be used to pull and redistribute loose material on dirt tracks, shoulders and larger work areas. Custom Squeegee Blades are available for larger excavators and can be built up to 10 feet wide when a standard model is not large enough.

Two Blade Styles for Different Jobs

Crumbing Blade: approximately bucket width. Best for trench bottoms, backfill surfaces and controlled grading where the blade needs to stay within the bucket width.

Squeegee Blade: wider than the bucket. Best for finish grading, cleanup and broad surface work where the operator wants to smooth and redistribute material across a wider area.

Quick Installation

Each Gradeblade uses a chain binder and a weld-on hook on the back of the bucket. After that small hook is welded in place, the blade slips over the bucket teeth and can be installed or removed quickly. The attachment stays with the bucket rather than requiring a complete bucket change.

Made in the USA. Standard and custom models are available for backhoes, mini-excavators and larger excavators.

See Gradeblade models, current prices and ordering. Need help choosing between a Crumbing Blade and Squeegee Blade? Call 503-470-5003.