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Why a Cat® Tiltrotator Is Useful
for Mini Excavators
The right feature can make a machine even more productive.
CAITLIN MADDOCK-BAHR | Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager
Cat® mini excavators continue to evolve and improve to meet the needs of operators. The Tilt Rotate System (TRS) is a useful tool that makes it possible for 3- to 10-ton mini excavators to do so much more.
“There are 10,000 applications for the Tiltrotator,” says Daniel Cohen, Product Application Specialist for Cat attachments.
What Is a Tiltrotator?
A tiltrotator gives Cat excavator attachments 360-degree rotation. Operators can tilt attachments left and right, up to 40 degrees each way, adding precision and versatility. The system works with buckets and some hydromechanical tools such as grapples. It is controlled with both the left- and right-handed joysticks with an in-cabin monitor that displays positioning for easy reference.
The TRS improves efficiencies for many applications, including water and sewage, landscaping, contouring, leveling, sloping and backfilling.
Why Is a Tiltrotator Useful?
With a tiltrotator, you can excavate at any angle, giving your machine higher maneuverability in tighter spaces. Excavators can dig around an obstruction at full power while staying in place. This gives you many benefits:
Less time — Digging, contouring and backfilling is easier with more precision and versatility. Without a tiltrotator, you have to move the machine several times to work in the direction of the boom and stick. Fewer machine movements save time and fuel. As the Cat Building and Construction Products Marketing Manager, Scott Britton has worked with many operators in the field and knows how much more efficient an operation can be with a tiltrotator.
"Depending on what you’re doing, you can probably do 80% of your digging from one spot," explains Scott. "It saves a lot of time and money on fuel costs."
More agility — The 360-turn radius of a tiltrotator allows you to dig at limitless angles without having to reposition your excavator. This is great for tasks like grading around corners and foundation work. The angle of your bucket can be as precise as you need it to be.
Because the machine does not have to be repositioned for every drop of the bucket, you’ll do less damage to lawns when working on private residential properties.
"If you’re doing a smaller job in a yard or handling a repair situation, you don’t want to mess up the grass too much with a big machine," says Scott. "Every little bit helps in making a good impression on the customer."
Less work — Labor shortages can make it difficult to find reliable help. Because you can easily dig around obstacles with a tiltrotator, you don’t need workers with shovels for close digging. You can grade more easily and at greater angles. Tasks that usually require multiple workers, like picking up and laying pipework, can be done alone by an operator in the cab. You can drop your bucket and use the integrated grapple on the TRS to grasp and move objects and debris with a clear view of your targets.
Less wear — The fewer times a 6-ton machine needs to travel, the longer it will last. Tiltrotators help extend the life of your investment and reduce maintenance costs since you need to reposition your machine less often when using one.
Preparing to Use a Tiltrotator
The tiltrotator is a valuable addition to your fleet that doesn’t take a lot of time to learn how to use. Most operators need only a few days to get used to tiltrotator controls and capabilities. Cohen has extensive experience using the tool and showing new operators how to use it. He says an excavator operator should have an easy time picking it up.
“An experienced excavator operator will be comfortable using the tiltrotator in half a day to a day,” Daniel comments. “After a week, they’ll become proficient.”
With fully integrated software, tiltrotator integration with your machine can be achieved in three to four hours. The system is compatible with most grade control systems. Depending on which excavators are in your fleet, there are different quick coupler interfaces available.
To find out how a Cat tiltrotator can give your business a boost, contact your Cat dealer.
CAITLIN MADDOCK-BAHR
Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager
Caitlin Maddock-Bahr exercises her storytelling expertise as a social media and digital strategy manager. In this role, she not only helps Caterpillar connect with their audience, but helps customers connect with the brand.
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