For excavator buckets, the best steel plates are those that offer an ideal mix of hardness, toughness, and weldability — primarily AR400, AR450, or HIND HARD 400/450.
These plates handle continuous impact, abrasive materials, and heavy-duty digging without cracking or wearing out quickly.
Top Recommended Grades for Excavator Buckets
| Grade | Hardness (BHN) | Ideal Use Area |
|---|---|---|
| AR400 / HIND HARD 400 | 360–440 BHN | Bucket bodies & liners |
| AR450 / HIND HARD 450 | 430–480 BHN | Edges, blades, and impact zones |
| AR500 (only for extreme cases) | 480–550 BHN | High-wear zones (but less weldable) |
Why AR400 / HIND HARD 400 is Often Best
- Toughness: Resists cracking under pressure
- Weldable: Easily joined with bucket side walls
- Formable: Bends to bucket shape without damage
- Cost-effective: Lower price than ultra-hard grades
OEMs & Fabricators Trust:
Most construction contractors and earthmoving OEMs in India, UAE, and Africa use HIND HARD 400 or AR400 for the base and HIND HARD 450 for the lip and edges.
Pro Tip:
If you’re frequently working in quarries or high-impact zones, you can reinforce your bucket edge with 500 BHN wear strips while using 400 BHN for the body.