A power tilt hitch is an excavator attachment that allows an operator to rotate the bucket or other attachment up to 360 degrees without moving the base machine. This helps improve safety and precision. However, power tilt hitches have some specific excavator compatibility requirements.

Excavator Size Requirements

Power tilt hitches are designed for mini excavators in the 1-10 ton range. Larger excavators have different hydraulic requirements and may need custom power tilt systems.

Hydraulic Flow Rate

The excavator must be able to supply 8-12 GPM of hydraulic flow to operate the power tilt hitch motor and gearbox. Flow rates below 8 GPM may lead to slow tilt operation or overload the excavator hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Pressure

The power tilt hitch requires between 2500-3500 PSI hydraulic pressure from the excavator for proper operation. Pressures above 3500 PSI could damage the tilt motor.

Stick Pin Compatibility

The power tilt hitch must be compatible with the stick pin size of the excavator model. Common pin sizes include 1.5", 1.75”, 2”, and 2.25”. Non-standard pin sizes may require custom adapters.

Electrical Connection

Power tilt hitches require a 12V electrical connection to an available excavator circuit to power the control module. Lack of available power circuits may require custom electrical work.

Control Interface

Using the power tilt hitch requires integrating controls into the excavator cabin. This may involve switches mounted in the control panel or joystick buttons. Control interfaces must be matched to the specific excavator model.

Weight and Counterbalance

The added weight of the power tilt hitch on the stick must be counterbalanced to avoid tipping. This may require adding counterweights or adjusting boom geometry.

Rotation Clearance

The full 360 degree rotation of the power tilt hitch must be free of obstruction from structures, cylinders, or other attachments on the excavator.

In summary, power tilt hitches are designed for smaller excavators but require matching hydraulic capabilities, compatible mounting, and integration of controls. Contact us to determine tilt hitch compatibility for your specific excavator make and model.