Abstract: This invention relates to a bucket (12) for a mechanical shovel (10). The bucket has a hollow body (16) provided with an inlet (14) for receiving material into its interior and an outlet (15) for discharging material therefrom. A door (18) is secured to the body and is movable between a closed condition in which it closes the outlet, and an open condition in which it permits discharge under gravity of material from the bucket. A buffering device in the form of a working fluid containing telescopically extensible and retractable piston-and-cylinder assembly (22) is operatively connected between the body and the door of the bucket for buffering movement of the door relative to the body.