When shopping for a tilting quick hitch for your current or future machine, nothing is more debated than which type to purchase: a Hydraulic Actuator tilting hitch (also known as a Motor) or a tilting quick coupler.

Actuator style hitches are used for civil and road construction, while Cylinder style hitches are used for agriculture and forestry, according to tradition. However, as more operators and businesses use each design across a broader range of applications, these beliefs are being called into question. We'll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each tilt hitch type, as well as the factors to consider when purchasing a tilt hitch.

Tilt Range is a term used to describe the range of tilt that can be achieved with a camera

The most noticeable difference between a Cylinder tilt hitch and an Actuator tilt hitch is the maximum tilt ranges available. Because of their inherent design, cylinder tilt hitches can only tilt a total of 90 degrees or 45 degrees each way.

The Cylinder pushes the hitch base in a straight line, with a fixed pivot point in the center of the unit. To tilt the hitch base more than 45 degrees, the Cylinder would have to push the hitch base further than the hitch base could travel from a fixed pivot point. Tilting hitch designers all over the world have experimented with a variety of novel solutions to increase the tilt of a Cylinder style hitch without much success. This is largely due to the additional complexity that each of these systems required in order to achieve the desired additional motion.

In a tilting quick coupler, the Hydraulic Actuator serves as the pivot point and propelling force of the tilt motion; this allows the hitch to be tilted as far as the motor will allow or until something gets in the way. As most people are aware, the larger the excavator, the less tilt range is available; this is because larger excavators require as much drive and hold torque as possible; in order to achieve the required torque and more tilt, a longer Actuator would be required. The Actuators piston is responsible for the tilt motion and power output; length = tilt capability; piston area and tooth angle = torque power.

Axis of Tilt (or Tilt Power)

Without examining the numbers, it is commonly assumed that Cylinder-powered hitches are more powerful than Actuators. This is most likely due to the fact that Cylinders are torquey and respond quickly to operator input despite their small size. You may be surprised to learn that the drive torque of Actuators is very similar to that of a Cylinder.

As previously discussed, the relationship between tilt range and tilt power is complex; as a result, different specifications of motors can be found for different tilt power and ranges.


Actuator design in tilting quick coupler is often about balancing how much torque and tilt range is required against adding diameter and length to the hitch because exceeding dipper width and length would affect digging performance.