How To Choose the Right Tiltrotator for You

Over the last few years, tiltrotators have grown increasingly popular in the construction industry thanks to their ability to increase efficiency and eliminate the need for a laborer on the ground. With the demand for tiltrotators rising, more manufacturers have gotten into the game, which can make it difficult to determine which tiltrotator system is best for your machine and application.

If you are considering investing in a tiltrotator, answering the following five questions can help you determine which tiltrotator configuration is right for you and, ultimately, what brand.

Not all tiltrotators work for all excavators. System compatibility ranges from three-ton machines to 35 tons, so it is important to research the ones that are compatible with your excavator. Once you’ve determined which tiltrotators can fit your machine, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the different options each model offers, such as integrated grapples, hydraulic connect systems, and types of pin grabbers.

Tiltrotators can be pinned directly to a machine or attached through a coupler. Both methods offer advantages and disadvantages depending on your application. Pinning the tiltrotator grants more stability thanks to a shorter stack height. A coupler offers greater versatility and allows for the use of more than one attachment.

A. If you decide to use a coupler, what attachments would you like to use with and without the tiltrotator?

The type of coupler you need depends on the type of attachments you use. If you only use traditional buckets, you won’t need a hydraulic connect system. If you use hydraulic attachments like a compactor, grapple, or hammer, you can manually connect and disconnect your hoses or get a hydraulic connect system that allows for quick attachment changes. 

3. Do you want a grapple module/insert/cassette? 

Depending on your application, grapple modules can be beneficial when handling pipe, poles, or lumber.

While you can mount a thumb with a tiltrotator, they cannot be used together. The thumb can only be used if you detach the tiltrotator and attach a bucket. Keep in mind that having a thumb and tiltrotator will add extra weight to your machine. You may want to consider a utility grapple instead.

If your machine is equipped with a grade control system such as Trimble or you are planning on adding the technology to your machine, rotate and tilt sensors will need to be added in order for your tiltrotator to work with the system.

Now that you have a better idea of what configuration you require, it’s time to consider what brand is right for you. To learn more about the tiltrotators from Milton CAT that meets your configuration needs, please reach out to your Milton CAT sales representative, or contact us at 888-702-0073.