ENUMCLAW, Washington — Helac's new "PowerGrip" 4-in-1 Backhoe Bucket gives backhoes and excavators multi-task capability in a single attachment. It can be used as a trenching, grading or clamshell bucket, grapple, or hydraulic thumb. The PowerGrip has a full trenching bucket profile with no obstructions inside the bucket shell or on the moveable jaw that could restrict the handling and unloading of material. Operating independent of the bucket curl cylinder, the jaw opens to 120 degrees, giving the PowerGrip the ability to manipulate large objects. The serrated edges on the sides of the bucket and back of the jaw help hold material in place. The jaw's holding force is significantly greater than traditional designs and is consistent through the jaw's entire arc of movement – there is no variation in force. Using Helac's rotary actuator technology, the PowerGrip has no exposed cylinder rods, hinge pins, or bushings. All moving parts are safely enclosed within the bucket structure, protected from debris and damage. The PowerGrip is ideal for extendable dipperstick backhoes where thumb installation is very difficult. Sizes are available for medium to large backhoes and comparable excavators to 21,000 LB operating weight.