Material selection matters — Choose appropriate steel grades depending on use: for structural integrity use high-strength carbon or HSLA steels; for wear surfaces use abrasion-resistant (AR) steel or specialized wear plates (e.g. Hardox® 500 Tuf). This ensures balance between strength, toughness, wear resistance, and weldability. 

Design & engineering approach — For buckets/attachments: reinforce high-wear and high-stress zones (cutting edges, lips, sidewalls, bottom), use wear plates/liners, plan welding to avoid weaknesses, allow for replacement of wear parts (e.g. bolt-on cutting edges, replaceable liners). Good fabrication design reduces weight while maximizing durability. 

Quality workmanship & welding standards — Proper welding, heat control, full penetration welds, correct procedures, and quality checks are essential to avoid premature structural failure or cracking under stress. For wear-steel overlays or hardfacing, correct procedures prevent weakening of steel.

Maintenance & inspection schedule — Regular inspections for wear, cracks, fatigue; timely replacement of cutting edges, liners, teeth or worn parts before damage spreads. Preventive maintenance extends life and avoids costly downtime.

Cost vs lifecycle trade-off — While using premium wear steel or high-grade materials may increase upfront cost, the long-term savings from extended lifespan, fewer repairs, less downtime, reduced replacement frequency — especially in harsh environments — often outweigh initial investment.

Fit for application / environment — Select metal grades, wear packages, bucket design and reinforcements based on the working environment: abrasive rock, gravel, sand, soil, demolition debris, recycling waste — each has different wear patterns. Customization ensures optimum performance and durability.