The designs of active buckets are analyzed. It is revealed that dynamic impact of buckets on the rock mass can be vibrational or impact. The entire bucket, its front wall, or individual vibration impact devices mounted in the front wall can serve as a dynamic actuator. The drive of the active elements can be electromagnetic, hydromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic. It is noted that the most successful design of the active bucket is the impact teeth built into the bucket with a pneumatic drive. It is concluded that the most productive idea is an active bucket with built-in impact devices and a hydraulic drive.