What action is produced by back-dragging with the front of the bucket slightly tipped up?

Back-dragging with the front of the bucket slightly tipped up primarily results in a cutting action. When the bucket's front edge is elevated, it creates a forward tilt that allows the edge of the bucket to engage more aggressively with the material being pushed. This positioning is effective for slicing through soil, gravel, or other materials instead of merely moving them.

As the operator drags the bucket along the surface, the upward tilt enhances the bucket's ability to cut into the material, effectively breaking it apart or leveling the surface. This technique is particularly useful when preparing ground for grading, as it aids in smoothing out bumps and removing privates with more precision than other techniques.

In contrast, a filling action would occur if the bucket were tipped forward to scoop up material, and steady compaction typically involves a method that compresses soil rather than cuts or disturbs it. An uneven surface is often a result of improper technique or inconsistent pressure during the operation rather than the specific action of back-dragging with the bucket tipped up.