Visionary Implements: We Pick the Best Attachments of 2023

Wielding hydraulic tools like a breaker, backhoe, bucket or broom, a tool carrier like a skid steer or mini excavator can be the ultimate do-everything machine on a project site. Compact Equipment is a magazine dedicated to tool carriers, machines like compact track loaders, wheel loaders, utility tractors, telehandlers, utility vehicles and beyond, so that means we’re constantly covering the mechanical-, hydraulic- and PTO-powered attachments these machines utilize (from tree spades to silt fence installers). At the end of the year, we like to call out the coolest new attachments that entered the market. Below, we have picked (in our opinion) the most pioneering attachments released in 2023 — implements built to conquer a variety of common and niche applications on jobsites around America. Let’s begin with…

Fecon Fusion Platform for Mulchers

Fecon is making mulching easy for almost anyone. This year the company announced its Fusion system, which is a telematics platform that does all the normal telemetry stuff (location services, performance tracking, yadda) but also automatic machine calibration (which is very cool). Ushering in a new generation of mulching, Fusion automatically calibrates the attachment to the carrier in real-time to optimize performance, minimize downtime and expand the machine’s lifespan. Fusion is initially available on Fecon’s high-flow Bull Hog and Blackhawk drum mulchers. Using Fusion, Fecon says its customers can see up to 50 percent faster rotor recovery times, 30 percent fewer stalls and a 40 percent increase in jobsite efficiency. Fusion works via a Fecon mobile app found in the Apple store. For more info, visit fecon.com.

Rototilt Control for Compact Excavators

Rototilt continues to give mini ex operators more control. This year, the company expanded its Rototilt Control product to compact excavators — a bundle that includes an RC3 tiltrotator, joysticks and a new, user-friendly control system. The RC3 tiltrotator is designed for excavators weighing between 6 to 12 metric tons. A new RC Connect app, which is included in the concept, even allows for remote support out in the field. The new tiltrotators in the RC Series are used together with the RC System control system. The new display and functions for safety locks are particularly beneficial, especially since SecureLock (a patented solution incorporating electronic sensors in the safety lock) is included as standard. The RC3 tiltrotator also adds amazing flexibility and precision to dig and grapple ops. For more info, visit rototilt.com.

Cat Retrofits Smart Attachments

Caterpillar was honored with an Innovative Iron Award for its Smart Attachments way back in 2020, and now it’s being celebrated again for retrofitting old units to use these next gen implements. Cat announced new options for its smart grader blade and smart dozer blade in 2023. The new external control kit for Cat’s Smart Grader Blade includes a standalone joystick and is backwards compatible with all Cat D and D2 skid steer and compact track loaders. This system is also compatible with Earthworks Go! Systems when external reference for grade control is needed. The Cat Smart Dozer Blade now has the capability to use dual GNSS/GPS for full 3D on Cat 289 D3, 299 D3 and 299XE D3 loaders for complex jobs. For more info, visit cat.com.

Premier Attachments Duo-Tach Coupler

Premier Attachments has developed and patented a series of attachments with mounting brackets that allow for both common skid steer attachment styles and mini skid steer offerings on a single coupler. There is no adapter and no conversion plate, and not a single tool is required to switch from one style of mount to the other. Just un-hook from your mini skid steer and hook right up to your full-size skid steer and go to work. This allows the owner to utilize one attachment for both mini skid steers and full-size skid steers on any given jobsite at any given time. Premier Attachments has incorporated the Duo-Tach mount into its line of earth augers, trenchers, pallet forks and its new utility hitch attachment. For more info, visit premierattach.com.

Case 250 Series IceShark Snowblower

The IceShark is an awesomely named snowblower attachment made for Case Construction Equipment by Paladin. From a 3D floating hitch to its patented backdrag capability, the 250 Series IceShark snowblower is a must-have for skid steer and compact track loader owners. The serrated auger on the tool allows it to be used in various weather conditions and snow types, from powdered to ice-covered drifts. The implement is ideal for use in tight spaces due to its ability to get close to objects and blow snow through an articulated chute. The patented backdrag feature allows operators to remove snow as close as 6 in. away from structures. Yellow indicators guide operators close to objects before engaging. Snow can be blown up to 45 ft away from the machine or as close as 3 ft, which is ideal for tight spaces. For more info, casece.com.

Diamond Mowers Drum Mulcher DC Pro

Heavy-duty mulching attachments are evolving into a variety of sizes, weights and power configurations these days. Diamond Mowers’ cool new Drum Mulcher DC Pro delivers a new level of mulching performance for compact loaders up to 75 hp. Boasting fast spool-up times and class-leading productivity, the DC Pro is differentiated by its lighter weight and its 63cc, two-speed, bent-axis piston motor. Weighing just 1,350 lbs, the streamlined profile affords good operator visibility. The high-torque hydraulic motor is larger than others in its class. This allows the DC Pro to spool-up faster and deliver greater force to power through more and larger material. Compatible with lighter weight carriers, it is engineered with a 50-in. cutting width, mulching material up to 8 in. in diameter. For more info, visit diamondmowers.com.

John Deere Skid Steer Cold Planers

For its new series of cold planer attachments, John Deere turned to sister company Wirtgen to incorporate its cutting-edge cutting technology into gnarly new implements for its P-Tier skid steers. The John Deere cold planers are available in four widths, including 18-, 24-, 30- and 40-in. sizes. Utilizing the expertise from decades of milling experience by the Wirtgen Group, these cold planers provide intuitive in-cab controls, including tilt float activation for seamless pass matching across rolling terrain. Visible indicators for side plate depth, tilt angle and milling drum cut boundary ensure jobsite accuracy, while an optional pressure gauge aids in monitoring milling performance. Also, an optional water tank mounts within the cold planer frame for convenient filling, and the nozzle kit suppresses dust. For more info, visit deere.com.

Loftness Stump Ax

Vegetation expert Loftness added an excellent new stump grinder attachment to its lineup in 2023. Compatible with skid steers, track loaders and excavators, the Stump Ax is rigid mounted, offering a practical, reliable design capable of working faster than articulating stump grinder attachments by simply repositioning the power unit instead of swinging the cutting wheel. It has an angled hitch and forward-reaching boom to give the operator exceptional visibility and control. The Stump Ax includes the Phantom Wheel with Tomahawk teeth from Leonardi, which are highly regarded. A 200cc high-torque radial piston motor is compatible with power units that have 30 to 60 gpm of hydraulic flow. A reversible design allows the motor to be mounted either forward- or rear-facing. For more info, visit loftness.com.

Toro 30-In.-Wide Attachments

Toro just introduced some of the smallest attachments, like, ever. This fall, the famous red brand announced a new line of attachments tailored for its innovative eDingo 500 compact utility loader that feature a narrow 30-in. width. These nimble attachments are specifically designed to tackle tasks for indoor demolition and construction jobsites and easily fit through a standard 3-ft door. The line includes a standard bucket, adjustable forks, a floor scraper and a grapple bucket. This line of narrow attachments is going to quite literally open new doors on indoor jobsites. Via the success of the eDingo, indoor demolition and construction work can now be completed even faster with these new 30-in. versions of Toro’s most popular and versatile attachments. For more info, visit toro.com.

IronCraft 4-in-1 Bucket with Integrated Power Rake

Formerly branded Titan Implement, IronCraft LLC continues to make a name for itself with groundbreaking attachments like its recently introduced and patented 4-in-1 Bucket and Power Rake. Combining all the advantages of a versatile 4-in-1 bucket with a rugged power rake, this unique product is a powerful and practical soil conditioning machine. Users can dig, load, grab and back drag as well as prepare the soil bed without changing attachments, thus saving time and enhancing efficiency on the jobsite. The 4-in-1 Power Rake is supplied with a smooth edge bucket, a bolt on edge or welded teeth are optional. IronCraft 4-in-1 Power Rakes are available in various widths and sizes for mini skid steers to full size machines. The attachments require a flow rate from 15 to 25 gpm. For more info, visit ironcraftusa.com.