Mini-Excavator Attachment Guide: Attachments and Their Uses

Sales of mini excavators are surging. These versatile machines can tackle projects from infrastructure construction to residential work. You can make your business stand out with the right mini-excavator attachments.

Attachments help you complete projects more efficiently, and your bids are more competitive.

A wide range of new and rebuilt options are available. The best mini-excavator attachment to buy depends on the type of projects you take on or hope to take on.

Learn more about what these attachments do and which one might be the right choice.

Hydraulic Thumb

A hydraulic thumb is the perfect attachment for picking up irregularly shaped debris. It’s an opposable thumb for the excavator bucket.

Quality manufacturers ensure that the thumb matches the bucket tip radius. The thumb should also mesh well with the width and spacing of the teeth on the bucket.

The machine operator can easily activate and retract the thumb as needed, and the retracted thumb is out of the way when the operator is using the bucket for excavation.

Tiltrotator or Tilt Coupler

A tiltrotator or a tilt coupler can significantly reduce the amount of time necessary to reposition the mini excavator. A tiltrotator can rotate 360º and tilt in either direction up to 50º. The exact tilt angle depends on the manufacturer.

A tilt coupler doesn’t rotate. It can tilt up to 180º, though.

A tilt coupler provides fewer options than a tiltrotator, but the price is lower. It requires less maintenance because it has fewer hydraulic and electrical components.

Hydraulic Hammer

hydraulic hammer is also called a breaker. It’s the attachment you need for breaking down materials like concrete, asphalt, rocks, or masonry. It can do the work of several jackhammers.

A hydraulic hammer is useful for excavation or demolition. The main features to look for are reliability and durability. Hydraulic breakers must withstand a very demanding service environment.

Plate Compactor

A plate compactor can compact a range of soil types. Most plate compactors use a combination of impact force and vibrations. This mini-excavator attachment is useful for a variety of projects such as:

  • Surface preparation for concrete or asphalt
  • Trench backfilling
  • Drain excavation backfilling
  • Slope compaction

A plate compactor is much more powerful than a manual compactor. It improves productivity, and it’s safer than walk-behind or remote-controlled compaction equipment.

Trencher

A trencher attachment helps the machine operator dig narrow trenches more easily, and it works faster than the bucket.

A trencher makes a finer spoil than the bucket, which makes backfilling easier, and you can get better compaction, which reduces the risk of ground sinkage.

Common applications include irrigation, utilities like plumbing and electrical, and foundations. You can choose different chain and tooth combinations based on the ground conditions. Most manufacturers have options ranging from soft, clean soil to frozen or rocky ground.

Find the Right Mini-Excavator Attachment

The right mini-excavator attachment makes every project easier. You have a wide range of options depending on your needs.

For hydraulic hammers and breakers, you can trust RJB Hydraulic Hammers. We specialize in HydroRam, and you’re getting high-quality, reliable equipment.

HydroRam hydraulic hammers are available for mini excavators ranging from 250 ft. lb. to 1500 ft. lb. in impact class. These attachments provide exceptional efficiency with a high power-to-weight ratio.

Browse the RJB Hydraulic Hammers catalog today and find your perfect mini-excavator attachment.

Posted by RJB Hydraulic Hammers