Five Tips for Choosing Excavator Attachments

Keep these five tips in mind when selecting attachments.

1. Know before you go.

Help out the attachment experts at your equipment dealer or rental store by coming with the information they need to make solid recommendations. Be prepared to talk about the type of material you’ll be working in (bring a sample if you can) and cycle time requirements. Know the specs—equipment model numbers, configuration, tipping load, lift/weight capacities, counterweight size and any other basic information—for all machines that may work with the attachment. Also make note of each machine’s optional, retrofit or specialized features (e.g., changes to hydraulics, tires, engine, etc.).If your attachment requires hydraulics, know your machine’s hydraulic flow (gpm) and pressure (psi) output capabilities and understand the auxiliary hydraulics. Not all machines have a third or fourth hydraulic function capability, but many attachments require this. Finally, if you have a quick coupler, know the brand and model—and bring the serial number and a photo for reference if available.

2. Check out the flow specifications for the hydraulic circuit.

Hydraulics not only provide power to the ground, but also enable lifting and tilting and run the auxiliary circuit, which drives attachments.The criteria for “high-flow” or “standard-flow” may differ from one manufacturer to another, so know what’s required and how your machine is equipped. Typically, high-flow circuits exceed 26 gallons per minute and 3,300 psi. High-flow machines designated “XPS” (33 gallons per minute at 4,050 psi) are capable of maintaining maximum pressure, regardless of attachment speed or working conditions, at low or high idle. The typical flow for a standard-flow machine is 22 gallons per minute.