If you’ve got an excavator, then you know it’s more than just a piece of equipment—it’s the backbone of your job site, whether you’re digging trenches, moving dirt, or tackling big projects. But no matter how tough your machine is, it’s only as good as the attachments you put on it.

When it comes to shopping for excavator attachments, the most important thing to keep in mind isn’t just brand or type—it’s the measurements. The wrong attachment can cause all sorts of issues, from poor fit to safety concerns, so it’s critical to get your measurements right. Here’s what you need to know before you start shopping for attachments for your excavator.

What You Need to Measure for Attachments

Before you can find the right attachment for your machine, you’ve got to know a few key measurements. Without these, it’s almost impossible to get a proper fit, no matter how good the attachment might be.

1. Pin Size and Type

The pin is what holds your attachment to the excavator arm. You need to know a few things about your pin to make sure the attachment will fit:

• Pin Diameter: Measure the diameter of the pin. This will help you figure out which attachments are compatible with your excavator.
• Pin Length: You’ll also need to measure the pin’s length, which will vary depending on the attachment you’re using.

2. Center-to-Center Measurement

This measurement refers to the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the other pin on your machine. This is crucial because even if your pin diameter matches, if the center-to-center measurement doesn’t line up with the attachment, it won’t fit properly.

3. Bushing Measurements

Bushings are components that sit between your pins and the attachment, reducing friction and wear. You’ll need to know:

• The diameter of your bushings—this is usually the same as the pin size.
• The distance between the bushings—this tells you how far apart the bushings are on the attachment, and it should match up with the distance on your machine.

Why These Measurements Matter

Without these key measurements, finding the right attachments can be a nightmare. If the pin size, center-to-center, or bushing measurements are off, it can cause the attachment to be loose, hard to operate, or even dangerous.

Getting these measurements right ensures:

• Perfect Fit: Your attachment will connect securely and function as intended.
• Safety: The attachment will be stable, reducing the risk of equipment failure.
• Efficiency: Properly fitting attachments perform better and last longer, saving you time and money.

What Happens if You Get the Measurements Wrong?

If you don’t measure correctly, you could end up with an attachment that doesn’t fit your machine, leaving you with two options:

1. Make adjustments (which can be expensive and time-consuming).
2. Buy a new attachment (which can be costly and frustrating).

Both options waste your time and money, so it’s best to get it right from the start.

Why Harris Trading Company Has You Covered

At Harris Trading Company, we know how important it is to get the right attachments for your excavator. Whether you’re looking for a bucket, auger, grapple, or any other attachment, we make sure we have all the right equipment and expertise to help you out.

Before you shop for attachments, make sure you’ve got your pin diameter, center-to-center measurements, and bushing dimensions ready. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.