We‘ve run an Engcon system on 12 to 15 tonne zero tail machines since they first came to the UK and can’t fault them really.
However when we change a machine we usually sell it on with the machine and go for new. We normally change every 3 to 4 years depending on circumstances so can’t really comment on longevity past this.
Our set has always been top and bottom hitch, grab and specify short dipper on the machine so it’s not too tippy over the tracks, this also gives a better tear out force when the tilty is dropped off. The ground up here is hard as hell so don’t like to rattle over rock with the Engcon on if I can help it.
Regarding buckets we still run the ditching bucket we originally bought from Engcon which was jaw droppingly expensive at the time but it’s now done around 6000 hours with very little wear...get what you pay for!
We have an old 2007 new Holland E70 SR with an Engcon S45 hitch on it and some of our attachment use an S45/S60 pin system so we can use the same attachment on both machines which makes it really versatile although the E70 doesn’t have a tilt...always intended to fit one.
My thoughts are that once you are past the initial expense of a system your off and we can usually pay for it in a year. The resale value has always been excellent for us too
The majority of our work is priced and quite specialised without much competition so don’t have the hourly rate scenario, only problem sometimes is on completion of a job, despite agreeing to a price some folk say “wait a minute that only took you 3 days“ or whatever....
They are not for everyone but for us....wouldn’t be without it!
Good luck
