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4-in-1 Bucket Guide: Get the Most from Your Most Versatile Attachment

4-in-1 Bucket Guide: Get the Most from Your Most Versatile Attachment

Dean Garton |

Quick answer

One attachment. Four everyday jobs.

If you could fit only one attachment to your wheel loader, the 4-in-1 combination bucket would be the right call for most New Zealand operators. It loads, pushes, grabs and scrapes—all through your existing hydraulics.

What Is a 4-in-1 Bucket?

A standard bucket shape with a hydraulically controlled bottom jaw.

A 4-in-1 combination bucket looks like a standard loader bucket with one key difference: the bottom jaw is hinged and hydraulically operated.

When the jaw closes, it works as a standard loading bucket. When it opens, the two halves form a clamshell grab. The bottom jaw can also be positioned for pushing, scraping and grading passes.

All four functions are controlled from the cab through the machine's hydraulic circuit, so there is no need to stop and swap tools between common jobs.

MultiCat 4-in-1 combination bucket

The Four Functions Explained

Switch between jobs from the cab using the bucket's hydraulic jaw.

01

Standard Loading Bucket

With the jaw fully closed, the 4-in-1 scoops, carries and dumps like a regular loader bucket. Use it for aggregate, topsoil, sand, gravel and demolition rubble.

Best forLoose soil, gravel, sand and rubble
TipClose the jaw fully for clean material retention.
02

Dozer / Push Blade

Open the jaw slightly, lower both cutting edges and drive forward to fill hollows, push spoil, level rough fill or clear loose debris from a hardstand.

Best forSite grading, lawn preparation and access tracks
TipWork slowly when finish quality matters.
03

Clamshell Grab

Open the jaw, position the bucket around the material and close it to grab large rocks, timber, pipe, root balls, green waste or concrete chunks.

Best forRock, timber, vegetation and debris
TipUse a wider jaw opening for bulky, irregular material.
04

Scraper / Grader

Angle the bottom jaw down and travel slowly to remove high spots, spread material evenly or clean up a gravel surface after heavy traffic.

Best forFinal grading, driveways and top dressing
TipUse light, overlapping passes for an even finish.

Best Applications by Industry

One attachment can stay productive across very different working environments.

Construction & Civil

Use the blade for site preparation, the bucket for bulk loading, the grab for debris and the scraper for final cleanup.

Farming

Handle silage-face cleanup, loose scrub and timber, paddock rocks, race surfaces and yards after wet weather.

Landscaping

Move topsoil and aggregate, position root balls and rocks, clear green waste, then complete final surface preparation.

Work smarter

Tips for Getting the Most From Your 4-in-1

  • Keep the jaw maintainedGrease the hinge pins and cylinder regularly to keep the jaw responsive.
  • Match jaw position to materialKeep it nearly closed for loose material and open wider for bulky loads.
  • Grade slowlyControlled travel produces a cleaner result than pushing quickly.
  • Check cutting-edge wearInspect both jaw edges monthly and repair wear before digging performance suffers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions from MultiCat owners.

Is a 4-in-1 bucket as good as a standard bucket for loading?

Yes. With the jaw closed, the 4-in-1 performs like a standard loading bucket. Its additional functions do not materially change the primary loading process.

What sizes are available for the MultiCat LX100?

MultiCat stocks 4-in-1 buckets in widths suited to the LX100. Contact the team to confirm current sizing, hitch compatibility and pricing.

Can the 4-in-1 handle silage?

Yes. Use the clamshell function for loose silage and pit-face cleanup. For bulk loading from a pile, close the jaw and use standard bucket mode.

Ready to Get More From Your Wheel Loader?

Tell the MultiCat team what you need to move, grade, grab or clean up. We can help confirm the right attachment and machine setup for your job.