Why are Tiltrotators’ growing in popularity?
Tiltrotator systems (TRS) are growing in popularity thanks to a host of benefits and features that make them a versatile asset for various applications. Their agility is a perfect partner for wheeled excavators - which in themselves are a highly agile asset – however, the addition of a TRS to a tracked machine will increase the excavators’ precision, efficiency, and versatility whilst also enhancing safety on site.
All Cat® TRS models can help operators perform a variety of tasks including digging, grading and compacting thanks to their ability to rotate 360 degrees and tilt up to 40+ degrees, allowing for more precise movements without repositioning the machine. This works well for areas where movement is restricted such as roadsides or urban environments.
As a result, the TRS is a sought-after asset within the construction industry as it continues to respond to the uplift in demand for housebuilding and infrastructure - thanks to new UK government’s targets that promise 300,000 new social and affordable homes between 2026-2036, with up to 30% of the budget for this allocated to London.
How can Tiltrotators improve jobsite productivity?
Key to the popularity of TRS is that they allow operators to manoeuvre obstacles or perform high precision work, such as accurate roadside trenching without the need for repositioning the machine. Not only does this highly manoeuvrable system increase precision, but the increased versatility that the TRS delivers means it also reduces the number of machines and people needed on site, increasing cost savings as well as reducing the environmental impact by machine reducing emissions.
The new fully integrated Cat TRS12, Cat TRS17, Cat TRS20 and Cat TRS26 models benefit from a reduced installation time, minimising costly downtime and enhancing productivity. These new, next generation models also show up automatically on the machine’s monitor, allowing them to be seamlessly controlled by the joystick. Operators can change tools without leaving the cab when the machine is equipped with the fully hydraulic coupler, which increases productivity, efficiency and safety onsite. These come with a SecurelockTM sensor inside the locking cylinder which verify that the tool is correctly connected to reduce the risk of swinging or dropping tools.
All machines in the Cat 313 to Cat 335 range can use TRS, allowing operators to enhance their machines capabilities and operational productivity.
Can TRS systems enhance safety onsite?
Another benefit of TRS, and the fully integrated Cat TRS in particular, is the increase in safety for people and machines on site. The uplift in productivity, precision and efficiency that these systems deliver means less need for manual calculations or manoeuvring, and therefore there is less need for larger numbers of people to be onsite - which around heavy machinery is always a concern, particularly in urban or confined environments.
Machines with fully integrated with Cat Ease of Use features can also benefit from the E-Fence system which uses electronic boundaries to restrict machine motion beyond operator-defined limits. Cat E-fence prevents the boom, stick or bucket from moving automatically using precision integrated positioning sensors to track real-time positioning. This not only allows operators to avoid hazards and maintain safety on-site, but it also reduces the risk of damage to equipment and costly repairs or downtime.
Are they compatible with my excavator and attachments?
Cat TRS can be used with a wide range fabricated and hydraulic attachments, such as buckets and grapples, and with the use of a full hydraulic coupler the TRS pushes the versatility of the machine even further.
At Finning, we know a TRS is not an off-the shelf purchase, it is a technical proposition that must be right for the customer and their application. Our team attend onsite consultations with customers to advise on the compatibility of the TRS system, and once a bespoke solution is delivered the Finning engineers will set the system up and install joysticks in the cab to ensure the customer has a reliable set up that they can get the most out of as soon as possible.
What is the ownership value?
The addition of a TRS to your excavator will lead to significant cost savings by reducing the number of machines and ground staff on the job site, as well as reducing machine and undercarriage wear thanks to a reduction in machine repositioning.
The long-term ROI on TRS is significant given the increase in productivity, safety and versatility that they bring to excavators, and as the industry continues to grow to meet the demands of the government’s ambitious development targets, the benefits of these systems continue to outweigh the initial outlay to owners looking to expand their fleet capabilities.