Hey folks, I just joined this forum as I was looking into this issue of clay in the bucket. I have a 54" wide bucket on my machine and I figure right now after two days of digging wet clay it's about 50% packed full of clay. I started on it with a shovel but quickly gave up. I like this idea of a clacker bucket, and couldn't visualize what some guys said about welding spare plates or whatever, but the simple chains makes sense. I found a picture that I think is just the chains.
But I guess the bigger question right now is, what's the best way to get this garbage out that is currently stuck IN the bucket. I'm a bit surprised that I didn't think to beat my bucket on the ground, but I did leave it curled out so if sun hits the bucket and warms it and dries the clay inside a bit, it should just fall out. But digging it out with a handheld shovel is likely to kill me!
I was also thinking on the theory of clay beds on dump trucks, that have the rounded bottoms (no corners). I guess one could weld some 45 degree angle plates between the bottom and sides of the bucket, but matching the curved back might be hard. And then you have a permanent reduction in volume welded in the bucket too.
Any advice would be much appreciated.