Whether it’ s selecting the right bucket, roller or grinder, the wrong choice can add hours, costs or frustration to a project.
where the wrong tool can mean wasted time and excessive wear. Bandit Industries, a Michiganbased manufacturer of wood waste and recycling equipment, underscores the importance of pairing machines with the right feedstock.
Horizontal grinders, whole tree chippers and slow-speed shredders may all process wood, but each is designed for specific applications. A contractor clearing land might need the productivity of a whole tree chipper, while a recycler handling mixed waste would be better served with a slow-speed shredder.
Through its expanding dealer network, Bandit emphasizes that access to expert support and parts is just as important as the machine itself. With dealers covering regions across the United States and Canada, the company says having knowledgeable partners ensures contractors can keep attachments running with minimal downtime.
Considering Used Options
Not every job requires brandnew equipment or attachments. Cook Equipment Co., a familyowned business specializing in used heavy construction machinery, notes that many contractors turn to the used market for both cost savings and variety.
With hundreds of attachments available across different makes and models, Cook stresses the importance of fit and compatibility. Even when buying used, operators should make sure an attachment is suited for their machine’ s hydraulic capacity, weight balance and application demands.
Maintenance Still Matters
Even the best attachment won’ t perform if neglected. Woods Equipment reminds contractors that service details, from gearbox oil levels to blade sharpening, can make the difference between smooth operation and costly downtime.
V-belt drives, for example, require proper alignment and tensioning. Misalignment can cause excessive wear or even force a belt to jump off. Likewise, over-tightening in an attempt to stop slippage can shorten belt life. Simple preventive steps, like checking sheave wear and replacing hardware with each blade swap, help keep attachments reliable.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right attachment comes down to a mix of planning and practicality. Operators must weigh job requirements, machine capabilities, budget and long-term efficiency.
“ Meeting contract demands while keeping costs realistic is a simple equation,” said Newbound, reflecting on his team’ s early struggles before adopting the Walk‘ n’ Roll.“ You can’ t continue to deliver on a contract if the services you provide are costing more than you’ re getting paid.”
Whether it’ s selecting the right bucket, roller or grinder, the wrong choice can add hours, costs or frustration to a project. The right one, on the other hand, can extend the life of a machine, reduce labor and even improve environmental impact.
As the industry grows more competitive, one lesson rings clear: the attachment isn’ t just an accessory, it’ s a critical part of the job.
Whether it’ s selecting the right bucket, roller or grinder, the wrong choice can add hours, costs or frustration to a project.
8 / ATTACHMENT CONNECTION 2026 www. attachmentconnection. com