What’s The Difference Between 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 Buckets for Backhoe Loaders?

In the global construction machinery market, the backhoe loader– sometimes called a Chinese backhoe loader or excavator loader – is one of the most widely used multi‑purpose machines. It can handle loading and hauling tasks as well as digging and breaking operations, so it is common on municipal projects, road maintenance sites, farmland improvement jobs and port material‑handling operations.

On the front loader end of a backhoe loader, the type of bucket fitted directly affects the machine’s capability and efficiency. 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 buckets are the most common choices, but how do they differ?

I. What is a 4-in-1 bucket?

A 4-in-1 bucket is a multi‑purpose attachment that integrates four main functions. Through hydraulic control, it can perform:

1. Loading – used like a normal bucket to load and transport bulk materials such as sand, soil and construction debris.

2. Dozing – when the front of the bucket opens, the cutting edge can level the ground, acting like a small bulldozer.

3. Grabbing – the opening and closing motion allows it to grip irregular items such as logs, pipes and rocks, improving handling flexibility.

4. Leveling and dumping – it can clean and level the ground, and dump at height quickly to enhance productivity.

Advantages of a 4-in-1 bucket:

1. Multiple functions make it suitable for complex job sites.

2. More economical than a 6-in-1 bucket.

3. Versatile enough for most small and medium‑sized projects.

II. What is a 6-in-1 bucket?

A 6-in-1 bucket builds on the 4-in-1 design with additional features. In addition to all the functions above, it offers:

1. Side dozing – hydraulic tilting or offset allows the bucket to push material at an angle, ideal for road maintenance, site cleaning and snow work.

2. Fork loading – most 6-in-1 buckets incorporate fork tines or a grabbing mechanism, so they can handle pallets, timber or pipes directly. This adds flexibility when loading and unloading.

Advantages of a 6-in-1 bucket:

1. Adds professional features such as side dozing and fork loading.

2. Particularly suitable for road, municipal, port and agricultural scenarios.

3. More efficient when a project requires varied tasks.

2.5 Ton Backhoe Loader ZT388H

III. Key differences between 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 buckets

From an application perspective, the main differences between the 4-in-1 bucket and the 6-in-1 bucket are reflected in the following aspects:

IV. What international customers ask: how should I choose?

Jason Li, a construction machinery expert at TDER with over a decade of experience, notes that purchasing decisions for backhoe loaders with multi‑purpose buckets vary by region:

1. Budget first – in parts of Africa and the Middle East, customers prioritise machine affordability. Because of its price advantage, the 4-in-1 bucket is often favoured.

2. Complex conditions – European buyers, especially in northern Europe, need to clear snow in winter and push material sideways for road works, so the 6-in-1 bucket is more attractive.

3. Maintenance capability – where repair skills are limited, the simpler 4-in-1 bucket is easier to maintain and reduces downtime.

4. Multi‑purpose investment – in Latin America, customers want one machine to perform as many tasks as possible. The 6-in-1 bucket is widely used on farms, roads and municipal projects and offers a high return on investment.

V. FAQ

1. What conditions suit a 4-in-1 bucket?
It is ideal for routine earthmoving, bulk loading, site leveling and basic grabbing tasks, especially on small to medium projects.

2. How much more does a 6-in-1 bucket cost than a 4-in-1?
Prices vary by brand, hydraulic configuration and bucket capacity, but a 6-in-1 bucket typically costs 35–50 percent more.

3. Is a 6-in-1 bucket worth the investment?
If your work includes road cleaning, snow removal or sorting demolition waste, the extra functions significantly improve efficiency and justify the cost.

4. Which is more durable, 4-in-1 or 6-in-1?
Both use similar materials and manufacturing. Durability depends on operating habits and maintenance. The more complex hydraulics of the 6-in-1 demand careful operation and upkeep.

5. Does TDER offer customised buckets?
Yes. TDER can supply 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 buckets with various capacities and cutting‑edge materials to meet specific needs.

VI. TDER’s professional strengths

As a leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer, TDER has extensive experience with backhoe loaders and attachments. With exports to 158 countries, we understand the working conditions of different regions and provide locally adapted solutions. We use high‑strength wear‑resistant steel to ensure longer service life and greater reliability.

Beyond the product itself, TDER also emphasises complete service. We provide operation videos and comprehensive after‑sales support so that customers can quickly learn to use the equipment and reduce maintenance difficulty. For cross‑border buyers, choosing TDER means getting a complete and reliable construction machinery solution, not just a single machine.

When choosing between 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 buckets, there is no absolute “better”; the key is your project’s conditions, budget and long‑term plans. Whether you are a contractor, a road maintenance department or a farm or port operator, TDER can recommend the most suitable backhoe loader configuration. Contact us for detailed technical information on 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 buckets and price options for our backhoe loaders.