A control system for a bucket hoist includes a two-axis master switch configured to generate a first and a second command signal responsive to motion along each axis. Each command signal is provided to one of a pair of motor controllers configured to control one of a pair of motors. The two motors are controlled to raise/lower and open/close the load handling member. When the two-axis master switch is moved to the close position, the closing motor controller is commanded to control its respective motor to begin closing the load handling member. The holding motor controller is configured to generate a current to its respective motor to generate torque at a predefined level. The predefined level of torque is selected such that the load handling member lowers into the material in which it is digging as it is being closed.