What Is a Grading Bucket?

A traditional grading bucket is a passive attachment featuring a structure with fixed grid bars. The spacing between the bars determines the size of the material that is retained or allowed to pass during excavation and handling operations. Material selection occurs solely through the movement of the excavator and the operator’s action. There are no mechanical screening systems or hydraulic components actively working the material. Grading buckets for mini excavators and excavators are designed to meet simple needs, such as soil cleaning or the rough separation of stones and aggregates during excavation.

When a Traditional Grading Bucket Is the Right Choice

In certain operational contexts, an excavator grading bucket is an adequate and functional solution. It is particularly suitable when operations are occasional and when material selection and screening quality are not central stages of the production process. It is mainly used on small job sites or for cleaning operations, where the primary objective is to quickly separate coarse material without the need for precise size control. In these cases, structural simplicity translates into robustness, ease of use, and reduced operating costs.

The Structural Limits of a Grading Bucket for Excavators

However, when operating conditions become more complex, the limitations of traditional grading buckets for mini excavators and excavators become evident. Screening is not a controlled process, and the quality of the result largely depends on the operator’s skill and the nature of the material. With wet, clayey, or mixed soils, material tends to compact between the bars, drastically reducing selection efficiency. Productivity also remains limited when material volumes increase or when continuous operation is required. In all situations where material selection is no longer a secondary operation but becomes a structured phase of the work cycle, more advanced technology is required.

From Passive Selection to Active Screening

Screening buckets are designed to overcome these limitations, transforming material selection into an active, controllable, and repeatable process. Unlike traditional grading buckets, they do not simply “let material pass” but continuously process it, ensuring consistent quality results.

Active screening allows you to:

• Increase hourly productivity
• Reduce operator dependency
• Process difficult or wet materials
• Achieve uniform particle size
• Adapt to different applications and materials

Within the CM range, this approach is implemented in two distinct solutions designed to meet different operational needs: CBR and CDS.

CBR Screening Bucket: Precision and Control in Material Selection

The CBR screening bucket features a basket with interchangeable grid screens, designed for the controlled selection of materials such as stony soils, demolition aggregates, and excavation materials.

At the heart of the system is a bi-rotational basket, ensuring continuous and uniform screening. The option to select different grid sizes allows the machine to be adapted to the desired particle size while maintaining consistent material quality even with large volumes.

CBR is particularly suitable when:

• Screening must be precise and repeatable
• The material is mainly dry or mixed
• Selection is an integral part of the production cycle
• Operational continuity is required
• Fine material must be enhanced for reuse or resale

It is widely used in construction, recycling, and quarrying, where material selection cannot be left to approximate solutions.

CDS Screening Bucket: Maximum Productivity with Complex Materials

The CDS screening bucket has been developed to deliver high performance even under the most demanding conditions. Its rotating disc system enables efficient processing of wet, damp, or highly heterogeneous materials, reducing clogging risks and maintaining constant productivity over time.

A key strength of the CDS is its operational versatility. Thanks to different rotor kits, the machine can be configured not only for screening but also for medium-light shredding and crushing operations. This makes it an ideal solution for recycling, green maintenance, and the management of complex materials in urban and industrial environments.

CDS is the most suitable choice when:

• The material is wet or damp
• High hourly output is required
• The job site operates continuously
• A flexible, multifunctional solution is needed

Grading Bucket vs. Screening Bucket: A Different Approach

A traditional grading bucket for mini excavators or excavators and a screening bucket address the same basic need—material selection—but with a completely different approach. The grading bucket is a simple solution suitable for light, unstructured tasks. CBR and CDS screening buckets, on the other hand, are engineered to transform screening into an efficient, industrial, and controllable process.

The difference is clear not only in the working method but also in the quality and consistency of the results, as well as in terms of:

• Process control
• Productivity
• Operational reliability
• Adaptability to different materials
• Particle size uniformity

When a Grading Bucket Is No Longer Enough

There are situations where a simple grading bucket stops being an adequate tool and becomes an operational bottleneck. This happens when material selection is no longer a secondary operation but a core phase of the job. One of the first warning signs is declining productivity. As volumes increase or continuous operation is required, relying solely on excavator movement leads to longer processing times and inconsistent results. Screening quality varies depending on the operator and material conditions, making it difficult to maintain consistent standards.

Another limitation emerges when handling wet or heterogeneous materials. Damp, clayey, or mixed soils tend to compact between the bars, reducing efficiency and causing frequent work interruptions. Finally, grading buckets show their limits when a controlled and repeatable particle size is required. In these cases, visually separating material is not enough—an active process capable of ensuring uniformity, continuity, and control is essential.

In such contexts, a screening bucket like CBR or CDS represents a natural evolution, not just an alternative. Screening becomes an active, manageable process fully integrated into the site’s production cycle, delivering tangible benefits in terms of time savings, material quality, and overall performance.

Contact CM for Technical Advice

If you are evaluating a material selection solution and want to understand whether a CBR or CDS screening bucket is the best fit for your operational needs, read our dedicated article “Which Screening Bucket Should You Choose?” or contact us with no obligation. The CM Srl team is always available to provide dedicated technical consultation and help you identify the most effective attachment for your job site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grading Buckets and Screening

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CM will be exhibiting at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, one of the most important international trade shows for the construction industry.

Booth P7241

At our stand, visitors will discover a complete range of hydraulic attachments for excavators designed to increase productivity directly on site.

Crushing Buckets – Reduce and Reuse On Site

CM crushing buckets allow natural rock, demolition waste, concrete and inert materials to be processed directly on site.
By reducing handling phases and transport costs, they support a more efficient and circular workflow.

Built in Hardox 450, designed for demanding jobsite conditions, and equipped with centralized greasing systems, CM crushing buckets cover excavators from 4 to 50 tons.

Screening Buckets – Precision and Versatility

From demolition materials to wet soil, riverbed materials, peat and mixed aggregates, CM screening buckets offer versatility across multiple applications.

Ideal for:

• Cleaning material before crushing
• Soil aeration
• Material selection and separation
• Processing mixed and clayey materials

Sorting Grapples & Pile Drivers

La gamma comprende inoltre:

• Sorting grapples, ensuring strong grip, rotation precision and efficient material handling.
• Hydraulic pile drivers, designed for excavator-mounted applications for driving posts efficiently and safely.

Meet CM in Las Vegas

CONEXPO is an opportunity to connect with construction professionals from North America and worldwide.

Visit us at Booth P7241 to discover how CM attachments can support your operations with efficiency, durability and performance.

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What Is a Vibrating Plate Compactor?

The vibrating plate compactor is a compaction machine used to increase the density of materials such as soil, gravel, sand and asphalt. Its operation is based on the transmission of high-frequency vibrations to a metal plate which, in contact with the ground, allows air voids to be eliminated and improves surface stability.

In the context of road works, the vibrating plate compactor (or, in site jargon, “asphalt tamper”) is often used in the final stages, when it is necessary to consolidate the base or finish asphalt sections in areas where traditional rollers cannot operate effectively.

How an Asphalt Tamper Works

The core of the machine is the vibrating unit, which generates a centrifugal force capable of transmitting controlled vibrations to the base plate. These vibrations allow the material to settle evenly, improving load-bearing capacity and reducing the risk of settlement over time.
On asphalt, correctly calibrated vibration allows a compact and even surface to be obtained without damaging the asphalt layer.

When to Use a Vibrating Plate Compactor on Asphalt

The use of the vibrating plate compactor for asphalt is particularly recommended in all those situations where precision and control are required. It is used, for example, for the compaction of patches, trenches, road edges, sidewalks and hard-to-reach areas.

It is the ideal solution when:

• work is carried out on small surfaces or close to walls and curbs;
• rapid intervention is required without the use of bulky machinery;
• uniform compaction is required without compromising freshly laid asphalt.

In modern construction sites, the vibrating plate compactor often represents the perfect complement to larger machines, ensuring precise and professional finishing.

Types of Vibrating Plate Compactors for Asphalt

Not all vibrating plate compactors are the same, and choosing the correct model depends on the type of work to be carried out.

• Single-direction vibrating plate compactors: These are more compact and easier to handle, ideal for light interventions and limited surfaces. They are often used for maintenance work and small repairs.
• Reversible vibrating plate compactors: These plate compactors allow forward and backward movement, offering greater power and control. They are suitable for more demanding work and larger surfaces, ensuring deeper compaction.
• Asphalt-specific vibrating plate compactors: Some models are specifically designed for asphalt and may include protection systems or dedicated accessories to prevent material adhesion to the plate and improve the quality of the final result.

Technical Features to Consider

When choosing among different vibrating plate compactors for asphalt, it is essential to evaluate certain technical aspects that directly affect performance and machine durability.

1. Weight and centrifugal force: The weight of the plate and the centrifugal force determine compaction capacity. On asphalt, it is important to find the right balance: a machine that is too light may not ensure long-lasting results, while one that is too heavy may damage the surface.
2. Vibration frequency: An appropriate frequency allows effective compaction without stressing the material. Professional models offer values designed to ensure uniformity and precision.
3. Plate dimensions: The width and length of the plate affect the working area and maneuverability. In road works, well-calibrated dimensions allow precise operation even in confined spaces.

Advantages of Using a Vibrating Plate Compactor for Asphalt

The use of dedicated vibrating plate compactors offers numerous operational advantages. It allows compaction quality to be improved, working time to be reduced and surfaces that are more resistant over time to be obtained. From an economic point of view, proper compaction reduces the risk of subsequent interventions, lowering maintenance and repair costs. In addition, the versatility of the vibrating plate compactor makes it an indispensable tool for construction companies, road contractors and operators seeking reliability and continuity of performance.

PV Series Vibrating Plate Compactor Hydraulic Pile Driver – CM Srl

Within this operational context, the PV Series vibrating plate compactor hydraulic pile driver by CM Srl fits in as a solution designed to offer reliability, power and versatility in compaction and piling operations.

The PV Series is designed and manufactured to compact backfill after excavation, reducing the risk of settlement over time, and is suitable for any surface, including asphalt. The possibility of also using it as a hydraulic pile driver significantly expands the field of application, making it a strategic choice for modern construction sites.

From a technical point of view, the range covers a wide variety of excavators, from mini and midi excavators to large excavators, with models offering different plate sizes, centrifugal force levels and vibration frequencies. Single or double eccentric solutions make it possible to adapt the machine to different operational requirements, always guaranteeing high performance.

Among the strengths of the PV Series are its robust construction, oil-bath bearings, quick and easy maintenance and components designed to withstand impacts and intensive stress. Added to this is the possibility of integrating optional features such as hydraulic rotation or dedicated kits for gripping and centering the pile, further increasing operational flexibility.

Why Choose a Professional Asphalt Vibrating Plate Compactor from CM Srl?

Choosing a professional asphalt vibrating plate compactor means investing in quality, reliability and continuity of work. CM Srl designs equipment intended to face complex operating conditions, offering machines capable of guaranteeing consistent performance over time. In roadworks and construction sectors, being able to rely on solid and versatile equipment makes the difference between a temporary intervention and a truly long-lasting job.

The vibrating plate compactor for asphalt is a fundamental tool for those operating in the construction and road maintenance sectors. Understanding how it works, choosing the correct model and relying on specialized manufacturers makes it possible to achieve better results, reduce working times and improve the overall quality of interventions.

If you are looking for a professional, versatile and long-lasting solution, the PV Series vibrating plate compactor hydraulic pile driver by CM Srl represents a concrete and reliable choice. Contact CM Srl to receive more information, personalized technical consultancy or a quotation tailored to your operational needs.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Vibrating Plate Compactors for Asphalt

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The requirement was clear: to unload the material collected by the sweeping bucket into high-sided trucks—such as four-axle and articulated lorries—while ensuring a full load every time.

When the attachment adapts to the job

To meet this need, MC Costruzioni, a road construction company based in Volpago del Montello, approached CM Srl with a very specific request: to develop a sweeping bucket capable of performing this type of unloading.

This led to a direct collaboration between road operators and equipment manufacturers, resulting in the joint design and construction of the first CBS MK sweeping bucket: a clamshell bucket with an integrated sweeper, capable of unloading efficiently even into high-sided lorries, while consistently achieving full load capacity.

Over time, the CBS MK has evolved to meet different operational requirements.
Today, the brush can be detached, allowing the 4-in-1 bucket to be used on its own. This configuration is particularly useful when handling large volumes of material, such as road millings, where increased load capacity and faster handling are essential.

In this setup, the bucket becomes a truly multifunctional tool: in addition to loading and leveling material, claws can be fitted, further expanding its range of applications—for example, for collecting branches and bulky materials.

Reliability measured in working hours

As reported directly from MC Costruzioni’s on-site experience, one of the most significant aspects of the CBS MK is its durability.
The first unit produced, still in operation today, has exceeded 6,000 working hours and remains in perfect working condition.

This tangible result goes far beyond any technical data sheet and confirms the philosophy behind the development of this equipment: high-quality materials, a structure designed for heavy-duty applications, and solutions built to withstand continuous use in contact with road millings—where strength and reliability truly make the difference.

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In the Torcegno job site, located in Valsugana, the company installed a 400 mm cast iron water pipeline for the local Land Improvement Consortium. The project covered a distance of about one and a half kilometers, with a four-metre-deep trench excavated in a compact, river-origin soil, rich in pebbles and constantly humid due to its position in the forest.

To manage these conditions and optimize the productivity of screening and crushing operations, MP Scavi chose to rely on CM attachments, already known and successfully used in other job sites. In particular:

• the CBF 90 crusher bucket, set to 50 mm directly on site, used to crush river stones and produce a uniform material that could be immediately reused for backfilling;
• the CDS 18 screening bucket, fitted with 25 mm discs, which allowed the selection of the finer fraction for the bedding layer, maintaining a consistent output even on wet ground.

Thanks to the combined use of the two buckets, MP Scavi was able to manage the entire material cycle directly on site, eliminating the need to transport or purchase external materials. Everything excavated was treated and reused immediately, resulting in significant savings in fuel, time, and handling costs.

A double advantage: on one hand, fewer trips to quarries and crushing plants; on the other, the ability to work independently even in remote areas, where the access of heavy vehicles is difficult.

In contexts like Torcegno, compact, powerful, and easily transportable attachments truly make a difference.

Choosing a CM bucket means relying on:

• versatility, as multiple operations can be performed with a single excavator;
• reliability, thanks to robust components and a design built to last;
• operational efficiency, with quick adjustments and minimal maintenance;
• real savings, in terms of time, materials, and transport.

The Torcegno project demonstrates how CM equipment offers a practical solution for those working in challenging environments, transforming material directly on site and maximizing the value of available resources.

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At CM’s booth, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the Crusher Bucket, one of our flagship products, designed to optimize demolition and recycling processes directly on-site. CM experts will be available to explain how this equipment can reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to obtain detailed information on our entire product range, including screening buckets, sorting grapples, sweepers, and much more.

Book your personalized appointment with our technical team: don’t miss the opportunity to meet our experts and plan tailor-made solutions for your project.

We look forward to seeing you at Big 5 Global 2025 from November 24 to 27, at booth SS1 F121.

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From 10 to 14 September 2025 in Kortrijk (Belgium), CM will be at Stand R74 showcasing its solutions for turning every job site into a model of efficiency.

From crusher buckets to screening buckets and sorting grapples, our experts will be on hand to show how CM equipment can streamline operations, reduce costs, and add value to materials directly on-site.

Have you heard about our Promo25?
It will be available during Matexpo 2025 and reserved exclusively for those who get in touch with us during the event period.
Not sure what it is? Write to us and find out!

Contact us to schedule a personalized appointment with our technical team.

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The CR electric jaw crusher is designed to offer maximum efficiency in small spaces, with an all-electric operation that eliminates emissions, noise, and fuel consumption.

Thanks to its electric power supply, it is ideal for small construction sites, working in enclosed spaces, urban areas, high-altitude construction sites, or on islands, as well as in all contexts where low noise and emission levels are required.

The CR is also designed for those who do not have a suitable excavator to support a crusher bucket. It requires no operating machine, as it is fully electric and independent.

It can be loaded directly with a mini excavator or fed by a conveyor belt, thus offering maximum flexibility. A perfect solution for those working on small sites, where heavy vehicles are not available, or for those who want to automate the workflow and make the operation continuous and efficient.

The jaws are made of 18% manganese casting and are mechanically adjustable to obtain a variable size of 10 to 80 mm.

The material crushed with the CR electric crusher can be reused directly on the construction site, thereby avoiding disposal costs and the need for new materials. Depending on the grain size chosen, the material obtained is mainly reused as stabilised material for road subgrades, road aprons, filling in excavations and trenches, drainage layers, the construction of road subgrades, or industrial flooring.

Depending on the nature of the input material – e.g., natural stone waste, marble or slate – the crushed product can also be used for decorative finishes in private and public gardens, walkways, flower beds, or borders.

The CR crusher is also useful in cases where an immediate re-use of the material is not foreseen. The volumetric reduction of aggregates alone makes it possible to optimise the load for transport to landfills or authorised plants.

Crushing means fewer trips, less fuel, less wasted time, and lower costs.

Particularly on small construction sites or in reclamation operations where rubble, blocks, or stones are accumulated for disposal, the CR becomes an effective tool for streamlining logistics and cutting operating costs.

Compact, easy to integrate, and with low noise levels, the CR electric jaw crusher is also perfectly suited for use inside factories or integrated with recycling plants.

Ideal for companies that process marble and stone materials, the CR crusher allows the direct recovery of processing waste, often of small or medium size, which would otherwise simply be considered as waste to be disposed of.

Thanks to the possibility of feeding it with a conveyor belt, waste can be conveyed directly to the crusher, crushed, and fed back into the production cycle in the form of reusable or saleable material.

Not only for direct users, but also for rental companies, companies that offer it as a subcontractor for specific processes.

Compact, electric, and stand-alone, the CR crusher is a practical solution for those seeking efficiency, versatility, and savings in the handling of aggregates and natural stone.

Want to learn more about the CR? Click the red button at the bottom right.

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Those who work in street cleaning know that a surface is never truly clean if dirt remains on the edges, between cracks in the asphalt, or under the heaviest dust. And that’s where the CSK sweeper bucket comes into play.

Robust, easy to use, and adaptable to tractors with a front three-point hitch, wheel loaders, but also backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, and skid steer loaders, the CSK is widely used in municipalities for ordinary street cleaning and by waste recycling companies. It was created for those who have to work every day on squares, municipal roads, car parks, public areas, and landfills.

The CSK has a dual function: it can collect dirt, conveying it into the bucket, or work in sweeping-only mode. In this second case, thanks to a hydraulic piston, the bucket is raised, and the cleaning action takes place exclusively via the brush, without collection. A solution that, thanks to the 20° angle, allows the dirt to be conveyed to one side: particularly effective in cleaning country roads or for eliminating light snow. Equipped with a floating attachment, the sweeping bucket adapts perfectly to irregularities in the ground. The result? No jumps, no discontinuity in the work: cleaning is uniform even on uneven surfaces.

The CSK brushes, available in steel or mixed steel/polyurethane versions, offer surprising brushing power: they move stones, compacted earth, and also remove compact organic residues on the asphalt, such as those left by the passage of animals during transhumance. A deep and decisive cleaning, perfect even for the most demanding contexts.

And for those who work in very dusty environments or need to collect dry and light material, the CSK can be equipped with an irrigation system to minimize dust lifting during work.

For those who need even higher performance, two optional side brushes are available, perfect for reaching road edges and the most difficult to treat areas.

In models with larger capacity, designed for wheel loaders and large-scale operating machines, the CSK can be equipped with 300 or 600 litre water kits, designed to contain dust in the most difficult environmental conditions, such as landfills or treatment plants. A solution suitable for those who work every day in the presence of dry materials and very exposed surfaces.

This is also why the CSK is so appreciated not only in urban contexts, but also in industrial and environmental applications, where reliability and robustness are not optional, but a real daily necessity.

Watch the CSK video!

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In the Municipality of Schio (VI), between the parking lot of via Milano and via Istria, an important urban regeneration project has begun. Thanks to the funds made available by the “Area Urbana Pedemontana” project, a new urban forest is being created as part of the “Nature-based Schio Solutions” initiative. The project involves the planting of approximately 200 trees in strategic parking areas. Urban greenery will increase significantly thanks to the planting in the areas used for parking, contributing to preventing the formation of heat islands in populated areas. In addition to improving thermal comfort, the trees will have a positive impact on air quality thanks to the absorption of CO₂ and the reduction of pollutants.

PRODUCTIVITY AND DETERMINATION

Before proceeding with the tree planting, the area required thorough remediation. It was in fact, an abandoned area invaded by wild vegetation, thick bushes, and waste hidden by the vegetation, such as plastic, tires, and building debris accumulated over the years. The work was entrusted to the Dal Maistro company of Monte di Malo (VI), already a CM customer for over a decade and specialized in construction and environmental remediation work.

To separate the soil from the waste and prepare it for the leveling necessary for the new planting, a CM CDS 20 rotor screening bucket was used, with a distance between the discs of 30 mm. The choice fell on this model for its versatility, as it is suitable for both large excavators such as the Hitachi ZX300, and lighter machines such as the Hitachi Zaxis 210 LCH, used specifically for this work.

Equipped with four rotors, the CDS 20 guarantees high output even on difficult materials and in demanding conditions. The rotors in Hardox 450 guarantee high wear resistance and long life; the front and rear scrapers fitted as standard facilitate the self-cleaning of the rotors.

On the construction site in question, the CDS 20 screening bucket diligently separated the waste of building material accumulated over the years from the earth, then finely sieved it to prepare the ground for future planting.

Furthermore, with the CDS series, the rotors can be changed to apply discs also suitable for light shredding, thus expanding its functionality.

Watch the video about CDS 20!

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