A test bench to evaluate the operation of a brake or shock absorber for bucket doors of excavators or electric shovels that allows simulating real operating conditions of the bucket doors, which includes a brake support that allows installing and fixing the brake to be evaluated, said brake comprising, a body with an axis that is connected to the end of an arm in a pivotal manner and its other end is used for connection with the bucket door; a pendulum to simulate the loads received by the brake due to the opening and/or closing movement of the bucket door, comprising a pendulum arm comprising an upper end with a lateral edge comprising at least one opening to be fixedly connected to the free end of the brake arm, an inner side pivotally connected to a pendulum support, arranged in front of the brake support, allowing rotational movement of the pendulum, and an outer side comprising a plurality of openings defining a predefined inclination; and a lower end comprising a known mass; a locking device on one side of the upper end of the pendulum arm, which allows an inclination position of the pendulum arm to be fixed; a support structure, on which the rest of the elements of said test bench are installed or arranged; and a plurality of sensors that allow measurements of at least the pressure in the brake chambers, the temperature of the fluid in the brake chambers, and the angular velocity and acceleration of the pendulum and brake arm.