CMP HydraBucket vs. Separate Bucket and Power Rake — Time and Cost Comparison
What if you could ditch the attachment swap and do bucket work AND soil conditioning without leaving the cab? The traditional approach requires two separate attachments — a general-purpose bucket plus a Harley rake or power rake. The CMP HydraBucket combines both into one. Flex Equipment Rental rents the HydraBucket as a skid steer attachment — here's why our customers love it. Questions? Call 814.883.9444 .
The Traditional Two-Tool Approach
For decades, landscaping and site prep crews have followed the same routine:
- Step 1: Load the bucket — rough grade, move material, backfill
- Step 2: Detach the bucket — attach the power rake or Harley rake
- Step 3: Condition soil, level, prep for seed or sod
- Step 4: Detach the rake — re-attach the bucket for cleanup
The pain points are real:
- Each attachment swap takes 5–15 minutes(more with manual pin attachments)
- You need to transport two attachments — extra trailer weight and space
- Two separate rental costs if you don't own both
- Crews standing idle during every swap
The HydraBucket: How It Works
The CMP HydraBucket is a standard heavy-duty bucket with a hydraulic carbide-toothed drum built into the heel. It gives you two tools in one attachment:
- Bucket mode: Scoop, carry, grade, backfill — just like any general-purpose bucket
- Rake mode: Engage the drum via auxiliary hydraulics for soil conditioning, leveling, and vegetation shredding
- Switch between modes instantly — no leaving the cab, no attachment swaps, zero downtime
Key specs: 6,700 in/lb torque, 1.5" carbide mining teeth, AR400/AR200/Grade 50 steel construction. Available in widths from 60" to 84".
Time Savings Analysis
The numbers add up fast. On a typical landscape job:
- Assume 4 attachment swaps per day on a grading and soil prep job
- At 10 minutes per swap = 40 minutes per day of lost productivity
- Over a 5-day job = 3.3 hours of crew downtime eliminated
- At $75/hr loaded labor rate = ~$250 saved per job in labor alone
- Plus: no time loading and unloading a second attachment on the trailer
Cost Comparison
| Factor | Two-Tool Approach | CMP HydraBucket |
|---|---|---|
| Bucket Cost (purchase) | $1,500–$3,000 | — |
| Power Rake Cost (purchase) | $4,000–$8,000 | — |
| HydraBucket Cost (purchase) | — | $6,900–$7,600 |
| Total Equipment Cost | $5,500–$11,000 | $6,900–$7,600 |
| Trailer Space | 2 attachment slots | 1 attachment slot |
| Daily Rental (if renting) | Two separate rentals | One rental |
| Swap Time Per Day | 30–60 min | 0 min |
What the HydraBucket Does Well — and Where It Doesn't
The HydraBucket handles approximately 80% of what a dedicated Harley rake can do. It excels at:
- Seedbed preparation
- Driveway grading
- Light soil conditioning
- Fence line cleanup
- Combining rough grading and finish work in a single pass
Limitations: For extremely rocky soil or heavy-duty pulverizing, a full-size dedicated power rake may still be needed. The HydraBucket is not a replacement for a rock hound or soil screener.
Who Should Rent the HydraBucket?
The HydraBucket is ideal for:
- Landscaping crews doing grading and soil prep on the same job
- Contractors with limited trailer space who can't haul two separate attachments
- Anyone tired of swapping attachments multiple times per day
- Small to mid-size operations that want one versatile attachment instead of two specialized ones
Add the HydraBucket to Your Next Skid Steer Rental
Stop wasting time on attachment swaps. Ask about adding the HydraBucket to your next rental from Flex Equipment Rental.
Call: 814.883.9444
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HydraBucket work with any skid steer?
The CMP HydraBucket is compatible with most skid steers and compact track loaders that have standard auxiliary hydraulics. It connects via a universal skid steer quick-attach plate. Call Flex Equipment Rental at 814.883.9444 to confirm compatibility with your machine.
Can the HydraBucket handle rocks?
The HydraBucket can handle light to moderate rocky soil thanks to its 1.5-inch carbide mining teeth and AR400 steel construction. For extremely rocky conditions or dedicated rock removal, a rock hound or soil screener may be more appropriate.
Is the HydraBucket better than a Harley rake?
The HydraBucket handles about 80% of what a dedicated Harley rake can do while also functioning as a full bucket. For crews that need both bucket and raking capability on the same job, the HydraBucket saves significant time by eliminating attachment swaps. For dedicated heavy-duty soil conditioning only, a full-size Harley rake may still have an edge.
Does Flex Equipment Rental rent the HydraBucket separately?
Yes. FER rents the HydraBucket as a standalone attachment that you can add to any skid steer or compact track loader rental. You can also rent it separately if you already have your own machine. Call 814.883.9444 for rental rates and availability.
