When sampling for aggregates, what is crucial regarding the bucket of the endloader?

When sampling for aggregates, angling the bucket downward on one side of the pile is essential for obtaining a representative sample. This method allows for a more thorough collection of aggregates from various levels of the pile, which is crucial to ensure that the sample reflects the overall composition of the material. By angling the bucket, the operator can scoop from different depths and areas within the pile, capturing any variations in material quality, size, and type.

Maintaining the bucket at an angle helps to prevent the segregation of materials, which can occur when the bucket is flat or at an improper angle. This technique improves the likelihood of gathering a mix that is representative of the entire aggregate pile, ensuring that the resulting sample holds true to the characteristics needed for testing or analysis.

Using this method also minimizes the risk of contamination that might arise from sampling only the surface or a specific section of the pile, leading to a more accurate understanding of the materials being used in the mixture.