Video: Is a Tiltrotator the Ultimate Compact Excavator Upgrade?

Wayne Grayson is back on Machine Heads, this time tackling a tool that can redefine how compact excavators operate on the jobsite: the tiltrotator. In his latest video, Grayson explains what tiltrotators do, why they’re gaining ground in North America and how they can save time, labor and equipment. We should also note Grayson, Machine Heads editor at Compact Equipment, was recently honored with a 2024 National Azbee Award of Excellence for his video journalism — a nod to the depth and clarity he brings to machine tech coverage.

What’s a Tiltrotator?

Think of it as a wrist for your excavator. A tiltrotator allows buckets, grapples, brooms or forks to spin 360 degrees and tilt up to 45 degrees. Instead of repositioning the entire machine, operators can precisely orient the attachment — cutting trench walls, grading slopes or laying material with pinpoint control. Invented by Rototilt in the 1980s, tiltrotators are now standard on most Scandinavian jobsites and are growing in popularity in North America — especially for compact machines.

Without a tiltrotator, operators often have to move the entire machine to achieve a specific bucket angle. With one installed, that same operator can work faster and cleaner by staying put. This flexibility boosts productivity, reduces wear on the undercarriage and minimizes the need for extra crew members with shovels. Tiltrotators can also increase jobsite safety and simplify fine grading and utility work.

Fewer Machines, Faster Jobs

One tiltrotator-equipped excavator can often replace both a standalone excavator and a skid steer. Attachments like forks or grapples can be swapped in under a minute — sometimes without exiting the cab. Grayson notes this is especially useful on residential and landscaping sites, where crews often juggle both machine types. Many contractors report finishing jobs 30 to 40 percent faster after adopting tiltrotators.

Let’s take a look at the smallest mini excavators on the market.

Rototilt Options

Rototilt offers six compact models:

• R1 / RC1 (1.5-3.5 metric tons)
• R2 / RC2 (3-6.5 metric tons)
• R3 / RC3 (6-12 metric tons)

RC-Series models feature Bluetooth diagnostics, improved joystick controls and proportional hydraulics — boosting fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Engcon Options

Engcon’s lineup includes:

• EC02 / EC02 Basic (1.5-3 metric tons)
• EC204 / EC204 Basic (2-4 metric tons)
• EC206 (4-6 metric tons)
• EC209 (6-9 metric tons)

All offer 40 to 45 degrees of tilt. Engcon’s EC-Oil system enables 10-second tool swaps without hoses or cables — standard on some models and optional on others.

Is It a Tiltrotator Systme Worth It?

Expect to spend 30 to 50 percent of your excavator’s cost on a tiltrotator and attachments. But both Rototilt and Engcon say many customers see ROI in under 1,500 hours. It’s a smart upgrade if you’re short on labor, eyeing a second machine or looking to eliminate cleanup crews and redundant loaders. And while there’s a learning curve, most operators adapt quickly — and rarely look back.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.