When outfitting an excavator, a common question is whether a tilt bucket or tilting hitch is the better investment. Both attachments allow an excavator to safely reposition loads, but work in different ways. Here we review the key differences between tilt buckets and tilting hitches to help you determine the optimal choice.

What is a Tilt Bucket?

A tilt bucket is an excavator bucket that can tilt or angle up to 90 degrees sideways. It is operated by the boom tilt cylinder and allows the operator to dump material to the side without moving the base machine.

What is a Tilting Hitch?

A tilting hitch (also called a tilting coupler or rotating coupler) is a device that gets mounted to the stick end to allow attachments like buckets and hammers to rotate up to 360 degrees. This allows dumping anywhere around the machine.

Tilt Range

The tilting hitch has a wider tilt range, allowing complete rotation and dumping in any direction.

Excavator Compatibility

Tilt buckets require special tilt cylinders and linkage. They are not widely compatible. Tilting hitches are universal, fitting most excavators from 1-40 tons.

Operator Control

With tilt buckets, tilting motion is activated by a switch for the tilt cylinder. For tilting hitches, tilt is controlled with the primary boom/stick motion levers.

Weight

Tilting hitches add minimal weight to the excavator compared to heavier tilt buckets. Less counterweight is needed.

Cost

Tilt buckets have high initial cost. Tilting hitches are an affordable add-on starting under $2000.

Maintenance

Tilt buckets have high maintenance needs. Tilting hitches are low-maintenance with fewer wear components.

Safety

Both options improve safety by allowing controlled load dumping from the cab. Tilting hitches reduce rollover risk compared to tilt buckets.

Versatility

Tilting hitches allow you to tilt any attachment like buckets, grapples, hammers. Tilt only works for buckets.

Precision

The tilting hitch offers more precise rotation control compared to more jolting operation of a tilt bucket.

Summary

For most excavators, a tilting hitch provides a more affordable and versatile tilting solution. Contact us today to find the right tilting hitch model for your excavator!