Shawn,
I hope you also plan on a drag bucket? I have both for my NyLint conversion. The drag bucket is SO effective compared to the clam when trying to dig dirt or sand or any other loose material. The drag bucket always amazes me when I run it, it works REALLY good compared to the clam.
I like to use the clam to pick up solid objects like chunks of concrete paver blocks. Also, the clam is so sensitive to line control, any operator slip ups means you will likely drop the contents of the bucket. And one more thing, don't try to use a single wrap on the closer pulleys. It really does help to have more leverage on the closer line to help prevent lifting the bucket instead of closing it.
And, I would like to see the second one.
Jim