For a week, host Bryan Furnace and guest Rick Valko put an X12 Steelwrist tiltrotator through its paces clearing two and a half acres with an 8metricton excavator.
On this episode of The Dirt, the two operators give their views on its performance as well as deliver insights on the attachment that twists and turns. You also get to see plenty of footage of the Steelwrist in action.
Their first concern was a common one heard among U.S. contractors, “Is it strong enough?”
The device answered that with a resounding “yes” and provided a host of other benefits beyond that of a traditional bucket and thumb.
“This thing is just unreal,” Rick says.
Bryan calls it “one of the most fun attachments” he’s ever run.
On the job, the device ripped out trees and moved boulders and dirt with outstanding efficiency, power and safety. The 8ton excavator was performing like a 15ton machine and also increasing production in the process. With an experienced operator, they estimate the tiltrotator can increase efficiency by 20% to 30%.
There are also a quite a few other benefits – and a few concerns – operators should be aware of that they explain.
So to find out why a tiltrotator will change the way you think about a job and why neither of these guys wanted to give the test model back, check out this episode of The Dirt.

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00:00 Steelwrist Tiltrotator Comprehensive Review Overview
01:12 Tree Work
02:09 – Safety
02:35 Cleanup & Efficiency
04:06 Power & Durability
06:19 – Pinchers
07:11 Swapping Attachments
08:40 Learning Curve
11:09 – Controls
11:36 Room for Improvement
13:34 Final Verdict