Options for tilt rotator on wacker neuson EZ26

[doobin]

Has anyone considered a rototop hitch? Yeah I know they aren't the full monty but very low build height and weight and for a 4 pipe machine leaves a spare circuit for running attachments too without going through the hitch. I kinda like the robust simplicity of them tbh

I definitely use rotate more than tilt, however I think having only rotate would be just as frustrating as having only tilt.

They do have a much larger flow through the hitch for an aux from what I’ve read.

For where you work, never on the level, a proper tiltrotator would be amazing. Just a basic s30 one that you drop off as required. Just like mine

 

[APhillips]

Been doing a lot of pontificating around what to go for re tilt rotator and have a much better idea of what I want and how it all works. Thought, for my sins, I'd share my thoughts and see what you thought!

I'm thinking to go with rototilt rc1, direct mount with an ss9 type control system (rcs2?) (4 pipe setup with a switch wired in to the cab to divert either tilt or rotate to grab), and on s40. It also has a screen in the cab that controls the hydraulic hitch, so i could add a hydraulic top hitch if i felt like i needed it later down the line using the machines existing hydraulic hitch lines. I don't want to, or do arb work very much at all, so the compromise on the grab is acceptable. Direct mount will loose me less break out force if i want to put a ripper tooth on and dig out the odd stump, and will of course keep the weight down. If I need to I can run attachments, breaker, auger etc. even flail.... I rarely use these so the additional build height, weight and expense of a top hitch makes little sense, but I could add in the future if my work changes. From what I understand the rc1 units are pretty bullet proof. Apparently S40 is the way to go on this size machine and is that much more common if looking for suitable attachments.

I've been a bit put off engcon hearing about less than optimal reliability and the ec02 might be a bit on the delicate side mounted directly on this size of machine. Plus, with the engcon I've been advised to go for dc2 which is stupid money.

Steelwrist x04 is a good contender but I've yet to be convinced or understand exactly how it would pair with the EZ26. I have seen a few EZ26 x04 setups on ebay, not sure if that's a good or bad thing! I've not seen an rc1 on an EZ26, or on any 2.7t machine. I would be interested to hear if someone has had experience operating 4 piper on the EZ26, as the dc2 recommendation was because it's guaranteed to feel a certain way, whereas 4 pipe, relying on the machines hydraulics, will flow share and operate in an unpredictable way.

You've made some interesting statements in here, firstly don't assume that a direct fit tilty will be easily converted to run with a top coupler, likely a full new top bracket, so not a cost effective option in my opinion.

Rototilt will be recommending the RC1 in S40 for the same reason that We (steelwrist) recommend the X04 in S40 too, discussing this size category with our team in the Nordics they said that over the years they have seen failures of S30 tiltys (mostly competitor units) on 2.5t / 2.7t machines, combine this with the design spec of S30 being recommended for 0 - 2t they take the line of S40 for anything over 2.5t. Take a look at Mascus and you'll see most machines of this size will have RC1, X04 or EC204 tilty's, rarely S30.

This is a little frustrating when Steelwrist's XTR2 is the strongest in the S30 category, taking a look at spec sheets will show you that the maximum recommended breakout torque on the Engcon EC02 is 20kN whereas most 2.7t machines are around 28kN. The UK's standard long dipper spec has probably gone some way to mitigating failures as the machines rating is likely to have been based on any short dipper option.

Ultimately the RC1 and X04 are very similar units, weights basically the same and similar options available. Have you spoken to a Steelwrist dealer or any of our team yet? If not feel free to send me a message and I'd happily answer any questions you have. We're in the middle of a significant investment moving to a new UK headquarters with gives us alot more space to expand and support the UK market.

We have a number of UK Wacker Neuson dealers who are also Steelwrist dealers (GEM, Reeds & Equipment one) who have all supplied X04's on that size of machine over the years, so I wouldn't have any concerns with how it would work on the EZ26, direct fit and no gripper certainly helps manage weight. I'd love to be selling XTR2's for this category as I beleive they are competitively priced and more than strong enough, it's a discussion I want to take further with the factory once we're settled into our new depot.

 

[Maxus]

You've made some interesting statements in here, firstly don't assume that a direct fit tilty will be easily converted to run with a top coupler, likely a full new top bracket, so not a cost effective option in my opinion.

Rototilt will be recommending the RC1 in S40 for the same reason that We (steelwrist) recommend the X04 in S40 too, discussing this size category with our team in the Nordics they said that over the years they have seen failures of S30 tiltys (mostly competitor units) on 2.5t / 2.7t machines, combine this with the design spec of S30 being recommended for 0 - 2t they take the line of S40 for anything over 2.5t. Take a look at Mascus and you'll see most machines of this size will have RC1, X04 or EC204 tilty's, rarely S30.

This is a little frustrating when Steelwrist's XTR2 is the strongest in the S30 category, taking a look at spec sheets will show you that the maximum recommended breakout torque on the Engcon EC02 is 20kN whereas most 2.7t machines are around 28kN. The UK's standard long dipper spec has probably gone some way to mitigating failures as the machines rating is likely to have been based on any short dipper option.

Ultimately the RC1 and X04 are very similar units, weights basically the same and similar options available. Have you spoken to a Steelwrist dealer or any of our team yet? If not feel free to send me a message and I'd happily answer any questions you have. We're in the middle of a significant investment moving to a new UK headquarters with gives us alot more space to expand and support the UK market.

We have a number of UK Wacker Neuson dealers who are also Steelwrist dealers (GEM, Reeds & Equipment one) who have all supplied X04's on that size of machine over the years, so I wouldn't have any concerns with how it would work on the EZ26, direct fit and no gripper certainly helps manage weight. I'd love to be selling XTR2's for this category as I beleive they are competitively priced and more than strong enough, it's a discussion I want to take further with the factory once we're settled into our new depot.

That really helpfully advice re top hitch. I assumed that it would be possible to pick up a direct mounted tilty with an s type coupler - if I understand what your saying this is incorrect as a component on the tilty (top bracket) would need to be changed.

It does seem, based on the experience of operators, that S30 is a much better option in terms of usability. With the zero tail/compact radius it would seem like steelwrist (and rototilt) are missing a trick. 2.7 tonne is right on the boundary when it comes to s30/s40 and this must be a common issue/question especially in the UK where 2.7 ton is the biggest towable machine and probably very hard to stay legal with x04/rc1.

Good to know that an x04 will run well on an EZ26.... would love the option of xtr2.

I've spoken to steelwrist dealers, they have been helpful - it's just hard for me to wrap my head around the options/limitations of each brand!

 

[V8Druid]

That really helpfully advice re top hitch. I assumed that it would be possible to pick up a direct mounted tilty with an s type coupler - if I understand what your saying this is incorrect as a component on the tilty (top bracket) would need to be changed.

It does seem, based on the experience of operators, that S30 is a much better option in terms of usability. With the zero tail/compact radius it would seem like steelwrist (and rototilt) are missing a trick. 2.7 tonne is right on the boundary when it comes to s30/s40 and this must be a common issue/question especially in the UK where 2.7 ton is the biggest towable machine and probably very hard to stay legal with x04/rc1.

Good to know that an x04 will run well on an EZ26.... would love the option of xtr2.

I've spoken to steelwrist dealers, they have been helpful - it's just hard for me to wrap my head around the options/limitations of each brand!

a direct mount will be narrow between the cheeks to suit boom/dipper width of machine, where as the S type is not only wider, but almost always fixed pins and therefore not designed to be direct mounted with suitable shimming to space onto boom/dipper eyes .. designed to only be picked up with a suitable S type top hitch

 

[Gunners]

Plenty of us running S30 on this size machine with no issues. I don't know why in Scandinavia its seen as a bit of a no no but from what I've seen, they don't run many under 3 ton machines, and due to better access around houses, and being able to tow with their bigger wheeled excavators, they don't run 2.7 tonners like we do to try and mitigate the towing laws.
Steelwrist seem to be the only company holding out on the S40 over 2.5t rule and I have no idea why, as @APhillips says, their S30 unit is plenty strong enough.
Rototilts R1 is a brilliant unit, and regardless of the hitch its running, is more than capable of being under an EZ26. In S40 guise, its rated well beyond that! Same unit, just different hitch size - it doesn't make it any stronger in places like the slew gear for example.
Engcon warranty the EC02 up to 3t now. I've run one for coming up 10 years now on a JCB 8026 and never broken a unit. Sure, I've broken the hitch ram a few times, also had a cracked bucket pin. The hitch has been improved recently so shouldn't have the issue again, and the bucket pin seems to have been a one off - I've not heard of anyone else breaking one. Either way, all issues were fixed under warranty.

I've done many videos on the subject and made my feelings clear in other threads but to summarise for the OP, weight is crucial in this weight class. The lighter the tiltrotator the better for the day to day use. We also have to think about trailer weights when towing it, and it all adds up. Keeping under 3.5t with the machine, tiltrotator and trailer is hard work! Let alone attachments.

All the brands are decent, find the best deal for you, with the spec you want. I run an Engcon because its the lightest unit and I need that to offset the heavy machine I have.

Also, pick the right buckets - they are crucial in getting the setup right. Sure the Engcon/ Steelwrist buckets are expensive but they will last you multiple machines and there's no doubt they have got the weight and geometry right with them. Don't settle for cheaper buckets trying to save a few ££'s, honestly its not worth it in the long run. @doobin will back me up with this I'm sure.

Weigh your current hitch (which it sounds like you've done) and your buckets, then add some bags of cement to the bucket to get a feel for what the tiltrotator will be like on your machine. Its a cheap way of seeing what the weight will feel like.

Oh, and go for a top hitch. If you break the tiltrotator for any reason - be that accidently catching a hose, or an unlucky issue - you can still keep working direct mount. Personally I never take mine off unless I need to use the breaker or Auger, I don't find the reduced breakout force to be an issue - usually you can attack things from another angle rather than having to use all the power. But there is a point to being able to drop it off when you don't need it, or need to lift something heavy, or narrow trenching. These mini's do so much for us that having the option to run with or without the tilty is more useful than it is with the bigger machines if I'm honest.
And the top hitch weighs something like 12kg iirc. Its a non issue.

Good luck tilty hunting and let us know what you get.

 

[CPS]

Ok il weigh in with my experience and opinions.

Your machine is definitely on the tipping point of the S30/S40 argument. How i always told it to customers is like this, if you want, or see yourself sharing attachments with a bigger machine, go S40. Like wise, if you want to or see yourself sharing attachments with a smaller machine go S30.
@doobin is the perfect example of this, if he had went S40 he would not have been able to share attachments.
I sold alot of R1's on S40, mainly because alot of people wanted grippers, which aren't available in S30

The R1 is the same unit on S30 as S40, only different is the coupler, and the weight saving is minimal. I think less than 10kg.

They will push you towards S40 for a few reasons, mainly because they dont make an S30 top hitch.

Personally on your machine id be going as light as possible, so id Go S30 or at least S40 direct mount.
S30 attachments are as plentiful as S40 in that size.

 

[DaveDCB]

I’ll jump in with my very professional opinion, one that hasn’t been mentioned yet..
Go S40….
& Buy a 5/6ton machine,you’ll find a wonderful S40 tilt rotator with buckets in the classified section job done

 

[Vinpetrol]

I’m running an EC02 under a hydraulic hurricane S30 on my kubota kx027 . It’s a four pipe set up and works really well . I made the mistake of going direct mount to start with as I had this set up on a 14t duck but I realised quickly that everything is completely different when using on a smaller machine. The engcon fouls with the ground when digging trenches, so I bought a new -S30 top for it and fitted the S30 hurricane hitch to pick it up.
I think some manufacturers are saying that S30 is too small on a 2.7t machine but I believe that is because the buckets they spec are way too big . I have both engcon S30 grading buckets and both are too big for it . Steel wrist make smaller S30 scandi grader buckets and these work perfectly on it . I think whatever you go for , you will defo need top hitch and hurricane hitch from @CPS is very good . I think an EC02 is perfect for it but make sure and spec the correct size scandi grader and general 2 ft digging bucket to go with it and BMC as Doobin has likely already said will spec the right buckets for your set up.
I’m also using my engcon on a new Volvo 1.8t.
I specced it with a short dipper and additional counterweight and with the right buckets on it , it handles it perfectly . I haven’t tried the grab on the kubota yet but it works fine with the Volvo so I’m sure it’ll be great on the Kubota .
I drop off the engcon for using breaker and auger and as I’ve converted both these to S30 that works really well on either machine .

 

[craig]

I’m running an EC02 under a hydraulic hurricane S30 on my kubota kx027 . It’s a four pipe set up and works really well . I made the mistake of going direct mount to start with as I had this set up on a 14t duck but I realised quickly that everything is completely different when using on a smaller machine. The engcon fouls with the ground when digging trenches, so I bought a new -S30 top for it and fitted the S30 hurricane hitch to pick it up.
I think some manufacturers are saying that S30 is too small on a 2.7t machine but I believe that is because the buckets they spec are way too big . I have both engcon S30 grading buckets and both are too big for it . Steel wrist make smaller S30 scandi grader buckets and these work perfectly on it . I think whatever you go for , you will defo need top hitch and hurricane hitch from @CPS is very good . I think an EC02 is perfect for it but make sure and spec the correct size scandi grader and general 2 ft digging bucket to go with it and BMC as Doobin has likely already said will spec the right buckets for your set up.
I’m also using my engcon on a new Volvo 1.8t.
I specced it with a short dipper and additional counterweight and with the right buckets on it , it handles it perfectly . I haven’t tried the grab on the kubota yet but it works fine with the Volvo so I’m sure it’ll be great on the Kubota .
I drop off the engcon for using breaker and auger and as I’ve converted both these to S30 that works really well on either machine .

Is your KX027 short dipper or standard Vin?

 

[Vinpetrol]

Is your KX027 short dipper or standard Vin?

It’s standard Craig . The Volvo is short dipper as smaller machine . The Kubota handles it well but not with the engcon scandi grader options . They are just too big for it .
The 800 steel wrist option on it is perfect though .

 

[6feetdown]

Plenty of us running S30 on this size machine with no issues. I don't know why in Scandinavia its seen as a bit of a no no but from what I've seen, they don't run many under 3 ton machines, and due to better access around houses, and being able to tow with their bigger wheeled excavators, they don't run 2.7 tonners like we do to try and mitigate the towing laws.
Steelwrist seem to be the only company holding out on the S40 over 2.5t rule and I have no idea why, as @APhillips says, their S30 unit is plenty strong enough.
Rototilts R1 is a brilliant unit, and regardless of the hitch its running, is more than capable of being under an EZ26. In S40 guise, its rated well beyond that! Same unit, just different hitch size - it doesn't make it any stronger in places like the slew gear for example.
Engcon warranty the EC02 up to 3t now. I've run one for coming up 10 years now on a JCB 8026 and never broken a unit. Sure, I've broken the hitch ram a few times, also had a cracked bucket pin. The hitch has been improved recently so shouldn't have the issue again, and the bucket pin seems to have been a one off - I've not heard of anyone else breaking one. Either way, all issues were fixed under warranty.

I've done many videos on the subject and made my feelings clear in other threads but to summarise for the OP, weight is crucial in this weight class. The lighter the tiltrotator the better for the day to day use. We also have to think about trailer weights when towing it, and it all adds up. Keeping under 3.5t with the machine, tiltrotator and trailer is hard work! Let alone attachments.

All the brands are decent, find the best deal for you, with the spec you want. I run an Engcon because its the lightest unit and I need that to offset the heavy machine I have.

Also, pick the right buckets - they are crucial in getting the setup right. Sure the Engcon/ Steelwrist buckets are expensive but they will last you multiple machines and there's no doubt they have got the weight and geometry right with them. Don't settle for cheaper buckets trying to save a few ££'s, honestly its not worth it in the long run. @doobin will back me up with this I'm sure.

Weigh your current hitch (which it sounds like you've done) and your buckets, then add some bags of cement to the bucket to get a feel for what the tiltrotator will be like on your machine. Its a cheap way of seeing what the weight will feel like.

Oh, and go for a top hitch. If you break the tiltrotator for any reason - be that accidently catching a hose, or an unlucky issue - you can still keep working direct mount. Personally I never take mine off unless I need to use the breaker or Auger, I don't find the reduced breakout force to be an issue - usually you can attack things from another angle rather than having to use all the power. But there is a point to being able to drop it off when you don't need it, or need to lift something heavy, or narrow trenching. These mini's do so much for us that having the option to run with or without the tilty is more useful than it is with the bigger machines if I'm honest.
And the top hitch weighs something like 12kg iirc. Its a non issue.

Good luck tilty hunting and let us know what you get.

Plenty of us running S30 on this size machine with no issues. I don't know why in Scandinavia its seen as a bit of a no no but from what I've seen, they don't run many under 3 ton machines, and due to better access around houses, and being able to tow with their bigger wheeled excavators, they don't run 2.7 tonners like we do to try and mitigate the towing laws.
Steelwrist seem to be the only company holding out on the S40 over 2.5t rule and I have no idea why, as @APhillips says, their S30 unit is plenty strong enough.
Rototilts R1 is a brilliant unit, and regardless of the hitch its running, is more than capable of being under an EZ26. In S40 guise, its rated well beyond that! Same unit, just different hitch size - it doesn't make it any stronger in places like the slew gear for example.
Engcon warranty the EC02 up to 3t now. I've run one for coming up 10 years now on a JCB 8026 and never broken a unit. Sure, I've broken the hitch ram a few times, also had a cracked bucket pin. The hitch has been improved recently so shouldn't have the issue again, and the bucket pin seems to have been a one off - I've not heard of anyone else breaking one. Either way, all issues were fixed under warranty.

I've done many videos on the subject and made my feelings clear in other threads but to summarise for the OP, weight is crucial in this weight class. The lighter the tiltrotator the better for the day to day use. We also have to think about trailer weights when towing it, and it all adds up. Keeping under 3.5t with the machine, tiltrotator and trailer is hard work! Let alone attachments.

All the brands are decent, find the best deal for you, with the spec you want. I run an Engcon because its the lightest unit and I need that to offset the heavy machine I have.

Also, pick the right buckets - they are crucial in getting the setup right. Sure the Engcon/ Steelwrist buckets are expensive but they will last you multiple machines and there's no doubt they have got the weight and geometry right with them. Don't settle for cheaper buckets trying to save a few ££'s, honestly its not worth it in the long run. @doobin will back me up with this I'm sure.

Weigh your current hitch (which it sounds like you've done) and your buckets, then add some bags of cement to the bucket to get a feel for what the tiltrotator will be like on your machine. Its a cheap way of seeing what the weight will feel like.

Oh, and go for a top hitch. If you break the tiltrotator for any reason - be that accidently catching a hose, or an unlucky issue - you can still keep working direct mount. Personally I never take mine off unless I need to use the breaker or Auger, I don't find the reduced breakout force to be an issue - usually you can attack things from another angle rather than having to use all the power. But there is a point to being able to drop it off when you don't need it, or need to lift something heavy, or narrow trenching. These mini's do so much for us that having the option to run with or without the tilty is more useful than it is with the bigger machines if I'm honest.
And the top hitch weighs something like 12kg iirc. Its a non issue.

Good luck tilty hunting and let us know what you get.

then add some bags of cement to the bucket to get a feel for what the tiltrotator will be like on your machine. Its a cheap way of seeing what the weight will feel like.

I had I'm sure it was a 150 kg bucket hanging off mine when I tried it after advice from here, but that was on flat concrete on soft / uneven ground it was a different game

 

[6feetdown]

Is your KX027 short dipper or standard Vin?

Good point my EZ is a long 1 as it was already fitted when I bought it.

 

[Gunners]

I agree, bucket sizing is crucial to a good setup. I run a GB02 size shell on the 8026, made slightly bigger than Engcons standard width as I like a bucket at 1m wide, and she handles it fine. My 18z, also on S30, runs the smaller GB01 profile buckets, and whilst I do swap buckets between machines if I need to, they run much better with their correct sized buckets on.
So just because a bucket is S30, doesn't mean its the same size. All the manufacturers will make you different shell sizes to suit your requirements. Checking the weight and volume on their website will give you an idea of what your potentially looking at.

 

[DaveDCB]

BMC made my latest machine buckets to my exact spec, they confirmed all the weights and profiles etc before manufacture.. added hardox in places I wanted to strengthen / save weight etc.
They look absolutely spot on, everything in the right place etc!

 

[Spurry]

Having read all the threads I could find regarding tilt/rotators there are as many opinions as there are manufacturers. My friend has a CAT 302.7 with an S40 Steelwrist which he is very pleased with. He does mainly tree work.
Taking his advice, I have ordered a Steelwrist X07 S40 with their buckets and a CAT 305CR should arrive in July. The main reason for the bigger machine is stability when reaching to the far sides of ditches when using a flail, and it will not need to be transported, being only used on my own ground.

 

[Maxus]

Having read all the threads I could find regarding tilt/rotators there are as many opinions as there are manufacturers. My friend has a CAT 302.7 with an S40 Steelwrist which he is very pleased with. He does mainly tree work.
Taking his advice, I have ordered a Steelwrist X07 S40 with their buckets and a CAT 305CR should arrive in July. The main reason for the bigger machine is stability when reaching to the far sides of ditches when using a flail, and it will not need to be transported, being only used on my own ground.

A brand spanking new 305CR with an x07 steelwrist! Crikey that's one hell of a setup

On a machine that size your spoilt for choice. I'm realising that engcon is probably my only choice trying to stay under 3.5t towing.

I have seen this though.... (kinshofer tr 025)

https://attachmentco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kinshofer_Tiltrotator_TR025_en.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooK433DkSWSQEiO33DW6q34Cb1aml1h97AbQ72IPN9i_Y0O0rY9

'The attachment company' are up in Scotland so I don't think it would be the right choice in terms of back up for me in the south West, and I havent seen another dealer, but the tr025 is rated for use on a 2.5t and has 28kn max breakout compared to 20kn on the engcon ec02....interesting design too, very light weight

 

[Storrsy]

A brand spanking new 305CR with an x07 steelwrist! Crikey that's one hell of a setup

On a machine that size your spoilt for choice. I'm realising that engcon is probably my only choice trying to stay under 3.5t towing.

I have seen this though.... (kinshofer tr 025)

https://attachmentco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kinshofer_Tiltrotator_TR025_en.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooK433DkSWSQEiO33DW6q34Cb1aml1h97AbQ72IPN9i_Y0O0rY9

'The attachment company' are up in Scotland so I don't think it would be the right choice in terms of back up for me in the south West, and I havent seen another dealer, but the tr025 is rated for use on a 2.5t and has 28kn max breakout compared to 20kn on the engcon ec02....interesting design too, very light weight

Have you had a price!? Perhaps find somewhere comfy to sit first!

 

[Spurry]

A brand spanking new 305CR with an x07 steelwrist! Crikey that's one hell of a setup

On a machine that size your spoilt for choice. I'm realising that engcon is probably my only choice trying to stay under 3.5t towing.

I have seen this though.... (kinshofer tr 025)

https://attachmentco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kinshofer_Tiltrotator_TR025_en.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooK433DkSWSQEiO33DW6q34Cb1aml1h97AbQ72IPN9i_Y0O0rY9

'The attachment company' are up in Scotland so I don't think it would be the right choice in terms of back up for me in the south West, and I havent seen another dealer, but the tr025 is rated for use on a 2.5t and has 28kn max breakout compared to 20kn on the engcon ec02....interesting design too, very light weight

I've been in much the same position as you, trying to decide on what to do for the best. One of the biggest difficulties, for me anyway, is not being able to personally try all the available machines and tilt/rotators that could be suitable. We have to depend on what other users say to a large extent. That creates another problem...everyone is different. There is no universal machine or attachment that is the best. I guess that is understandable as we do not all have the same requirements.
Time will tell if I have made the correct decision for me. Here's hoping. Good luck with your search.

 

[doobin]

A brand spanking new 305CR with an x07 steelwrist! Crikey that's one hell of a setup

On a machine that size your spoilt for choice. I'm realising that engcon is probably my only choice trying to stay under 3.5t towing.

I have seen this though.... (kinshofer tr 025)

https://attachmentco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kinshofer_Tiltrotator_TR025_en.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooK433DkSWSQEiO33DW6q34Cb1aml1h97AbQ72IPN9i_Y0O0rY9

'The attachment company' are up in Scotland so I don't think it would be the right choice in terms of back up for me in the south West, and I havent seen another dealer, but the tr025 is rated for use on a 2.5t and has 28kn max breakout compared to 20kn on the engcon ec02....interesting design too, very light weight

How much difference in weight is there between the brands in that size machine class? Would have thought they were all similar.

 

[Maxus]

How much difference in weight is there between the brands in that size machine class? Would have thought they were all similar.

Not sure about the 5 tonne range... but on the 2.7 is definitely on the cusp between 2 different sizes.

S40 Rototilt rc1 direct mount (115kg) with 1000mm grading bucked(106kg), gripper or top hitch(36kg) total weight 287kg.

S30 Engcon ec102 (78kg) hydraulic top hitch (30kg) 900mm grading bucket (80kg) total weight 188kg.