When most operators invest in compact construction equipment, they’re buying a machine for a specific job—digging, lifting, loading, or grading. But what often gets overlooked is that the real value of compact equipment doesn’t come from a single function.
It comes from versatility.
John Deere’s recent introduction of the MB60 Material Boom highlights exactly where the industry is headed: smarter attachments that turn a single compact machine into a multi-purpose jobsite tool.
At CL Boyd, we see this every day on Oklahoma jobsites—operators who dramatically expand what their skid steer or compact track loader can do simply by changing the attachment on the front.
The MB60 Is a Great Example of “Do More With Less”
The MB60 Material Boom is designed for one thing: helping operators safely lift, move, and precisely place heavy or irregular materials in tight spaces where buckets, forks, or grapples fall short.
With a 6,000 lb. lifting capacity and dual hook points for flexible rigging, it gives operators more control when handling materials that don’t fit neatly into a standard attachment.
Think about common scenarios on the job:
- Setting trusses or beams on a build site
- Moving large landscape trees or nursery stock
- Placing materials in tight or restricted access areas
- Rigging awkward or uneven loads safely
In all of these situations, precision matters just as much as power.
That’s where specialized attachments like the MB60 make a noticeable difference.
Why Attachments Matter More Than Ever in Compact Equipment
Compact machines are no longer “small job” machines. They’re often the most used piece of equipment on a contractor’s fleet because they can:
- Move from jobsite to jobsite easily
- Work in tight residential or commercial spaces
- Switch between dozens of tasks in minutes
The attachment is what defines the job—not the machine.
A skid steer with a bucket is a loader.
That same machine with a grapple becomes a cleanup tool.
Add forks, and it becomes a material handler.
Add a boom like the MB60, and it becomes a precision lifting system.
Same machine. Completely different capability.
The Real ROI: One Machine, Multiple Jobs
For many contractors and small businesses, the biggest return on investment doesn’t come from buying a larger machine—it comes from maximizing what they already own.
Attachments help reduce:
- Equipment rental costs
- Time spent switching machines on site
- Labor required for manual material handling
- Delays caused by using the wrong tool for the job
Instead of bringing in a second machine or additional labor, operators can often solve the problem with the right attachment.
Ready to Get More From Your Equipment?
Whether you're moving material, clearing land, or tackling precision placement work, the right attachment can completely change your productivity.
Our team can help you match the right attachment to your machine and your application—so you get more capability out of every hour on the job.