Complete Guide to Mini Excavator Attachments

Overview of small excavator attachments

Small excavators are widely used in construction, agriculture, municipal engineering, and other fields due to their agility and versatility. Their multifunctionality largely depends on the use of various attachments. From traditional buckets toHydraulic breaker、Auger、thumb clamps、log grapples、rippersand others, these attachments can significantly improve the operational efficiency and adaptability of small excavators. For example, in municipal maintenance, installing a spiral drill allows for quick drilling of streetlight bases; in landscaping, grass trimmers and log grapplers simplify pruning and transportation tasks. These applications not only save labor costs but also improve construction precision and speed.

Several small excavators produced by Huayang Machinery (models 08 to 35) offer excellent compatibility with various attachments due to their outstanding design and performance.HY-08 ModelFor example, its ultra-narrow body design allows it to operate flexibly in tight spaces, and combined with a small bucket, it is more suitable for small gardens and underground pipeline projects. And likeHY-20 typeModels with such large bucket capacity perform excellently in larger-scale excavation or hauling tasks. In addition, these excavators can be equipped with various attachments such as breakers and grapples, providing users with a variety of options.

Choosing the right attachments can expand the excavator's functions, achieving multi-purpose use and bringing you significant economic benefits. However, when purchasing and using attachments, it is necessary to match them according to the equipment model, working environment, and specific task requirements to ensure the safety and efficiency of the equipment. This is also the solution advocated by Huayang Machinery — through high-quality, diverse attachments and professional matching services, helping customers maximize the value of their equipment.

Types and Functions of Mini Excavator Attachments

Small excavator attachments come in a wide variety, with each type capable of meeting the needs of different specific work scenarios. Below are some common attachments and their functions to help you quickly understand their uses (if you have other requirements, we can customize production).

1. Excavator Buckets (Standard Buckets, Narrow Buckets, Shell Buckets, etc.)

Function: Excavator buckets are the core attachments for mini excavators, mainly used for earthwork, trench digging, and loading operations. Standard buckets offer good versatility and are suitable for general excavation work, while narrow buckets focus on working in confined spaces, such as cable trenches and drainage ditches. Shell buckets (clamshell buckets) achieve precise earth grabbing through opening and closing mechanisms, making them ideal for landscaping and small earth transportation.

2. Hydraulic Breakers

Function: Hydraulic breakers are high-strength hydraulic tools designed for demolishing hard objects, suitable for rock crushing, concrete removal, and road surface construction. Excavators equipped with models above type 17 come standard with a hydraulic breaker cutoff valve, further enhancing operational convenience and hydraulic system durability.

3. Auger Drills

Function: Auger drills are used for drilling operations, widely applied in landscaping, streetlight installation, and foundation piling. Especially in high-frequency planting tasks, excavators equipped with auger drills can significantly improve efficiency and reduce manual labor.

4. Claw Wood/Steel Grabber

Function: The wood grabber is specifically used for grabbing and transporting irregular objects such as timber and waste materials, while the steel grabber performs outstandingly in waste recycling and steel handling fields. Suitable for excavators of type 20 and 25 with strong climbing ability, the wood grabber is especially suitable for transportation operations in forest areas.

5. Grass Trimmers and Circular Saws

Function: Grass trimmers are used for clearing shrubs and lawns along roadsides or riverbanks, making them ideal for landscape maintenance and municipal projects. Circular saws are suitable for cutting wood or pruning in gardening, capable of precise and efficient cutting work.

6. Hydraulic Quick Coupler (Quick Change Adapter)

Function: The quick coupler allows operators to quickly change different attachments, significantly reducing downtime. For multi-task construction sites requiring frequent tool changes, such as landscaping and building construction, the quick change adapter is undoubtedly a valuable tool to improve construction efficiency.

7. Loosening Soil Tool

Function: The loosening soil tool is a pointed accessory used specifically for hardening soil and frozen ground breaking. It is especially important for foundation treatment in construction and deep tillage in agriculture. Paired with our high-torque model 20 excavator, the loosening soil tool can easily handle high-intensity operations.

8. Clamshell/Thumb Clamp

Function: The clamshell and thumb clamp can grasp stones and irregular objects, suitable for waste cleanup, river management, and stone transportation. Our high-strength manganese steel components for models 18 and 20 excavators provide stable and reliable performance support for such operations.

Practical Application Scenarios

For example, a user needs to plant trees and prune shrubs during landscaping construction. They can choose a spiral drill accessory for quick drilling and planting, then switch to grass trimming shears to clean the site. If you have a hydraulic quick coupler, changing accessories takes only a few minutes, greatly improving work efficiency. In construction, such as excavating frozen ground or breaking hard rock, you should use a combination of loosening soil tools and breakers to meet operational needs.

You can purchase additional accessories when buying a mini excavator. If you buy any mini excavator from Huayang Machinery, we will provide all accessories at factory prices to maximize your operational efficiency.

Accessory compatibility and precautions

In the use of mini excavators, you should choose suitable accessories to improve the equipment's performance and work efficiency. Especially for the series of excavators produced by Huayang Machinery (such as the 80 series, 90 series, and extended models), there are several important aspects to consider when purchasing accessories.

1. Model compatibility

The accessories for each mini excavator must match the equipment's model specifications. For example, in Huayang Machinery's 80 series excavators, the HY-08/09 models are equipped with a 0.02m³ small bucket, while the HY-20 model supports larger buckets from 0.08m³ to 0.1m³. Although the HY-80 can also be fitted with a 450mm bucket, its digging force is generally limited, and it is not recommended to purchase.

When purchasing buckets, breakers, or other work attachments, it is essential to clearly understand the core parameters such as bucket capacity, digging force, and hydraulic system pressure to ensure the accessories can operate normally and to prevent equipment efficiency loss or damage due to incompatible specifications.

2. Hydraulic system compatibility

Compatibility of hydraulic accessories is one of the key factors when selecting accessories. The pressure range of the hydraulic system directly affects the operation efficiency and stability of the accessories. For example, the hydraulic system pressure of the HY-30 excavator in the Huayang Machinery 90 series reaches 23.5 MPa, while the HY-15 model has a hydraulic pressure of only 16.5 MPa. If hydraulic accessories that do not match the pressure range (such as hydraulic breakers or hydraulic grapples) are selected, it may lead to poor equipment operation or even damage to the hydraulic system. Therefore, before purchasing hydraulic accessories, you can consult our sales staff to choose the appropriate model accessories for the excavator.

3. Size and interface compatibility

The installation interface of traditional accessories also needs to match the connection components of the excavator completely. For example, with breakers, different models of excavators may have differences in installation interface size and fixing methods, such as pin diameter, hole spacing, etc. However, Huayang Machinery has upgraded this aspect, and all our models support installation of accessories for all models!

In addition, for users with higher replacement accessory needs, it is recommended to purchase accessories with quick-change interfaces to improve work efficiency.

4. Engine and power system compatibility

Excavators of different models are equipped with engines of varying power and output capabilities. It is recommended to select accessories reasonably based on the excavator's engine power and hydraulic pump performance, such as the HY-17 model excavator from Huayang Machinery with an engine power of 28-30HP, while the 80-08 model only has 12HP. If the accessories you purchase (such as drilling machines or heavy-duty hydraulic grabs) require excessive power output, it may cause engine overload or equipment performance decline.

5. Choice of Original and Non-Original Accessories

Huayang Machinery provides original accessories to ensure high compatibility with equipment and extend their service life. Although non-original accessories on the market are relatively cheaper, they may differ from the original standards in material, manufacturing precision, and design. If you choose non-original accessories, prioritize reputable brands and carefully verify the compatibility of accessory parameters with your equipment, or contact our customer service to inquire about the availability of accessories.

6. Special Requirements for Usage Scenarios

In specific usage scenarios, it is also necessary to select suitable accessories based on actual work needs. For example, when working on construction sites with hard rocks, it is recommended to choose high-strength breakers for models with higher hydraulic pressure (such as HY-27 or HY-30). In forestry operations, appropriate log grabs or grass shears compatible with the excavator specifications should be used.

7. Future Upgrades and Compatibility Expansion

If you plan to upgrade equipment functions in the future, such as adding hydraulic side tilts or chassis extension functions, just contact our customer service, and we will provide genuine parts at factory prices.

If you have any questions about accessory selection, please feel free to contact us.Contact UsOur sales staff will provide you with the best solution in the shortest possible time to save your time and money. At the same time, Huayang Machinery offers professional technical support to ensure customers receive comprehensive guidance and service during the process of selecting and using accessories.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Accessories

In the daily use of mini excavators, improper operation or maintenance may lead to increased wear of parts and decreased efficiency. Therefore, here are some maintenance suggestions for mini excavator parts aimed at extending the lifespan of the parts and ensuring safe operation:

Daily Inspection and Maintenance of Accessories

Regularly check accessory connection components: Before using any accessories (such as buckets, breakers, rippers, etc.), be sure to inspect the pins and lock pins connected to the excavator for looseness or wear. Loose pins not only affect the working accuracy of the accessories but may also cause the accessories to fall off.

Lubrication and Maintenance: The moving parts of excavators need regular lubrication, especially those components that often endure high-intensity work (such as breakers and grapples). Choose appropriate lubricants and lubricate according to the equipment manual's recommendations.

Clean the surface and interfaces of the attachments: After construction, promptly clean dirt, gravel, or other debris from the attachments, especially at the interfaces, to prevent dust and impurities from entering the hydraulic system.

Proper Operation and Usage

Choose suitable attachments that match the work environment: Different work requirements need appropriate attachments. For example, when excavating hard soil or rocks, use a breaker instead of a bucket to avoid damaging the bucket. Also, select compatible attachments based on the excavator model and horsepower to prevent overload.

Avoid Overloading Operations: For example, the 80 series excavators from Huayang Machinery (such as HY-20 models) have clearly defined work ranges for attachments. Buckets with a capacity of 0.08m³-0.1m³ are suitable for lighter earthwork. Using them in overly hard geological conditions may cause deformation of the attachments or damage to the hydraulic system.

Use quick couplers to improve work efficiency: Quick couplers help switch attachments quickly, but ensure they are locked after installation and avoid operating the excavator when not fully locked.

Inspection and protection of hydraulic systems

Monitoring hydraulic system pressure: Most attachments for mini excavators rely on hydraulic drive, such as breakers, hydraulic grapples, etc. When using these attachments, ensure that the hydraulic system pressure is within a safe range (e.g., the hydraulic pressure range for the 90 series excavators is 14-23.5 MPa).

Prevent hydraulic oil contamination: Contamination of hydraulic oil can cause system blockage, affecting the normal operation of attachments. Therefore, when replacing or connecting hydraulic interfaces of attachments, ensure the interfaces are clean and free of dirt.

Safety operating procedures

Skilled operation techniques: Only trained operators are allowed to operate excavators and attachments. Before operation, operators should familiarize themselves with equipment performance and attachment usage requirements, such asHY-12 mini excavatorClimbing ability is 40°, extra caution is required when using accessories on steep slopes.

Stay away from danger zones: When using accessories (such as breakers), ensure that personnel around and the excavator maintain a safe distance to avoid flying debris or mechanical loss of control causing injury.

Avoid continuous operation for long periods: Prolonged use of high-strength accessories (such as breakers) may cause equipment overheating. It is advisable to stop and rest periodically and check the condition of the accessories.

Regular professional maintenance

Assessment of accessory wear: Regularly inspect the wear of accessories (such as buckets and grapples), and replace worn parts as necessary, such as bucket teeth or cutting edges. For equipment equipped with high-strength manganese steel components like the HY-18 model, even durable materials should be evaluated.

Hydraulic oil replacement and filtration: It is recommended to change hydraulic oil every 500 hours of operation, clean the tank, and replace the filter element to ensure the stability of the hydraulic system and the efficient operation of accessories.

Emergency situation handling

Immediate shutdown of abnormal conditions: If abnormal noises, jamming, or hydraulic interface leaks occur during operation, stop immediately and check the cause to prevent further damage.

Preparation of spare parts: To reduce downtime caused by part damage, it is recommended to keep a set of commonly used spare parts (such as backup buckets, hydraulic hoses).

Through the above maintenance tips, you can not only extend the service life of mini excavator parts but also significantly improve construction efficiency and operational safety. As a professional manufacturer of mini excavators, Huayang Machinery is committed to providing high-quality parts and services to help smoothly complete various construction needs.

Leading manufacturer and brand of mini excavator parts

Our mini excavators are compatible with most well-known brands' parts on the market. Here are some representative brands in the mini excavator industry and their advantages:

Kubota

Kubota is one of the global leaders in the construction machinery industry, known for producing high-quality mini excavators and their accessories. Kubota accessories such as hydraulic pumps, engines, and highly durable buckets are not only highly compatible with their own equipment but can also be widely used in excavators of other brands. Especially in heavy-duty work scenarios, the high-performance performance of their accessories has received high recognition from users. For example, Kubota engines are known for their low fuel consumption, stability, and environmental performance, making them particularly suitable for models equipped with Kubota engines, such as the HY-20 model from Hwayang Machinery.

Sandvik

Sandvik, as a top manufacturer specializing in construction machinery accessories, is renowned worldwide for its crusher hammers and excavator buckets. For heavy-duty tasks such as breaking rocks or working on hard surfaces, Sandvik's hydraulic breaker hammers can significantly improve construction efficiency. When paired with Hwayang Machinery's HY-18 or HY-27 models, their crushing performance can reach optimal results.

Bosch Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth holds an important position in the field of hydraulic components. Its hydraulic valve assemblies, motors, and pumps are known for precise control performance and high durability. Especially for multifunctional excavators, Rexroth's hydraulic accessories can effectively improve equipment operation smoothness and enhance excavation and loading efficiency. The high-end versions from Hwayang Machinery (such as HY-30 and HY-35 models) often select these advanced hydraulic components to optimize performance.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar parts cover a wide range, including high-strength digging buckets, track systems, and rotary motors. Their accessories are especially suitable for high-intensity and harsh environment operations. The high-wear-resistant digging buckets and track systems can significantly extend equipment lifespan. For example, in mining operations or heavy construction, Huayang Machinery's HY-25 model combined with Caterpillar accessories can further enhance equipment stability and production efficiency.

Volvo

Volvo is known for providing environmentally friendly and efficient engineering machinery parts, with hydraulic systems and electronic control technology widely used worldwide. The precision and low-noise characteristics of Volvo hydraulic components are very suitable for urban engineering or environmentally sensitive areas. For Huayang Machinery's extended equipment (such as the extended 22-C), equipped with Volvo hydraulic systems and high-performance motors, work flexibility and operational accuracy can be further improved.

Huayang Machinery

As a professional manufacturer in the field of small excavators and accessories in China, Huayang Machinery is committed to providing customers with high cost-performance ratio parts and services. From buckets, hydraulic valve assemblies to special-purpose accessories (such as log grabbers, grass cutters), Huayang Machinery continuously develops and adapts accessories for various models, ensuring competitiveness in performance and durability. Especially with its own quick coupler, which helps customers achieve efficient switching of multiple accessories and greatly enhances the equipment's adaptability in different operational scenarios.

Choosing the right brand and accessories not only optimizes equipment performance but also significantly extends its service life. Whether through localized procurement or global collaboration, we can develop solutions tailored to your actual needs and budget to ensure smooth construction progress.

Quick Coupler

Use the quick coupler to improve efficiency

The quick coupler is an essential attachment used on small excavators, capable of meeting the demand for rapid attachment changes, thereby significantly improving construction efficiency. For small excavators like the 80 series and 90 series produced by Huayang Machinery, both standard and hydraulic quick couplers are supported, enhancing attachment compatibility.

What is a quick coupler?

A quick coupler is a connection device installed at the end of an excavator's work arm, allowing rapid switching between buckets, breakers, rippers, and other attachments without complicated manual disassembly. Through hydraulic drive or mechanical design, users can easily operate to change attachments, greatly reducing switching time.

Practical use cases of quick couplers

Suppose in a small construction project, you need to first excavate soil with a bucket, then switch to a breaker for hard rock, and finally use a grapple to move trees. Without a quick coupler, switching attachments may take 20 minutes or more. With a quick coupler, the change can be completed in about 5 minutes. This efficiency improvement is especially noticeable in multi-step operations, particularly suitable for the following scenarios:

Municipal engineering: road surface excavation, pipeline installation, and gravel cleaning are carried out alternately.

Landscape greening: after digging trenches, quickly switch to wood grab or grass trimming to complete the operation.

Agricultural operations: from soil clearing to rotary drilling and then to grabbing wood or crops, all can be efficiently switched.

Advantages of compatible Huayang machinery products

Huayang machinery's various models of small excavators, such as the HY-20 and HY-25, benefit from their efficient hydraulic systems and powerful engines, and are highly compatible with quick couplers. For example, the HY-20, with its 16.5KN digging force and compact body design, paired with a quick coupler, can easily handle diverse working conditions. Additionally, models like the HY-30, with hydraulic system pressure reaching 23.5mpa, can perfectly drive high-load quick couplers, ensuring safety and smoothness during tool switching.

Key points to improve efficiency

Quick operation switching: Significantly shortens the overall construction period by reducing tool change time.

Reduce labor costs: Avoid tedious manual disassembly and assembly of tools, decreasing dependence on skilled workers.

Extend tool lifespan: Precise installation reduces wear on tools and interfaces caused by improper disassembly and assembly.

Improve operational comfort: Operators can complete tool changes inside the cab, avoiding frequent physical effort of getting on and off the machine.

Maintenance and usage precautions

Regularly check the connection locking mechanism: Ensure the hydraulic interface and mechanical locking components of the quick converter are functioning properly to prevent tool detachment.

Lubrication activity parts: Regularly add lubricating oil to wear points during high-strength construction to ensure smooth connections.

Compatibility assessment: Choose quick couplers compatible with the excavator model to avoid hydraulic system failures or equipment damage caused by incompatibility.

Proper operation: Strictly follow the user manual during operation to prevent overloading that could damage the coupler.

Value for efficiency improvement

Quick couplers are not only a technological upgrade but also a key tool to enhance construction efficiency and operational convenience. In practical applications, they help construction teams quickly adapt to various working conditions, thereby increasing overall productivity. For customers purchasing small excavators from Huayang Machinery, this is an accessory that can significantly improve return on investment.

Quick coupler purchasing tips

For users of the 80 series light excavators, a standard quick coupler can be selected to accommodate common attachments such as breakers and grapples. For users of the 90 series high-performance models, it is recommended to choose a hydraulic quick coupler with higher load capacity to meet the needs of heavier attachments. Huayang Machinery provides professional accessory matching and permanent after-sales support to ensure customers achieve maximum efficiency during actual construction.

Huayang Machinery aims to provide customers with high-quality mini excavators and their accessories, taking every customer seriously and offering lasting service support. If you are interested in mini excavators, please contact our customer service for individual or corporate orders.