Multi-purpose bucket streamlines dairy operations
On modern dairy farms, silage feed-out typically occurs year-round, but it increases during winter and early spring when cows rely almost entirely on stored feed. During this time, operators must move large volumes of material efficiently while minimizing waste and time.
However, standard loader buckets present several constraints when used for silage bags or forage.
Because conventional loader buckets are built primarily for pushing and scooping rather than precise extraction, they tend to leave material behind and require repeated repositioning when working in silage bags. In addition, when loading trucks, operators often must jerk and shake a standard bucket to assure that all material that could spill has been removed. This results in unnecessary strain on the loader, accelerated wear on components, and increased loading time.
In response, silage bagging equipment manufacturer Versa Corp. developed a purpose-built attachment, the Versa bucket, featuring a controlled gripping mechanism for more efficient, accurate silage extraction. The clamshell design grabs, pinches and carries the silage, then simply opens, dropping the entire load into a truck or wagon without losing loader lift height.
Although the Versa bucket was engineered primarily for managing silage, operators quickly discovered its broader utility across the farm. Beyond its core function, dairy farmers report it is commonly used to clear brush, pull fence posts, scrape manure, grade lanes, clean drainage areas, and move loose materials such as soil, sand, gravel, and bedding.
From one dairy operator’s perspective, the bucket “is like an extension of your arm and your hand,” allowing the operator to grasp and control silage and other bulk materials with precision. This versatility has made it a practical, multi-purpose tool that extends well beyond its original application.
The Versa bucket comes in many sizes to fit all sizes of skid-steers, tractor loaders, and wheel-loaders. The heavy-duty steel jaw and gripping teeth allow the operator to “scrape and squeeze” silage or other feed materials firmly and cleanly. The clamping action reduces spillage, prevents loose material from falling away, and helps maintain a smooth, sealed face.
“The Versa bucket is very good for removing the feed from silage bags, we use it every day,” said Mark and Bruce Schneider of Schneider Farms in Venedy, Illinois. “It does a much better job of cleaning up around the bags than a conventional bucket, the operator doesn’t have to get off the loader to pick the plastic up, and easier to dig out tightly packed alfalfa.”
In another example in a working dairy, the Versa bucket model 125 provides a practical demonstration of how specialized bucket design enhances silage feed-out operations. On a farm milking roughly 350 cows and managing an additional 350 head of young stock.
The Versa bucket, which in this case is attached to a Bobcat skid loader, opens to approximately 7.5 to 8 feet wide, matching the loader’s track width for optimal coverage and stability. Its hydraulic clam mechanism enables the operator to scoop and secure silage efficiently, lifting and depositing it directly into feed wagons or troughs. Hydraulic hoses connect the bucket to the skid loader’s control system, allowing the operator to manage all motions from within the cab. This setup reduces downtime between tasks and eliminates the need to switch implements during feeding operations.
For more information, call (800) 837-7288 or visit versacorporation.com.
