5 Must-Have Heavy Equipment Attachments

From excavators to skid steer loaders and wheel loaders, there are several different types of heavy equipment that are designed to be able to switch out and use various attachments. 

Such attachments enhance the versatility and functionality of these machines in numerous ways, making it possible for them to adapt to a wide range of tasks across different industries and settings. 

Generally, the more attachments that a machine is compatible with, the more flexibility operators have to use that machine for different purposes without compromising its effectiveness. 

Thus, using different attachments can boost operational efficiency and reduce costs by allowing a single machine to perform multiple functions rather than requiring an entire fleet of equipment to achieve the same amount of work. 

Attachments enable equipment to tackle all kinds of jobs, from excavation and material handling to demolition and landscaping. Such adaptability is critical in industries like construction, agriculture, forestry, and mining.

With the right attachments, you can always ensure that your equipment is prepared to meet the demands of your project, and you can keep things on track from start to finish.

Essential Attachments for Your Heavy Equipment

Picking the right attachments to suit your needs is crucial. While there are many different options available, each attachment typically is designed with a unique purpose in mind.

The following are some of the most essential heavy equipment attachments to have in your arsenal:

1. Augers

If you need to dig a lot of holes, an auger attachment is definitely a must. This basic tool uses a helical screw blade that rotates and draws out the earth from the ground as it does so. Auger attachments are made for use with a few different types of heavy equipment, such as skid steer loaders.

There are various types of auger attachments available, which mostly vary based on the type of earth they are meant to plow through. For instance, a direct drive auger has balanced torque and RPM, which makes it great for everyday materials like sand and soft dirt.

On the other hand, a gear-driven planetary auger may be more appropriate for hard surfaces like clay or rock, as it has much more torque.

2. Grapple buckets

If you often have to move brush or debris from a work or landscaping site, you may need a grapple bucket attachment, as it will speed up such duties.

Grapple buckets have an extra finger or thumb on the top that allows them to squeeze down and effectively keep whatever they are transporting inside the bucket. Grapple buckets also come in different types that vary in design and use. 

Root grapple buckets can be used to dig into the ground and pull up roots entirely, thanks to the numerous steel tines on the underside of the bucket. A scrap grapple bucket has a solid bottom and low sides to prevent small objects from falling out while also allowing long objects to hang out of it. 

A rock grapple bucket is ideal for picking through rocks or leveling land, and it also works great when you need to remove saplings or shrubbery.

3. Blades

If material transport is a major component of your work, a blade attachment will serve you well. No matter what you need to move, from rocks to dirt and trash, the somewhat curved surface of a blade can be used to push things around or smooth things out. Some blades come with special features that make them particularly well-suited for landfills, coal work, or mulch. 

In addition, S-blades, with their simple, horizontally straight design, are optimal for moving smaller amounts of materials or backfilling. Cushion blades can be used to push stronger materials, as they are reinforced and wear-resistant. U-blades have a slight curve to them and have side wings, which helps prevent materials from spilling out.

4. Hammers/breakers

If you need to tear apart solid surfaces, a hammer/breaker attachment will make a world of difference. These attachments are a critical part of many demolition jobs. They are also well-suited for mining tasks and road repair activities when a jackhammer is not enough and blasting is not an option.

A breaker attachment is much easier to handle than most hand-held breakers and can significantly speed up the breaking process. Various functionalities can be achieved with different rock breaker heads. For example, a chisel will make it easy to clear debris away.

5. Machine control systems

While they are not a heavy equipment attachment in the traditional sense, machine control systems are another critical add-on that will boost the overall effectiveness of any machines they are implemented in.

These systems use advanced technology designed to enhance the precision, safety, and efficiency of construction and earthmoving machinery. They feature various sensors, GPS technology, and software, which provide real-time data and automated control and help operators to perform various tasks with less manual effort.

How Great West Equipment Can Help You Find All the Heavy Equipment Attachments You Need

Whether you are hoping to purchase some of the essential attachments mentioned above or you require a heavy equipment rental, Great West Equipment can handle all of your equipment-related needs.

We carry a large and diverse stock of attachments made for all kinds of different equipment so we can help you find exactly what you want. After speaking with one of our heavy equipment experts, they can suggest the best attachments for your particular tasks.

We carry both new and used equipment made by all of the top brands in the construction, mining, and forestry equipment industries. So, no matter what machines you have in your fleet, we are confident that we can set you up with compatible attachments.

We can also help you to gain high-precision control over your machines thanks to our highly effective machine control solutions. We proudly endorse and sell GradeMetrix systems, which provide next-level guidance to your dozers and earth-moving equipment with their intelligent and reliable designs. 

For more information about our heavy equipment rental options, or to learn more about the variety of attachments that we have available for rent or sale, call Great West Equipment at 1-833-730-0613 or contact us here.