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How to choose the right Geith excavator attachment

Geith excavator attachments boost efficiency, safety, and versatility with quick couplers, tilting systems, and durable buckets for any job requirement.


Selecting the right excavator attachment can make or break your project's success. With dozens of options available and varying job requirements, many operators struggle to identify which attachment will deliver the best results for their specific needs.

Geith has been solving this challenge for over 60 years, manufacturing premium quality excavator attachments trusted by major OEMs worldwide. From their humble beginnings in 1959 in Grangegeeth, Ireland, to becoming a global leader with manufacturing facilities across multiple continents, Geith has consistently delivered superior design and performance.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right Geith excavator attachment. You'll learn about different attachment types, how to match them to your job requirements, and why Geith's Quick Coupler systems can transform your operational efficiency.

Understanding different types of excavator attachments

Hydraulic quick couplers: The foundation of versatility

Hydraulic Quick Couplers represent the backbone of modern excavator versatility. Available for 1 to 85 tonne excavators, these attachments feature triple locking mechanisms and variable centre pickup capabilities.

The key advantage lies in their ability to use buckets in reverse position, dramatically increasing your operational flexibility. Multi-pin pickup functionality means you can connect to various attachment types without manual intervention, whilst the proven design with high yield materials ensures reliability under demanding conditions.

Every Hydraulic Quick Coupler comes with a 3-year warranty and ISO13031 compliance, meeting the highest safety standards in the industry.

Mechanical quick couplers: Simplicity meets efficiency

For lighter applications, Mechanical Quick Couplers offer an elegant solution. Available for 1 to 10 tonne excavators, these attachments revolutionise the connection process with their "game-changer" single visit operation.

The unlock and release function operates in one easy movement, whilst automatic locking from the cab eliminates the need for safety pins. The compact design ensures you can pick up OEM attachments without compromising your excavator's original specifications.

Tilting couplers: Precision in every angle

Hydraulic Tilting Quick Couplers extend your excavator's capabilities beyond conventional limitations. Available for 1 to 30 tonne excavators, these attachments allow you to tilt your bucket or any excavator attachment up to 180 degrees.

As Eamonn Callaghan notes: "The Geith Tilting Coupler is brilliant, especially for grading & hedge cutting. I should have got one years ago."

The system includes Geith's proven hydraulic Quick Coupler base and Geith actuator, working off standard auxiliary circuits for seamless integration.

Digging and grading buckets: Built for durability

Geith's bucket range covers 1 to 85 tonne excavators, featuring diamond folded sections and dual radius design. Abrasive resistant wear pads ensure maximum durability whilst facilitating easy loading and dumping operations.

Heavy Duty, Rock, and Extreme Duty versions address specific application requirements, from standard earthmoving to the most challenging rock and demolition work.

Dual cylinder tilting buckets: Enhanced control

These specialised buckets feature reversible bolt-on cutting edges as standard, plus spill guards and cylinder guards protecting critical components. The centre web plate provides increased bucket strength, whilst flow control valves allow easy adjustment of tilting speed to match your working preferences.

Available for 2 to 30 tonne excavators, these buckets excel in precision grading and landscaping applications.

Matching attachments to job requirements

Excavator size and weight class

Your excavator's tonnage determines which attachments you can safely operate. Geith's comprehensive range ensures coverage from 1 tonne mini excavators to 85 tonne machines, but matching weight capacity remains crucial for safe operation.

Smaller excavators (1-10 tonnes) work best with Mechanical Quick Couplers and lighter bucket configurations. Mid-range machines (10-30 tonnes) can handle Hydraulic Quick Couplers and Tilting systems effectively. Larger excavators (30+ tonnes) require robust Hydraulic Quick Couplers and heavy-duty bucket options.

Application-specific requirements

Different job sites demand different attachment characteristics:

  • Earthmoving and general excavation: Standard Hydraulic Quick Couplers with general-purpose buckets provide the versatility needed for varied soil conditions.
  • Precision grading: Tilting Couplers offer the control required for accurate slope work and fine finishing operations.
  • Rock and demolition: Heavy Duty or Extreme Duty buckets with reinforced construction handle the most challenging materials.
  • Landscaping and utilities: Dual Cylinder Tilting Buckets provide the precision needed for delicate work around existing infrastructure.

Operational efficiency considerations

Quick Couplers transform operational efficiency by eliminating manual attachment changes. The ability to switch between buckets, thumbs, grapples, and crushers from the cab saves significant time and reduces labour costs.

Hydraulic systems offer faster operation but require auxiliary hydraulic circuits. Mechanical systems provide reliable operation with simpler maintenance requirements.

Geith's quick coupler systems: A closer look

Safety features and standards

Geith's commitment to safety shows in their ISO13031 compliant Quick Coupler range, designed with "Safety by Design" principles. Triple locking mechanisms on hydraulic units provide redundant safety systems, whilst automatic locking on mechanical units eliminates human error.

The proven design philosophy incorporates high yield materials tested under real-world conditions, ensuring reliability when it matters most.

Installation and integration

Geith's hydraulic kits and controls simplify installation across different excavator brands. The industry-leading control box includes override functions for longer attachments, whilst boom mount control valves can save up to 40% on installation time.

Installation kits include manifold blocks for reverse direction jumper lines, extending hose life and reducing maintenance requirements.

Versatility and compatibility

Multi-pin pickup capability means your Quick Coupler can connect to various attachment types without modification. The ability to use buckets in reverse position doubles your operational flexibility, particularly useful in confined spaces or specialised applications.

Variable centre pickup accommodates different attachment mounting points, ensuring compatibility with both Geith and OEM attachments.

Benefits of choosing Geith attachments

Proven track record

Over 60 years of experience in design and manufacturing shows in every Geith attachment. The company's evolution from producing stone carts to becoming a trusted OEM partner demonstrates their commitment to innovation and quality.

Major milestones include the first patented dual locking safety Coupler in 2001, the launch of hydraulic Tilting Quick Couplers in 2016, and the revolutionary single visit Mechanical Quick Coupler in 2020.

Global support network

Geith's worldwide distribution network ensures industry-leading availability with attachments on the shelf ready for immediate delivery. Manufacturing facilities in China, Portugal, India, and the United States, combined with distribution hubs in the UK and Atlanta, provide comprehensive global coverage.

The UK warehouse alone stocks over 75,000 square feet of indoor space with hundreds of excavator attachments, whilst the Portugal factory handles custom manufacturing for specialised requirements.

Quality materials and construction

High strength and abrasive resistant materials including AR400, AR500, and QT690 ensure durability under demanding conditions. Company-wide welding expertise focuses on weld penetration with emphasis on proper finishing to reduce cracking possibilities.

Diamond folded sections and dual radius designs maximise structural integrity whilst maintaining optimal performance characteristics.

Comprehensive aftermarket support

Large stock of aftermarket parts for Geith and other brands ensures rapid turnaround on maintenance requirements. Express shipments from warehouses and factories minimise downtime, whilst finance, freight, and discount programmes support stock orders.

The proven hydraulic kits and controls maintain consistent performance across different excavator platforms, supported by comprehensive technical documentation and customer support.

Making your investment work harder

Return on investment considerations

Quick Couplers deliver measurable returns through reduced labour costs and increased operational flexibility. The ability to switch between attachments without manual intervention saves both time and money on every job.

Tilting Couplers offer particularly strong returns in grading and landscaping applications, where precision and efficiency directly impact project profitability.

Maintenance and longevity

Geith's focus on high-quality materials and construction translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs. The 3-year warranty on Hydraulic Quick Couplers provides additional peace of mind.

Proper maintenance supported by readily available spare parts ensures consistent performance throughout the attachment's service life.

Operational flexibility

The ability to rapidly switch between different attachment types transforms your excavator into a multi-purpose machine. This flexibility becomes particularly valuable on projects requiring varied operations or when working in confined spaces.

Your next step towards enhanced productivity

Choosing the right Geith excavator attachment requires careful consideration of your specific requirements, but the investment delivers measurable returns through improved efficiency and operational flexibility.

Whether you need the versatility of Hydraulic Quick Couplers, the precision of Tilting systems, or the durability of heavy-duty buckets, Geith's 60 years of experience ensures you're investing in proven technology.

Contact Bobcat Portable Power today to discuss your specific requirements and discover how their premium quality attachments can transform your operations. With their global support network and comprehensive product range, you're not just buying an attachment—you're investing in a partnership that will deliver results for years to come.