Tilting the odds for success

Before AME introduced its Quick Tilt Hitches, earthmoving operators were forced to rely on fixed-position attachments, which meant frequent machine repositioning, slower job completion, and less precision on angled or uneven terrain. AME’s game-changing and pioneering tilting hitch technology provided the ability to tilt attachments on the fly.

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The biggest successes often begin with nothing more than a small idea or a fleeting spark of inspiration. With the right vision, persistence, and timing, that simple moment can ignite something extraordinary, growing far beyond what was ever imagined. That's certainly been the case for Tasmania-based specialist attachment business AME Tilting Quick Tiltches (AME), which owes it success to a Eureka moment for founder Andrew Millwood. Now run by his son Kurt, who's the General Manager, the business has been renowned for decades for its pioneering range of tilt-a-buckets and tilt hitches. These sorts of attachments, now made by other companies as well, may be commonplace today: but back in 1978, the concept was certainly ahead of its time.

Kurt picks up the story.

“My father started his own earthmoving business in 1978 after 13 years with the Department of Main Roads (DMR) in Tasmania,” he said.

"During his first year as an owner/operator, he had an idea for an attachment to allow the bucket to swivel on the end of the dipper arm to save time and produce a better finish.

"After coming up with the design and with the help of a local engineering company, the first tilting hitch was manufactured and put to work.

"The attachment was an immediate success and Andrew won a Productivity Promotion Council of Australia award in 1981 for his time-saving and revolutionary tilt hitch. He was also awarded a small business award for a grab he designed and built to erect hop poles.”

The grant provided the impetus for Andrew to start up a business to manufacture the tilt hitches.

In 1987 a workshop in East Devonport was purchased and A.M. Engineering was born, and soon began producing what was then known as the Tilt-A-Bucket.