Abstract: The bucket conveyor system is made up of buckets which are pivotally suspended between two chains and run around an endless circuit. The claims are made up of links being connected by pins in elongated holes. This chain can be compressed to make its length less than when it is under tension. The chain is compressed at the loading station to force the buckets into direct contact with each other and allow continuous 10 loading. At the discharge station the chain is put under tension to space the buckets and allow them to be rotated through 360.degree. to empty out their contents. Guides are positioned at the areas where the chain is under compression to stop buckling from occurring. The system is driven by a motor and sprockets which also control the compression or tension of the chain.