IDM EXTREME DUTY ATTACHMENTS
Designed to Perform, Built to Last
Cheap, light duty, poorly manufactured attachments always costs more over the long haul.
That is why here at IDM we are committed to saving you money by offering only “Extreme Duty Attachments”.
Compact Equipment Has Come Of Age.
Compact machines are doing what machines twice their size used to do.
Here are some points to consider when looking to purchase an attachment
Design Engineering
When buying a product look for a company that actually has experience with using the products that they sell. It is surprising as to how many sales people are nothing more than “order writers” with zero knowledge of the product and design. Buying from someone who actually has used the attachment is always the best bet.
Compare the Weight
The overall weight of the attachment will give you a good indication of the amount of actual steel used in manufacturing the attachment.
Thicker plate in crucial areas will often make the difference in the attachment standing the test of time.
Flatbar/Angle Iron or Steel Plate
A good indicator of a poorly designed, cheaply made attachment will be the use of flatbar or angle iron as gussets to reinforce the attachment. Look for a radius (rounded corners) on parts that are used for gussetting. This will indicate that a plasma, laser, or CNC flame was used to cut the gussets from plate and not sawn from flatbar. Welded components with a radius, cut with plasma or laser are stronger with less chance of cracking. ( Photos )
Compare the Pins and Bushings
Look closely at not only the pins but also at the pin boss thickness.
Pin Boss:
A good general rule of thumb for a well engineered product is the pin boss thickness should be at least about 40% of the pins diameter. This will keep the boss from becoming oblong and loose.
( Photos)
Pins:
Look to see that the manufacture has used proper hardened pins and not bolts and nuts at pivot points and attaching hydraulic cylinders. The bigger the pin the more surface from pin to boss that you have, so bigger is always better. ( Photos )
Example:
A 1” pin has 3.14 inches of contact surface while a 1-1/2″ pin has 4.71 inches. The 1-1/2” pin is 50% stronger with 50% more wear surface. Bottom line is that the attachment with bigger pins will last longer, stay tighter, and work harder for you. ( Drawing )
Hydraulic Cylinders
Stay away from attachments using tierod hydraulic cylinders that are assembled with ready rod bolts holding the cylinder together. These type of cylinders do not stand up to high pressure, heavy use and shock load spike pressure ( photos )
Look for attachments that use welded barrel cylinders with heavy bosses, and quality seals and wipers. ( photos )
Quality Welding
Look for welds that have a good wash. This indicates good heat and good weld penetration. Look to see that the welds wrap around the gussets. ( photos )
Here is an old saying still rings true today!
“The Bitterness Of Low Quality Will Remain Long After The Sweetness Of A Low Price Is Gone”