If you’ve ever worn through a bucket edge faster than expected, you already know how much the cutting edge matters. The question most skid steer owners eventually ask is simple: bolt-on or welded – which actually lasts longer?
The answer depends on how you work, how often you use the attachment, and whether you plan to repair or replace when things wear out.
What does a cutting edge do on a skid steer attachment?
A cutting edge is the part of the bucket or attachment that takes the abuse. It’s the first thing that hits gravel, concrete, frozen ground, or asphalt. Its job is to cut, scrape, and protect the bucket behind it. Once the edge wears down, performance drops fast, and damage to the attachment usually follows.
What’s the real difference between bolt-on and welded cutting edges?
The difference isn’t just how they’re attached. It’s how wear is handled over time.
A bolt-on cutting edge is meant to be replaced. A welded cutting edge is meant to be repaired, usually with cutting and welding. That single design choice changes cost, downtime, and how long the bucket itself survives.
What is a bolt-on cutting edge?
A bolt-on cutting edge is a separate, hardened steel wear part that’s bolted to the front of the bucket. When it wears out, you remove it and bolt on a new one. The bucket stays intact.
Most heavy-duty skid steer buckets use bolt-on edges for a reason. They treat the cutting edge as a consumable, not part of the structure.
Why operators prefer them:
- Easy to replace
- Protect the bucket lip
- Often reversible for longer use
What is a welded cutting edge?
A welded cutting edge is permanently attached to the bucket. As it wears down, it takes the bucket with it. Once it’s gone, repair means grinding, cutting, and welding or replacing the bucket altogether.
Welded edges are usually found on lighter-duty or lower-cost attachments where simplicity matters more than long-term serviceability.
Which cutting edge actually lasts longer?
If you’re talking about the entire life of the attachment, bolt-on cutting edges last longer.
A welded edge might hold up for a while, but once it wears past a certain point, the bucket itself starts losing material. Bolt-on edges sacrifice themselves instead, which keeps the attachment usable for years longer.
Short answer: Bolt-on cutting edges extend the life of the bucket, not just the edge.
Which option costs less over time?
Welded cutting edges look cheaper at first. They usually are. But once you factor in labor, downtime, and repeat repairs, bolt-on edges usually win.
With bolt-on edges:
- Replacement is predictable
- Downtime is short
- Repairs don’t weaken the bucket
With welded edges, every repair removes more material from the attachment.
Does cutting edge type affect performance?
Yes, more than most people expect.
Bolt-on cutting edges keep a consistent edge profile. That means better scraping, cleaner grading, and more predictable results. Many are reversible, so you get two wear lives from one edge.
Welded edges slowly round off. As they do, cutting performance drops, especially on hard or compacted surfaces.
Which cutting edge is better for heavy-duty skid steer work?
For demanding work like excavation, demolition, grading, or snow removal, bolt-on cutting edges are the better choice. They’re built for high abrasion and frequent contact with hard materials.
Welded edges tend to disappear quickly in these conditions, especially when used daily.
Are welded cutting edges ever the right choice?
They can be, in limited situations.
If the attachment is used occasionally, mostly on soft material, and replacement cost is the main concern, a welded edge can make sense. They’re simple and have fewer parts. Just don’t expect them to hold up like a serviceable wear edge.
Bolt-On vs Welded Cutting Edges at a Glance
| Feature | Bolt-On | Welded |
| Replaceable | Yes | No |
| Protects bucket | Yes | No |
| Downtime | Low | High |
| Long-term cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for heavy use | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cutting edge lasts longer on a skid steer bucket?
Bolt-on cutting edges last longer overall because they protect the bucket itself. When the edge wears out, it’s replaced instead of repaired, which preserves the attachment’s structure.
Are bolt-on cutting edges worth the extra money?
For most contractors and frequent users, yes. The higher upfront cost is usually offset by lower repair bills, less downtime, and a longer attachment lifespan.
Can a welded cutting edge be replaced with a bolt-on edge?
Often, yes. Many buckets can be converted by removing the welded edge and installing a bolt-on system, as long as the bucket structure is still in good condition.
Do bolt-on cutting edges reduce bucket damage?
Yes. They act as a sacrificial wear part, taking damage instead of letting wear reach the bucket lip.
Which cutting edge works best for snow removal?
Bolt-on cutting edges are usually better for snow removal because they maintain a clean scraping edge and are easy to replace. Rubber and poly bolt-on options are also popular for paved surfaces.
Final thought
If you use your skid steer regularly and expect your attachments to last, bolt-on cutting edges usually make more sense. Welded edges can work, but they tend to shorten the life of the attachment they’re welded to.