For a week, host Bryan Furnace and guest Rick Valko put an X12 Steelwrist tiltrotator through its paces clearing two and a half acres with an 8-metric-ton excavator.
On this episode of The Dirt, the two operators give their views on its performance as well as deliver insights on the attachment that twists and turns. You also get to see plenty of footage of the Steelwrist in action.
Their first concern was a common one heard among U.S. contractors, “Is it strong enough?”
The device answered that with a resounding “yes” and provided a host of other benefits beyond that of a traditional bucket and thumb.
“This thing is just unreal,” Rick says.
Bryan calls it “one of the most fun attachments” he’s ever run.
On the job, the device ripped out trees and moved boulders and dirt with outstanding efficiency, power and safety. The 8-ton excavator was performing like a 15-ton machine and also increasing production in the process. With an experienced operator, they estimate the tiltrotator can increase efficiency by 20% to 30%.
