What GPM does a skid steer screening bucket need?

Most skid steer screening buckets require 15 to 30 GPM of auxiliary hydraulic flow. Standard-flow skid steers typically produce 15 to 22 GPM, which is adequate for many screening buckets. High-flow buckets that require 25+ GPM need a high-flow skid steer or a hydraulic upgrade. Always check the bucket manufacturer's specifications against your machine's auxiliary flow rating before purchasing.

Can I use a screening bucket on a Bobcat?

Yes. Most screening buckets use a universal skid steer quick-attach plate that fits Bobcat and other major skid steer brands. The key factor is not the brand of skid steer but the machine's auxiliary hydraulic flow and lift capacity. Check your specific Bobcat model's specs to make sure the screening bucket you are considering is compatible.

How many yards per hour can a skid steer screening bucket process?

Typical throughput ranges from 10 to 25 cubic yards per hour, depending on material type, moisture content, screen opening size, and operator technique. Dry, free-flowing topsoil screens at the higher end of that range. Wet or clay-heavy material drops production significantly.

Is a screening bucket worth it for a small landscaping business?

For many small landscaping operations, a skid steer screening bucket is one of the best equipment investments available. If you already own a skid steer, you add screening capability for $6,000 to $20,000 instead of $50,000+ for a standalone screener. The screened product sells for $15 to $25 more per cubic yard than raw material, so the bucket can pay for itself within a few months of regular use.

What is the difference between a vibrating screening bucket and a rotary screening bucket?

A vibrating screening bucket uses a hydraulic motor to shake a flat mesh screen. Material falls through the mesh openings as it vibrates. This design is simpler, less expensive, and works well with dry, free-flowing material. A rotary screening bucket uses rotating drums, blades, or star discs to tumble and separate material. Rotary designs handle wet, sticky, and clay-heavy material much better because the rotation is self-cleaning. Rotary buckets cost more but offer greater versatility.

When should I upgrade from a screening bucket to a standalone screener?

When your screening volume consistently exceeds 20 to 25 cubic yards per hour, or when you find yourself screening for more than half of your working day, a standalone screener will improve your productivity and product quality. Screening buckets top out at roughly 150 to 200 cubic yards per full working day. A small shaker screen or trommel can double or triple that output with one operator.

Best Crusher Bucket Brands: MB Crusher vs ALLU vs Epiroc vs Simex

Name: Grinder Crusher Screen
Telephone: 770-433-2670

Crusher buckets have changed how contractors handle demolition, recycling, and site work. Instead of hauling material to a stationary crusher or renting a portable plant, you mount a crusher bucket on your excavator and process material right where it sits. But not all crusher buckets are equal. The brand you choose affects reliability, production output, parts availability, and long-term cost of ownership.

We have been selling crushing equipment since 1973. Four brands dominate the crusher bucket market: MB Crusher, ALLU, Epiroc, and Simex. Each has real strengths and real weaknesses. This guide breaks down the differences so you can pick the right brand for your operation.

If you are still deciding whether a crusher bucket is the right tool, start with our complete guide to crusher buckets. Already know you want one for a skid steer? Read our skid steer crusher bucket guide. Processing concrete specifically? Our concrete crusher bucket article covers that use case in detail.

MB Crusher: The Market Leader

MB Crusher is an Italian manufacturer headquartered in Fara Vicentino, Italy. They are the largest crusher bucket brand in the world by market share, and they earned that position by being first to market with a wide product range.

MB Crusher's flagship line is the BF series. These are jaw-style crusher buckets that use the same compression principle as a traditional jaw crusher, scaled down to fit on an excavator boom. The BF series ranges from the BF60.1 (designed for excavators starting around 8 tons) all the way up to the BF150.10 (built for excavators in the 70-ton class and above). No other crusher bucket manufacturer offers as many size classes.

Strengths: Widest model selection in the industry, covering excavators from 6 tons to 70+ tons. Strong global dealer network with good parts availability. Jaw plates, bearings, and hydraulic components are generally available without extended lead times.

Weaknesses: Premium pricing — typically the most expensive option alongside Epiroc. Some users report that the smaller BF models lag in production compared to competitors at the same excavator class.

Best for: Operations that need a wide range of sizes across a mixed fleet. If you run excavators from 8 tons to 50 tons and want a single brand across all of them, MB is the only manufacturer that covers that full range with dedicated models. An MB Crusher bucket on the used market holds strong resale value.

ALLU Transformer: A Different Approach

ALLU is a Finnish manufacturer based in Pennala, Finland. They take a fundamentally different approach to crushing compared to the other three brands.

The Transformer series uses a rotating drum design rather than jaw-style compression. The drums rotate and crush material between hardened steel blades or hammers. This is the same principle ALLU uses in their well-known screening attachments, adapted for crushing applications. The Transformer line covers excavators from roughly 10 tons up to 40+ tons.

Strengths: Broad versatility. The same bucket can screen, crush, and blend material depending on the drum configuration. Swap the drums, and you go from crushing concrete to screening topsoil. Finnish build quality is consistently praised by users, and ALLU's decades of screening bucket heritage shows in the engineering of seals, bearings, and drum assemblies.

Weaknesses: The drum-crusher design does not match the raw crushing force of a jaw-style bucket on hard materials like reinforced concrete or natural rock. Dealer network is solid in Europe but thinner in some North American regions. Spare drum sets add cost if you plan to use the bucket for both crushing and screening.

Best for: Operations that need multi-function capability. If you screen topsoil in the spring, crush concrete in the summer, and blend materials in the fall, the Transformer series lets one attachment do the work of two or three. Strong pick for utility and municipal work where versatility matters more than peak tonnage.

Epiroc BC Series: Premium Build, Premium Support

Epiroc is a Swedish manufacturer formerly the mining and infrastructure division of Atlas Copco before splitting into an independent company in 2018. That heritage shows in their engineering.

The BC series crusher buckets use a jaw-style crushing mechanism similar to MB Crusher. The lineup covers excavators from roughly 18 tons up to 54 tons. Heavy-duty construction, oversized pins, reinforced mounting brackets, and high-quality hydraulic components are standard.

Strengths: Best build quality in the crusher bucket market, built to the same standards as Epiroc's hydraulic breakers, which are among the most durable attachments available. Arguably the best dealer network in the attachment industry — Atlas Copco and Epiroc dealers are established in nearly every major market. Select models support Epiroc's telematics for remote monitoring of hours, maintenance intervals, and performance.

Weaknesses: Most expensive option on the market. Model range is more limited — no models for mini excavators under 12 tons or machines over 45 tons. Production rates are competitive but not class-leading at every size.

Best for: Operations that prioritize reliability, dealer support, and long-term durability over upfront cost. If you already run Epiroc breakers, adding a BC series keeps you within a single dealer ecosystem. Strong choice for larger contractors who value uptime above all else.

Simex CBE Series: The Value Contender

Simex is an Italian manufacturer based in San Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy. They produce a range of excavator and skid steer attachments including crusher buckets, screening buckets, wheel saws, and planers.

The CBE series uses a rotary rotor crushing mechanism with toothed drums driven by hydraulic motors. The lineup covers excavators from roughly 8 tons up to 55 tons. Simex positions the CBE as a competitive mid-range option.

Strengths: Lowest price point among the four major brands. The CBE series consistently undercuts MB Crusher and Epiroc by a meaningful margin. Build quality is respectable — a well-made Italian product from a manufacturer with over three decades of attachment experience.

Weaknesses: Model range tops out around the 35-ton excavator class. Dealer and parts network is growing but not as extensive as MB Crusher's or Epiroc's. Production rates are competitive within its range but do not match premium competitors in head-to-head comparisons.

Best for: Contractors who want a capable crusher bucket at a competitive price. Solid entry point for operations buying their first crusher bucket to test the concept before investing in a premium brand.

Other Brands Worth Knowing

Hartl is an Austrian manufacturer that specializes in bucket crushers and screeners. The Hartl family has a long history in crushing. Hartl buckets are quality products with a unique jaw motion, but their market share is smaller than the big four. Parts availability is more limited, so factor that into your decision if you find a used unit.

Brand Comparison Table

Feature MB Crusher BF ALLU Transformer Epiroc BC Simex CBE Country of Origin Italy Finland Sweden Italy Crushing Style Jaw (compression) Drum (rotary) Jaw (compression) Rotary (rotor with teeth) Excavator Class 8 to 70+ tons 10 to 40+ tons 18 to 54 tons 8 to 55 tons Number of Models 8+ models 5+ models 4 models 5 models Bucket Weight Range 1,200-9,500 lbs 1,500-7,000 lbs 2,000-8,000 lbs 1,300-6,500 lbs Multi-Function Crushing only Crush, screen, blend Crushing only Crushing only Dealer Network Extensive (global) Strong EU, growing N. America Excellent (Atlas Copco heritage) Moderate (growing) Parts Availability Good Good EU, moderate N. America Excellent Moderate Telematics Limited Limited Available (select models) Limited Relative Price Premium Mid to premium Premium (highest) Mid (lowest) Production rates vary significantly based on material type, excavator hydraulic flow, and operator technique. Always verify specific model specs for your excavator class and application.

Which Brand for Which Application

Demolition

Demolition demands durability and crushing force on reinforced concrete, block, brick, and mixed debris. Top picks: MB Crusher or Epiroc. Both offer jaw-style crushing that handles reinforced concrete effectively. MB has the widest model range for mixed fleets. Epiroc has the build quality for daily punishment. Simex is a solid mid-range option for smaller demolition operations.

Recycling

High-volume recycling requires peak production rates and maximum uptime. Top picks: MB Crusher or Epiroc. MB's larger BF models deliver the strongest throughput. Epiroc's build quality minimizes downtime.

Quarry and Aggregate

Crusher buckets do not replace a full-scale crushing plant, but they fill a niche for small-scale production and quarry cleanup. Top pick: MB Crusher. The BF150.10 and other large BF units offer the highest production rates in the crusher bucket market.

Utility and Municipal

Utility crews need versatility — crushing concrete today, screening topsoil tomorrow. Top pick: ALLU Transformer. The multi-function drum design handles varied materials and small batch sizes better than any jaw-style competitor.

Budget-Conscious Contractors

First-time crusher bucket buyers who want to test the concept. Top pick: Simex CBE. Capable performance at the lowest price point.

Pricing Tiers

New Crusher Buckets

Excavator Class MB Crusher ALLU Epiroc Simex Small (6-15 tons) $25,000-$45,000 $20,000-$40,000 $30,000-$50,000 $18,000-$35,000 Mid (15-30 tons) $40,000-$75,000 $35,000-$65,000 $45,000-$80,000 $30,000-$55,000 Large (30+ tons) $65,000-$120,000+ $55,000-$90,000 $70,000-$110,000+ $45,000-$75,000 Used Crusher Buckets

Used crusher buckets typically sell for 40 to 65 percent of new price depending on age, condition, and hours. MB Crusher and Epiroc hold resale value best due to brand recognition and parts availability. Simex depreciates more but starts at a lower price point, so total cost of ownership can still be competitive.

We help source used crusher buckets from all of these brands. Browse our current crusher inventory or listings to see what is available, or call us if you are looking for a specific model.

Parts and Support Availability

MB Crusher has the most established dealer network among crusher bucket brands. Common items like jaw plates are generally available within days.

ALLU parts support is strongest in Europe. North American support has improved but lead times for specialty parts can run longer. Customer service is responsive and includes remote diagnostic support.

Epiroc has the strongest parts infrastructure of any brand on this list, inherited from the Atlas Copco dealer network. Parts lead times are typically the shortest in the industry. If uptime is critical, Epiroc is the safest bet.

Simex has a growing dealer network. In well-served markets, parts availability is adequate. In less-served areas, ordering directly from the manufacturer may add lead time.

Customer Feedback Summary

MB Crusher owners praise model selection and jaw-style performance on hard materials. Most common complaint is price. Strong brand loyalty among repeat buyers.

ALLU owners value the versatility of switching between crushing and screening. Most common complaint is lower production rates on hard concrete compared to jaw-style competitors.

Epiroc owners consistently cite build quality and dealer support. Most common complaint is price — Epiroc is the most expensive option. Highest satisfaction among contractors who run multiple Epiroc attachments.

Simex owners appreciate the value proposition. Most common complaint is that parts and support take longer in some regions. Many contractors who started with Simex and later upgraded say the CBE served them well during the learning phase.

How GCS Can Help

We do not manufacture crusher buckets, but we can help you find the right one. We source used crusher buckets from all four major brands through our dealer network and brokerage channels. We also help with inspections, connecting buyers with sellers, and providing honest guidance on which brand fits your application.

Browse our current crusher inventory to see what is available, or call us to discuss your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which crusher bucket brand is the best overall?

There is no single best brand for every application. MB Crusher offers the widest model range and the largest market share. Epiroc delivers the best build quality and dealer support. ALLU provides unique multi-function versatility. Simex offers the most competitive pricing. The best brand for you depends on your excavator fleet, your primary application, your budget, and how critical uptime is to your operation.

Can I use a crusher bucket on a skid steer?

Some crusher bucket models are designed for skid steer loaders, but the selection is more limited than excavator models. Skid steers provide lower hydraulic flow and pressure, which limits the size and production capacity of the crusher bucket. MB Crusher and Simex both offer skid steer compatible models.

How long do crusher bucket jaw plates last?

Jaw plate life depends on the material being processed, production volume, and the specific model. On average, jaw plates last between 200 and 600 operating hours. Processing clean concrete extends jaw plate life. Reinforced concrete with heavy rebar shortens it significantly. Budget for jaw plate replacement as a regular operating expense.

Are Chinese crusher buckets worth considering?

Chinese-made crusher buckets are available at significantly lower prices. Quality varies widely. Some are acceptable for light-duty work. Others have problems with material quality, hydraulic component reliability, and parts availability. For commercial operations where downtime is costly, we recommend sticking with established brands that have proven dealer and parts networks.

What size excavator do I need for a crusher bucket?

Most practical crusher buckets require excavators of at least 8 to 12 tons. Smaller excavators do not provide enough hydraulic flow and breakout force to make a crusher bucket productive. For serious production work, a 20-ton or larger excavator is the sweet spot. Always match the crusher bucket weight and hydraulic requirements to your carrier's specifications.

Is a crusher bucket cheaper than renting a portable crusher?

It depends on your volume. For operations processing less than 500 tons per month, a crusher bucket is typically more cost-effective because you eliminate mobilization costs and rental fees. For high-volume operations processing thousands of tons per month, a portable crushing plant delivers higher throughput and usually wins on cost per ton.

We have been selling crushing and screening equipment since 1973. If you need help choosing the right crusher bucket brand for your operation, or if you want us to source a specific used unit, reach out anytime.

Call us at 770-433-2670 or email Sales@grindercrusherscreen.com.