Quick release buckets for bucket wheels

A bucket wheel apparatus incorporates a bucket (1) connected to a crossbar (401) of a wheel (400), wherein hooks (2) surround the crossbar (401) such that the crossbar (401) is received in crossbar openings (13) of the hooks (2). The bucket (1) further has a retaining pin (12) for pre tensioning the bucket (1) to secure the bucket (1) to the wheel (400). Pre tensioning may be effected through the use of a slider key (403) which engages a receptacle (15) extending through the slider key (403). Theadvantages provided with embodiments of the invention include safe and quick assembly and disassembly of the bucket (1) to/from the wheel (400). - 300 101*** (PRIOR ART) 1\010