Make Sure Your Attachments Can Generate Revenue

• Application: Know your material density and/or job requirements. If possible, bring a small sample to the dealership. It’s also important to know how you will be using the attachment. For example, do you need to work at specific heights or angles?
• Cycle Time: Know the required speed to get the task done on time and the estimated amount of travel needed to get around the job site with the attachment.
• General Machine Specs: Know the equipment model numbers, tip load, lift/weight capacities and any other basic information for all machines the attachment will be working with. In addition, know the non-standard features on each machine (e.g., changes to hydraulics, tires, engine, etc.).
• Hydraulic Capabilities: If your attachment requires hydraulics, make sure you know your machine’s hydraulic flow (gpm) and pressure (psi) output capabilities. In addition, make sure you understand your hydraulic plumbing, the number of outlets and its function capabilities. Not all machines have a 3rd or 4th hydraulic function capability and yet a lot of attachments require this.
• Mounting Ability: Dealers may assume you have a universal coupler, especially for skid steers and compact wheel loaders. If you have a quick coupler, know the brand and model, and bring the serial number of the coupler if available. When possible, bring a photo.

Beware Of Manufacturer Shortcomings

Quality and reputation are always important. You know that…but people often don’t dig deep enough or ask the right questions about the brand being purchased. Sometimes thinking ahead about what you might need in the future can save a lot of headache. Some questions to ask your dealer include:

1. Have you seen this brand of attachment succeed or fail in other customer applications? If so, what applications?
2. What repair capability do you have on this attachment and do you stock all replacement parts? If you don’t carry the parts, how quickly can you get them?
3. Does the manufacturer of this attachment specialize in this application or is this just something they manufacture or merely buy to complete their line? Is this attachment and/or application one where they have a proven reputation for quality?
4. What would you estimate is the overall cost of ownership of this attachment?

Find an attachment manufacturer that has a proven history for quality in your application. Once you find a reputable manufacturer, you will have the confidence in the quality of its attachments when making future purchasing decisions. A broad product line is also important. The more a manufacturer makes and specializes in, the better chance you have of finding a lifetime attachment brand partner for all of your attachment needs.

It’s Getting Easier

Many manufacturers and dealers compile guides that are sorted by brand, model or machine size, and/or attachment, so you can easily match the proper machine and attachments. Dealers are still the best source for help because they know other specialty information. For example, it’s important when buying two or more attachments that will work together (e.g., thumbs and quick couplers) to buy them at the same time so compatibility isn't an issue. With the many brands and coupler systems available, finding the perfect match is easier this way. Remember…whether you’re buying forks, buckets or any other type of attachment make sure they are designed for your specific industry or application.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for attachments that work in outlandish applications”, says Adams. “Manufacturers and dealers are set up and very willing to modify and create new designs that will work for you.”

Be sure to talk with your dealer about the best way to accomplish a job. Not all attachments are ideal for all equipment types.

“Different attachments simply operate better with specific machines,” says Koch. “Snow blowers, trenchers and sweepers generally work better with machines that have hydrostatic transmissions, like skid steers, because the machine speed and attachment speed run independently of each other.”

When in doubt, using the rental avenue is a good way to decide the best attachment option for your business. Renting first can help you decide the ideal fit for your application.

Using the correct attachments wisely and effectively for your particular application is the first step toward completing your job safely, on-time and on-budget.