Bucket Elevator Cups | DS Deep & DQ Shallow Grain Elevator Cups
Our Elevator Cups
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In the grain handling, agricultural processing, and bulk material conveying industries, elevator cups — also called elevator buckets — are the core bucket elevator parts that actually carry the material up the elevator casing. The DS (deep cup) and DQ (shallow cup) series are the two standard formats used in vertical and inclined bucket elevator systems worldwide.
We manufacture the complete DS and DQ grain elevator cups range: 35+ DS models from 0.16L to 13.2L, and 20+ DQ models from 0.26L to 15.0L. Every bucket elevator cup in our range is available with customised hole pitch and diameter to match your existing elevator chain bolt pattern — confirmed by technical drawing before production.
If you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to Tapco elevator buckets or other branded elevator cups, our DS and DQ series are direct replacements confirmed by dimension matching. Send us your existing cup dimensions or part number and we will confirm compatibility within 24 hours.
Part of our complete kovalı elevatör parçaları range. For Z-type food packaging elevator buckets, see our Z-type elevator bucket page.
As a specialist replacement parts supplier, we manufacture Z-type elevator buckets that directly replace the original components across all mainstream Chinese elevator brands — matching the mounting width, bucket profile, and attachment geometry of the original part, confirmed by technical drawing before every order.
Whether you are sourcing standard replacement buckets for a multihead weigher infeed line or specifying a custom multi-outlet configuration for a complex distribution layout, this page covers every Z-type bucket in our range.
Part of our complete bucket elevator parts range.
What Are Elevator Cups?
Elevator Cups vs Elevator Buckets: Are They the Same Thing?
Yes — elevator cups and elevator buckets refer to the same component. The term ‘elevator cup’ is commonly used in North American grain and agricultural markets (particularly in the US and Canada), while ‘elevator bucket’ is the more widely used term in industrial and Asian markets. Both describe the plastic or metal scoops that attach to the elevator belt or chain to carry bulk material from the bottom boot of the elevator to the top discharge head.
In this page, we use both terms interchangeably. When buyers search for grain elevator cups, bucket elevator cups, or elevator cups for sale, they are looking for exactly the DS and DQ series bucket elevator parts described here.
Terminology quick reference: Elevator cups = elevator buckets = elevator scoops. The DS series = deep elevator cups. The DQ series = shallow elevator cups. The physical component and its function are identical — only the market terminology differs.
DS Deep Elevator Cups vs DQ Shallow Elevator Cups: How to Choose
The most important selection decision when sourcing bucket elevator cups is choosing the correct profile — deep (DS) or shallow (DQ). This determines how the cup fills at the boot, how completely it discharges at the head, and how well it performs at your elevator’s specific inclination angle.
| DS Deep Elevator Cups | DQ Shallow Elevator Cups | |
| Profile | Deep body relative to width — high C/B ratio | Wide and shallow — low C/B ratio |
| Best elevator angle | Vertical and near-vertical (75°–90°) | Inclined elevators (45°–75°) |
| Discharge type | Centrifugal — cup throws material clear at speed | Gravity-assisted — material flows over lip at angle |
| Ideal material | Free-flowing grain, seeds, pellets, light granules | Dense materials, large lumps, abrasive bulk solids |
| Capacity range | 0.16L (DS0705) to 13.20L (DS5121) | 0.26L (DQ1009) to 15.00L (DQ5626) |
| Bucket elevator size | Smaller overall footprint per litre of capacity | Wider profile — needs wider casing clearance |
| Typical use | Grain mills, seed plants, feed manufacturing, chemicals | Mining, cement, fertiliser, large grain terminals |
Selection rule: If your elevator runs vertically and handles free-flowing grain or seeds — specify DS deep cups. If your elevator is inclined or handles heavy, abrasive, or large-lump material — specify DQ shallow cups. If replacing existing cups, always match the original profile type. Switching between DS and DQ changes discharge geometry and may cause spillage.
Elevator Cup Sizes: How to Read the Model Number and Choose the Right Size
Understanding bucket elevator bucket size is straightforward once you know how our model numbering works. Every DS and DQ model number encodes the two most critical dimensions directly in the part number.
How to Read the Model Number
Example: DS2914 DS = Deep cup series 29 = A dimension (overall width) approximately 290mm 14 = B dimension (projection depth) approximately 140mm Example: DQ3823 DQ = Shallow cup series 38 = A dimension approximately 380mm 23 = B dimension approximately 230mm
The five dimensions that fully define any bucket elevator cup size are:
- A — Overall width of the cup (front face, widest point, in mm)
- B — Projection — distance from back plate to leading lip (depth of reach, in mm)
- C — Inner cavity depth (usable internal depth, in mm)
- D — Back plate height (the flat mounting surface, in mm)
- E — Bolt hole centre-to-centre spacing (can be customised to your chain, in mm)
If you know your existing elevator cup’s model number, you can read the approximate A and B dimensions directly. If you only have the physical cup, measure these five dimensions and send them to us — we will identify the matching model or confirm a custom specification.
DS Series: Complete Bucket Elevator Cups Size Chart
35 standard DS deep elevator cup models. All dimensions in mm. Capacity in litres. Hole pitch (E) and hole diameter can be customised to match your elevator chain bolt pattern.
| Örnek | A | B | C | D | E | Holes | Hole Ø | Capacity (L) |
| DS5121 | 510 | 228 | 195 | 55 | 90 | 6 | 9 | 13.20 |
| DS4621 | 460 | 220 | 200 | 55 | 80 | 6 | 9 | 11.70 |
| DS4121 | 418 | 222 | 200 | 55 | 85 | 5 | 9 | 10.40 |
| DS4118 | 419 | 190 | 180 | 50 | 110 | 4 | 9 | 8.40 |
| DS3621 | 365 | 220 | 200 | 55 | 95 | 4 | 9 | 8.50 |
| DS3518 | 361 | 188 | 180 | 55 | 95 | 4 | 9 | 6.80 |
| DS3121 | 315 | 220 | 200 | 55 | 85 | 4 | 9 | 7.40 |
| DS3118 | 321 | 180 | 166 | 45 | 85 | 4 | 9 | 5.10 |
| DS3114 | 314 | 148 | 142 | 45 | 80 | 4 | 9 | 3.26 |
| DS2919 | 295 | 197 | 178 | 50 | 115 | 3 | 9 | 5.80 |
| DS2916 | 297 | 170 | 155 | 45 | 110 | 3 | 9 | 4.00 |
| DS2823 | 289 | 230 | 190 | 55 | 105 | 3 | 9 | 6.70 |
| DS2816 | 282 | 168 | 154 | 45 | 100 | 3 | 9 | 3.70 |
| DS2814 | 277 | 140 | 136 | 40 | 100 | 3 | 9 | 2.70 |
| DS2812 | 282 | 125 | 130 | 40 | 100 | 3 | 9 | 2.40 |
| DS2616 | 266 | 166 | 154 | 45 | 90 | 3 | 9 | 3.30 |
| DS2511 | 250 | 114 | 115 | 25 | 125 | 2 | 7 | 1.50 |
| DS2316 | 238 | 166 | 154 | 45 | 85 | 3 | 9 | 3.00 |
| DS2314 | 240 | 142 | 128 | 40 | 85 | 3 | 9 | 2.27 |
| DS2312 | 235 | 125 | 125 | 40 | 140 | 2 | 9 | 1.90 |
| DS2014 | 208 | 140 | 120 | 40 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.80 |
| DS2010 | 202 | 102 | 98 | 20 | 102 | 2 | 7 | 0.91 |
| DS1814 | 188 | 140 | 130 | 40 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.70 |
| DS1812 | 188 | 125 | 115 | 40 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.30 |
| DS1613 | 164 | 139 | 124 | 40 | 90 | 2 | 7 | 1.40 |
| DS1612 | 166 | 118 | 108 | 40 | 90 | 2 | 7 | 1.05 |
| DS1511 | 153 | 108 | 96 | 35 | 80 | 2 | 7 | 0.90 |
| DS1508 | 152 | 84 | 78 | 18 | 76 | 2 | 7 | 0.72 |
| DS1411 | 145 | 105 | 100 | 35 | 80 | 2 | 7 | 0.85 |
| DS1311 | 140 | 108 | 95 | 35 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.75 |
| DS1311A | 134 | 115 | 94 | 35 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.75 |
| DS1009A | 106 | 92 | 88 | 25 | 50 | 2 | 7 | 0.42 |
| DS1309 | 135 | 92 | 82 | 25 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.50 |
| DS1307 | 130 | 75 | 80 | 25 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.40 |
| DS1109 | 116 | 84 | 80 | 25 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.42 |
| DS1009 | 109 | 91 | 89 | 24 | 50 | 2 | 7 | 0.40 |
| DS0807 | 85 | 75 | 64 | 20 | 50 | 2 | 7 | 0.25 |
| DS0705 | 78 | 55 | 71 | 20 | 40 | 2 | 7 | 0.16 |
Special paddy/rice milling models: DB2607 (260×70×70mm, 0.50L) and DB3707 (372×71×81mm, 0.80L).
DQ Shallow Elevator Cups — Full Specification Table
DQ Series: Complete Shallow Elevator Cups Size Chart
23 standard DQ shallow elevator cup models for high-capacity inclined and heavy-duty bulk material applications. All dimensions in mm, capacity in litres.
| Örnek | A | B | C | D | E | Holes | Hole Ø | Capacity (L) |
| DQ5626 | 569 | 260 | 170 | 50 | 115 | 5 | 11 | 15.00 |
| DQ4726 | 470 | 260 | 170 | 50 | 95 | 5 | 9 | 11.50 |
| DQ4723 | 475 | 230 | 164 | 45 | 95 | 5 | 9 | 10.00 |
| DQ4423 | 445 | 230 | 165 | 45 | 85 | 5 | 9 | 9.50 |
| DQ3917 | 393 | 170 | 130 | 40 | 80 | 5 | 9 | 5.00 |
| DQ3823 | 376 | 225 | 162 | 45 | 100 | 4 | 9 | 8.00 |
| DQ3325 | 339 | 259 | 170 | 45 | 120 | 3 | 9 | 8.50 |
| DQ3321 | 331 | 220 | 138 | 40 | 85 | 4 | 9 | 5.50 |
| DQ2824 | 289 | 244 | 166 | 45 | 105 | 3 | 9 | 6.40 |
| DQ2818 | 287 | 178 | 122 | 40 | 53 | 4 | 11 | 3.40 |
| DQ2817 | 285 | 177 | 118 | 40 | 90 | 3 | 9 | 3.35 |
| DQ2816 | 290 | 167 | 108 | 35 | 90 | 3 | 9 | 2.50 |
| DQ2814 | 280 | 140 | 90 | 35 | 90 | 3 | 9 | 2.05 |
| DQ2717 | 267 | 176 | 120 | 35 | 52 | 4 | 11 | 3.15 |
| DQ2616 | 260 | 167 | 144 | 50 | 80 | 3 | 9 | 2.20 |
| DQ2417 | 252 | 183 | 112 | 38 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 2.60 |
| DQ2316 | 238 | 160 | 102 | 35 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.90 |
| DQ2314 | 232 | 142 | 90 | 35 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.90 |
| DQ2312 | 234 | 125 | 95 | 35 | 120 | 2 | 9 | 1.50 |
| DQ1914 | 195 | 140 | 108 | 35 | 110 | 2 | 9 | 1.60 |
| DQ1814 | 186 | 140 | 87 | 30 | 100 | 2 | 9 | 1.13 |
| DQ1311 | 136 | 114 | 72 | 25 | 60 | 2 | 7 | 0.50 |
| DQ1009 | 106 | 90 | 59 | 20 | 50 | 2 | 7 | 0.26 |
Tapco Elevator Buckets Alternative
Looking for a Tapco Elevator Buckets Alternative?
Tapco is one of the most recognised names in grain elevator cups — but Tapco elevator buckets are not the only option, and for buyers outside North America, lead times and import costs can make them impractical for routine maintenance restocking.
Our DS and DQ elevator cups are manufactured to the same dimensional standards used across the global grain elevator industry. If you have a Tapco part number or a set of cup dimensions from your existing Tapco elevator buckets, we can confirm the matching DS or DQ model — or produce a custom cup to the exact Tapco dimensions — typically at significantly lower cost and with faster delivery for international buyers.
How to get a Tapco alternative quote: Send us your Tapco part number, or the five dimensions (A/B/C/D/E) from your existing cups, plus the hole diameter and number of holes. We confirm the matching specification and provide a price comparison within 24 hours. No commitment required for the initial comparison.
Elevator Cup Materials: HDPE, Nylon, Polyurethane, Steel
| Malzeme | Max. Temp. | Wear Life | Best Application | Food Grade |
| HDPE (High-density polyethylene) | 60°C | Standart | Grain, seeds, light chemical powders — the standard material for most grain elevator cups | Yes — FDA 21 CFR |
| Nylon (PA6 / PA66) | 120°C | 3–4× HDPE | Abrasive materials, high-speed elevators, heavy continuous operation | Yes (food grade grade) |
| Poliüretan (PU) | 80°C | Best impact | Mining aggregates, large-lump materials, high-impact discharge applications | No |
| Carbon steel (painted) | 200°C | Yüksek | High-temperature or very heavy load applications where plastic lacks rigidity | No |
| 304 Stainless steel | 300°C+ | Highest | Corrosive chemicals, food washdown, pharmaceutical — where full hygiene compliance needed | Yes — USDA/FDA |
İlgili Ürün
Get a Quote or Compatibility Confirmation
Know your model number or dimensions? Send us the DS or DQ model code, or the five cup dimensions (A/B/C/D/E) plus hole count and diameter. We return a quotation and drawing confirmation within 24 hours. Contact our technical team →
Replacing Tapco or other branded elevator cups? Send us your existing part number or a photo of the cup with a ruler. We confirm the compatible DS or DQ model and provide a price comparison — no commitment required. Send your details →
Related Bucket Elevator Parts
Complete Bucket Elevator Parts Hub — chains, sprockets, guide rails, and all elevator cup types
Z-Type Elevator Buckets — for food packaging lines and multihead weigher infeed applications
Conveyor Roller Chain & Sprockets — matched chain for DS and DQ elevator cup installations
The Ultimate Guide to Bucket Elevator Components — technical guide to cups, chains, and sprockets
Frequently Asked Questions: Bucket Elevator Cups
They are the same component. ‘Elevator cups’ is the term commonly used in North American grain and agricultural markets. ‘Elevator buckets’ is more common in industrial and Asian markets. Both describe the plastic or metal scoops that attach to the elevator belt or chain to carry bulk material. On this page, DS and DQ series parts are referred to as both elevator cups and elevator buckets interchangeably.
Measure the five key dimensions of your existing cup: A (overall width), B (projection depth from back plate to leading lip), C (inner cavity depth), D (back plate height), E (bolt hole centre-to-centre spacing). Also record the number of holes and hole diameter. Match these values to the DS or DQ size chart above. If your dimensions fall between two standard sizes, or if the hole pitch is non-standard, we will produce a custom cup to your exact specification.
Yes. If you provide your elevator model, casing width, and chain specification, we can produce a recommended bucket elevator parts list covering the cups, chain, sprockets, and guide rails suitable for your system. This is a free service we provide to help buyers consolidate their maintenance parts sourcing. Contact our technical team with your elevator details.
In most cases, yes. Tapco elevator buckets follow standard industry dimensional conventions for grain elevator cups, and our DS and DQ models cover the same size range. Send us your Tapco part number or cup dimensions and we will confirm the matching DS or DQ model within 24 hours. Where a direct model match does not exist, we can produce a custom cup to the exact Tapco dimensions.
Standard DS and DQ models listed in the size charts above: MOQ 50–100 pieces depending on size, no tooling charge. For non-standard sizes or new profiles: MOQ 500–1,000 pieces with one-time mould cost. For urgent breakdown replacement requiring fewer than 50 pieces of a standard size, contact us directly — we maintain stock of the most common sizes for fast dispatch.
Yes — the E dimension (hole centre-to-centre spacing) and hole diameter are the two most commonly customised parameters. If your elevator uses a non-standard bolt pitch, send us the E dimension and hole diameter from your existing cups. We drill to your specification and include the custom hole pattern in the drawing confirmation before production. This service is available at no additional charge for orders above the standard MOQ.