an excavator bucket top assembly can be completed as an assembly before being attached to other components to form an excavator bucket . the top assembly includes a flat bottom plate and a top plate with two bends , each having relatively simple geometry for ease of manufacturing . two hinge plates penetrate through the top plate and are joined to both the bottom plate and the top plate . the top assembly includes strategically positioned , continuous weld joints to avoid weld starts and stops that create stress risers . the top assembly produces a torque tube which is stiff and resistant to fatigue .