As a construction business owner, your needs grow and diversify, so it’s important to maintain a nimble fleet capable of taking on multiple projects.
Versatile attachments are designed to enhance the capabilities of compact track loaders, skid steer loaders and compact excavators, while also increasing operator productivity, reducing the cost of labor and opening up new revenue sources.
In addition, adding an attachment or two could give you the upper hand by allowing you to complete a primary task that was previously subcontracted. With hundreds of attachments to choose from, finding the perfect option for your fleet and job application can be difficult.
Before you make your next attachment purchase, take note of these four considerations to ensure you make the right choice for your business needs.
1. Take Inventory of Existing Attachments
Before you decide to invest in a new attachment, it’s important to consider your existing equipment fleet. Determine if you can complete your work as efficiently and economically as possible with your current list of attachments, or if there are other options you would like to explore.
Buckets, breakers, clamps and grapples are examples of core attachments that can quickly increase your versatility year-round. To expand your services even further, consider adding multifunctional specialty attachments such as plate compactors, and trenchers, to help complete projects.
Some may also seek the added value of a dedicated snow-removal attachment. These options help owners and operators remain profitable well beyond the busy season with seasonal snow removal work.
2. Match the Attachment to Common Job Applications
If you discover that you need to diversify your attachments after assessing your typical job applications, consider adding more than just one to increase your fleet’s versatility. For example, if you’re primarily working as a demolition contractor, you may have a compact track loader paired with a breaker attachment.
However, you may be able to increase revenue opportunities by adding a grapple attachment to easily handle building materials or a sweeper attachment to streamline post-demolition cleanup. Compact track loaders and skid steer loaders aren’t the only machines that have enhanced potential with attachments.
Compact excavators can also be used to complete projects beyond earthmoving. With the right attachment, you’ll be able to think beyond new projects. Thanks to attachment mounting systems and auxiliary hydraulics, you’ll be able to easily transform your fleet into highly efficient tool carriers for an assortment of attachments.
3. Determine Machine & Attachment Compatibility
To make the most of your purchase, attachment compatibility should be one of your top considerations. Before selecting a new attachment, research the manufacturer. While some manufacturers have attachments that are compatible across their loader and excavator lines, other manufacturers don’t offer that level of compatibility.
Most manufacturers provide an attachment quick-change mechanism for easily changing excavator and loader buckets as well as other attachments. While these systems can save you time, consider opting for a powered quick-attach mechanism for your equipment.
These mechanisms provide many more efficiencies by allowing operators to rapidly change buckets or other nonhydraulic attachments from the comfort and security of a cab.
Each machine you add to your fleet will have its own set of performance benefits, but with many of today’s attachments being able to work interchangeably, you can benefit from more flexibility across jobsites.
4. Consider Upfront Costs
Buying an attachment may be the right business decision for a variety of reasons. If a new attachment could help support your business expansion efforts, help you meet project needs or increase jobsite efficiency, it’s worth considering.
While buying an attachment could be beneficial in the long run, it’s important to consider the cost-effectiveness if you’re going to use an attachment infrequently. For instance, if you’re planning any one-off jobs, it might be best for you to rent any necessary attachments from your local compact equipment dealer.
Deciding whether to rent or buy is dependent on your company’s situation and goals, which is why taking the time to evaluate what is best for your business is crucial.
Increasing the versatility of a company’s equipment fleet can lead to an assortment of benefits. In order to achieve new business goals, increase productivity and make the most of your fleet, it takes the right compact equipment outfitted with well-chosen attachments.
