Bear Paw Mini Excavator Material Handling Attachment

The Bear Iron Works Bear Paw is a purpose-built material handling attachment for mini excavators, engineered to mount directly to the grading blade and dramatically increase jobsite efficiency. Unlike traditional buckets or forks, the Bear Paw transforms your mini-ex blade into a high-capacity material handler—eliminating the need for a second machine on site.

Visually, the Bear Paw is a rugged, open-top steel box with tall side walls and a wide interior. Measuring 56 in wide x 48 in long, it sits securely on the blade to create a stable platform for transporting loose material. The 18 in box height and 36.5 in total material holder height provide substantial volume while maintaining excellent visibility from the cab.

With an actual capacity of 1.14 cubic yards and an empty weight of 550 lbs, the Bear Paw is ideal for handling rock, sand, gravel, dirt, soil, and aggregate on landscaping, fencing, trenching, and property-maintenance jobs.

Blade-Mounted Mini-Ex Attachment Design

The Bear Paw is one of the most versatile mini-ex blade attachments available. It features dual blade attachment points with a central grab handle, allowing operators to mount it using two simple methods:

• Raise the grading blade directly into the attachment points
• Place the Bear Paw onto the blade using the excavator bucket

The attachment openings are sized to work with most mini excavators, making the Bear Paw compatible across a wide range of machine brands and models.

Built-In Material & Post Handling

Integrated flip-up holder tabs along the side walls allow the Bear Paw to securely carry:

• Pipe
• Fence posts
• Long or awkward materials

This turns the Bear Paw into a mobile material carrier—especially valuable for fencing and utility work where posts and bedding material can be transported in a single trip.

Multiple Loading & Dumping Options

Loading Methods

• Bucket loading: Dump loose material directly into the Bear Paw
• Shovel-style loading: Scoop from stockpiles of loose material (not intended for excavation)

Material Placement Options

• Scoop material out incrementally for precision bedding and landscaping
• Dump the entire contents by grabbing the center handle with a bucket and thumb
• Rotate the Bear Paw to dump in a traditional excavator bucket orientation

Built for Real-World Use

Constructed from ASTM A36 steel, the Bear Paw reflects the durability and craftsmanship Bear Iron Works is known for.

Specifications

• Material: ASTM A36 Steel
• Capacity: 1.14 cubic yards
• Weight: 550 lbs
• Width: 56 in
• Length: 48 in
• Box Height: 18 in
• Total Height: 36.5 in
• Finish: Standard Yellow or Black

Ships nationwide to all 50 states.

Alaska and Hawaii available by phone order.

Ideal Applications

The Bear Paw mini excavator material handling attachment is ideal for:

• Landowners
• Landscapers
• Small contractors
• Fence builders
• Trenchers
• Farmers and ranchers

If you’re looking for a blade-mounted material handling attachment for mini excavators that reduces equipment needs, speeds up material movement, and keeps one-man operations productive, the Bear Paw delivers unmatched performance.

Upgrade your mini-ex blade. Handle more material. Work smarter with the Bear Paw.

Bear Paw — Attachment & Use Guide

Before You Start (Safety)

1. Park on level ground when possible.
2. Keep all bystanders clear of the blade and attachment.
3. Operate slowly using low throttle and smooth controls.

A) How to Attach the Bear Paw (Two Methods)

Method 1: Blade Into Attachment Points (Fastest)

1. Set the Bear Paw on flat ground with attachment points facing the machine.
2. Lower the grading blade just above the attachment points.
3. Align the blade with the two attachment openings.
4. Creep forward until the blade is fully seated.
5. Raise the blade slowly.
6. Test fit by gently raising and lowering a few inches.

Method 2: Place Using the Bucket

1. Grab the center handle with the bucket (and thumb if equipped).
2. Lift the Bear Paw slightly off the ground.
3. Position it in front of the blade.
4. Lower it until the blade seats into the attachment points.
5. Raise the blade to lock it in place.
6. Confirm it is centered and secure.

B) How to Load the Bear Paw

Option 1: Bucket Mode

1. Drive to the material pile.
2. Dump material into the Bear Paw.
3. Keep the load stable—do not overheap.

Option 2: Shovel Mode

1. Approach loose material (not hard-packed ground).
2. Lower the Bear Paw to the ground.
3. Push into the pile using machine movement.
4. Back out slowly once loaded.

Note: Designed for material handling and loose scooping—not excavation.

C) Carrying Material

1. Keep the load low while traveling.
2. Move at controlled speeds.
3. Avoid sharp turns or sudden starts/stops.

D) Placing Material (Three Methods)

Method 1: Precision Placement

• Scoop small amounts out with the bucket for bedding or grading.

Method 2: Full Dump

1. Grab the center handle with bucket and thumb.
2. Lift and rotate to dump contents.
3. Return to neutral and release.

Method 3: Bucket-Style Dump

• Rotate the Bear Paw orientation and repeat the full dump method.

E) Carrying Pipe, Posts & Long Materials

1. Flip up side holding tabs.
2. Place materials into the Bear Paw so tabs stabilize the load.
3. Travel slowly with the load low.
4. Set materials down and flip tabs back as needed.

F) Removing the Bear Paw

1. Move to level ground.
2. Lower the Bear Paw until resting fully on the ground.
3. Relieve blade pressure.
4. Lower the blade out of the attachment points and back away slowly.