Utility contractors have many different tasks to complete on a jobsite. Sometimes they utilize specialized utility construction equipment, but in many cases, they use compact loaders, tractors, and excavators equipped with specialized attachments.
According to Doug Laufenberg, Manager of Sales & Marketing for Compact Construction Equipment & Attachments at John Deere, a track loader is a common piece of equipment due to the jobsite and weather variability a utility contractor runs into. Tracked excavators are also common since a utility contractor will likely have to dig at some point.
In some instances, a utility contractor may opt for a compact wheeled excavator.
“Wheeled excavators are popular when both mobility and maneuverability are important,” said Todd Cannegieter, Product Manager for Attachments & Special Applications at Volvo Construction Equipment. “If you’re working in tight spaces, for example, an operator might find it difficult to maneuver a backhoe loader that only has a 180° working radius compared with the 360° available on a wheeled excavator.”
Regardless of what a utility contractor’s equipment of choice happens to be, that piece of machinery is only going to be as productive as its attachments allow.
“Attachments undoubtedly enhance the versatility of compact equipment,” said Rachel Miller, Marketing Manager for Bobcat. “This is especially true when it comes to utility contractors and jobsites. Urban, suburban, and rural jobsites alike are becoming more complex and restrictive – and coupling the right attachment with powerful equipment can make all the difference.”
Read on to see what our panel of compact construction equipment experts said are the most versatile compact attachments for utility contractors.
Buckets, buckets, and more buckets
“A utility contractor can benefit from having a variety of buckets for their compact excavator,” said Doug Laufenberg, of Deere. Having different sizes allows for a closer match to the trench width, reducing waste from removing excess dirt and minimizing the need for backfilling.
Utility contractors should also consider additional tasks their excavators might perform. “Sometimes it’s useful to have a bucket with a thumb on it, which can be really helpful when grabbing onto things like pipe,” Laufenberg added.
Volvo’s Todd Cannegieter highlighted the versatility of buckets with tiltrotators. These attachments not only improve productivity but also enhance jobsite safety. “With a tiltrotator, operators can get more done without changing their attachment or machine position, which is ideal for applications like trenching on a slope, backfilling, and finishing work,” Cannegieter explained. “It works especially well to finish around drains, manholes, and utility boxes.”
For compact loaders, Laufenberg suggested that utility contractors might appreciate a multi-purpose bucket, sometimes referred to as a four-in-one bucket. “Multi-purpose buckets open from the bottom,” Laufenberg explained. This feature allows the bucket to bulldoze, scrape, load, or clamp material based on the operator’s configuration.
Grapple
Speaking of clamping onto material, sometimes a utility contractor finds that a dedicated grapple attachment is nice to have. “Grapples are used for handling and lifting materials like logs, debris, and jobsite waste,” Bobcat’s Miller said. “They are available in bucket or fork-bottom styles, and a single- or dual-grapple design helps match a wide variety of applications.”
Pallet forks
Next to a standard bucket, Laufenberg said a set of pallet forks is the most common attachment for a skid steer or track loader. Pallet forks are very versatile in helping contractors move large pipes and pallets of material around a jobsite.
Trencher
While there is plenty of specialized trenching machinery available, utility contractors can also utilize skid steers and track loaders to efficiently dig trenches. And as previously touched on, excavators with a right-sized bucket can also efficiently dig a trench. But a skid steer or track loader with a trenching attachment can help trench things like lateral lines that may only need to be 6 inches wide.
Nick Olsen, Product Manager at Vermeer, said a mini skid steer with a trencher attachment can be an effective option for installing phone, fiber, cable, gas, irrigation, water and sewer lines. Additionally, a vibratory plow attachment could be a good choice when installing fiber, electric wiring, or irrigation lines on compact residential jobsites.
When selecting a trencher – which may be available for use with either a loader or excavator – Bobcat’s Miller said a contractor should confirm it will meet their performance requirements, such as digging in rocky soils or close to buildings.
Hydraulic breaker
A hydraulic breaker is another versatile attachment for either a compact excavator or loader.
“Sometimes utility contractors find themselves working on paved surfaces or rock,” Laufenberg pointed out. “A breaker will help them break up that hard surface so they can start digging to the utility they need to install or access for service.”
Cold planer
A cold planer can also come in handy when working on hard surfaces. Sometimes referred to as an asphalt mill, a cold planer is a versatile attachment for both excavators and loaders. Cold planers allow contractors working on asphalt surfaces to mill down to the subbase, where they can then begin digging with their excavator.
Wheel saw
A wheel saw is another attachment to help cut through asphalt and concrete. In the case of Bobcat, it’s available for skid steers and compact track loaders. “The hydraulic side shift feature allows close operation to curbs and walls,” Miller explained.
Auger
An auger attachment will come in handy when having to drill holes for utility poles or fence posts. “A good auger’s plumb-line accuracy, high-torque performance, and a wide variety of auger bits and teeth make it easy to match digging conditions,” Miller said.
Brush cutter
Miller said a brush cutter attachment for a skid steer or track loader is another versatile tool for a utility contractor, helping clear vegetation around existing utility lines or clearing difficult terrain when installing new utilities.
Telescopic arm
Volvo’s Cannegieter said telescopic material-handling arms are very useful when the contractor is using a compact wheel loader to lift and place larger materials like pipes and other equipment around the jobsite.
“Volvo’s arm features a mechanical telescopic section with four different positions, a built-in mechanical stop end to prevent overextension, and smooth arm movements that contribute to safe and efficient load handling,” Cannegieter said. “The box-type frame design also provides an unobstructed view over the lifting hook and load to help keep the worksite safe.”
Attachments for utility tractors
Some compact construction equipment manufacturers, such as Ditch Witch and Vermeer, also offer compact machines designed specifically for utility installation work. Utility tractors, also known as ride-on trenchers or vibratory plows, have their own suite of attachments for different utility types and ground conditions.
Vermeer’s Olsen said the following are common as rear attachments:
Center-mount trencher: The most widely used attachment for digging trenches, available in various boom sizes and chain types depending on the tractor size.
Sliding-offset trencher: Ideal for trenching near obstacles like buildings, fences, or curbs.
Sliding-offset with conveyor trencher: Moves spoils to one side of the trench, improving visibility and making utility installation and backfilling easier.
Vibratory plow: Suited for installing cable with minimal surface disturbance, offering various plow blade options.
Trencher/plow combo: Allows switching between trenching and plowing without changing attachments, which is useful for fluctuating ground conditions.
Rockwheel: Used for cutting through rocky areas at depths of 4-12 inches or 24-52 inches, depending on the type.
Microtrencher: Cuts narrow trenches through hard surfaces like asphalt, reducing restoration work after utility installation.
Olsen said the following are common as front attachments:
Backfill blade: Used for backfilling trenches after utility installation.
Backhoe: Enables open excavation without needing an additional machine.
Reel carriers: Essential for holding cable lines or poly pipes when using a vibratory plow.
At the end of the day, whether their machine of choice is a utility tractor, loader, excavator, or other piece of compact construction equipment, a utility contractor has plenty of tools available to perform a variety of tasks.
“The range of attachments available for both utility tractors and compact equipment gives contractors the flexibility to handle diverse installation projects efficiently,” Olsen said. “By understanding and utilizing the right combination of equipment and attachments, contractors can improve productivity, expand their services, and meet the evolving demands of utility installation work.”
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