What if my machine uses a Bobcat X-Change or Deere WedgeLock coupler instead of two pins?

If you have a dedicated OEM coupler like Bobcat X-Change or John Deere WedgeLock, you do not need to measure pin centers—simply select your machine model and coupler type when requesting a quote.

Why are metric measurements preferred over inches for excavator pins?

Nearly all global compact excavators (Kubota, Yanmar, Takeuchi, CAT, Komatsu, and most Bobcat/Deere models) use metric pins (25/30/35/40/45 mm). Measuring in millimeters prevents 1/16-inch rounding errors that cause tight pins.

GUIDE · FITMENT · TECHNICAL BUYER GUIDE

How to Measure Excavator Bucket Pin Size, Ear Width & Pin Centers

Step-by-step caliper measurement guide for pin diameter (A), dipper ear width (B), and pin center-to-center distance (C).

Direct Engineering Summary

To guarantee a direct fit on any pin-on or quick-coupler excavator attachment, you only need three measurements in millimeters: (A) Pin Diameter — the outside diameter of your bucket and link pins; (B) Dipper Ear Width — the inside gap between the bucket mounting ears where your dipper stick sits; and (C) Pin Center-to-Center — the distance from the center of the main bucket pin to the center of the linkage pin.

Reference Chart

Common Mini Excavator Pin Dimensions (1–6 Ton Reference)

MACHINE CLASSPIN DIAMETER (A)EAR INSIDE WIDTH (B)PIN CENTERS (C)TYPICAL MODELS

1.0–1.8 T25 MM95–105 MM90–115 MMKubota U17, Bobcat E17, Yanmar ViO17

2.0–3.0 T30 / 35 MM115–130 MM130–165 MMBobcat E26, Kubota U27-4, Yanmar ViO25

3.2–4.0 T35 / 40 MM130–140 MM165–195 MMBobcat E35, John Deere 35G, CAT 303.5

4.5–6.0 T40 / 45 MM150–165 MM210–250 MMCAT 305, Kubota KX057, Bobcat E50

1. Measuring Pin Diameter (Dimension A)

Use a vernier caliper across the unworn middle or end section of your existing bucket pin. Mini excavators from 1 to 6 tons almost always use metric pins in 5 mm increments (25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or 45 mm). If you measure with an inch tape, convert to millimeters and round to the nearest standard metric size.

2. Measuring Dipper Stick Width / Ear Clearance (Dimension B)

Measure the width of the end of your excavator dipper arm (and link boss) where the pins pass through, or measure the inside distance between the two mounting ears on a bucket that already fits your machine. We build bucket ears 1–2 mm wider than your stick width and include shims for a zero-slop fit.

3. Measuring Pin Center-to-Center Distance (Dimension C)

Measure from the exact center of the front pin hole to the exact center of the rear pin hole. On direct pin-on buckets, tolerances within ±5 mm still allow smooth bucket curl; on pin-grabber quick couplers, hydraulic jaw travel typically accommodates a 30–50 mm center range.