When you invest in an excavator, you’re really investing in a multi-purpose machine. But here’s the catch: the excavator itself is only half the story. What really transforms it into a powerhouse are the attachments such as hydraulic hammers, selector grabs, scrap shears, pulverisers and tools like the Push Pro Pipe Pusher.
Yet one of the biggest mistakes contractors, plant hire companies and procurement teams make is assuming that any attachment can fit on any excavator. It sounds logical: big machine, big attachment. But in reality, that assumption can cost thousands of pounds, delay projects and damage your equipment.
At TocDem Attachments & Utilities, we’ve spent years helping demolition, construction, utility and recycling professionals choose the right tools. Here’s what you need to know before you buy or hire your next excavator attachment.
An excavator and an attachment have a relationship similar to a car and its tyres. You can’t just bolt on any tyre; it has to match the size, load capacity and purpose. The same applies here.
Key compatibility factors include:
This is why “universal fit” is a myth in the heavy equipment world. The right match matters.
Let’s look at some of the most in-demand attachments, each solving a specific challenge on site.
Think of a hydraulic hammer as the excavator’s “muscle.” It’s built to break through concrete, tarmac and rock, making it essential for demolition and roadworks.
Use cases:
Why contractors love them: They replace multiple workers with handheld breakers, cutting labour time dramatically.
Check TocDem’s Hydraulic Hammers
If the hammer is about brute force, the grab is about precision. Selector grabs allow operators to pick, sort and move materials with accuracy.
Use cases:
Why they’re valuable: Contractors can do two jobs at once: demolish and sort. That efficiency saves time and reduces machine wear.
Explore Selector Grabs at TocDem
Utilities need tools designed for safety and speed. The Push Pro Pipe Pusher allows controlled pipe insertion while the operator stays in the cab, away from the pipe and trench edge.
Use cases:
Why it matters: It keeps the operator clear of the pipe, reduces manual handling and allows pipes to be installed faster and more safely.
Check out the Push Pro Pipe Pusher
Scrap shears are all about cutting strength. From recycling yards to demolition projects, they slice through steel and rebar like scissors through paper.
Use cases:
Why scrap yards love them: They increase processing speed, reduce torch cutting costs and improve site safety.
View TocDem’s Scrap Shears
Pulverisers specialise in secondary demolition, taking what the hammer or shear has broken and crushing it down further. They also separate rebar from concrete for recycling.
Use cases:
Why they matter: Contractors can turn waste into recyclable material, adding value to demolition projects.
Shop Pulverisers
Before you invest in your next excavator attachment, run through this quick checklist:
At TocDem, our specialists do this matching for you, ensuring you don’t waste money on the wrong tool.
Whether you’re a demolition contractor, utility provider, scrap yard or plant hire company, TocDem is more than a supplier. We’re a partner that ensures you get the right tool for the job.
Don’t risk expensive mistakes. Contact TocDem today to find the attachment that’s right for your excavator.
So, does every attachment fit every excavator? The short answer: No.
But the longer answer is that with the right guidance, you can always find the perfect match for your machine and your project.
If you’re planning to buy or hire, make sure you’re not just picking an attachment; you’re choosing the right solution.
Explore TocDem’s Full Range of Excavator Attachments
