Generally, a working excavator has only one directional bucket tilting angle, which is up-forward. However, side direction rotation of the bucket would allow variety of working output. We designed a hydraulic rotary actuator comprising a double rod hydraulic cylinder with a rack-pinion gear set for use in excavator bucket with side tilting mechanism, thus converting the linear to angular motion. The proposed side tilting rotary actuator was designed with parts suitable for medium size of heavy duty excavator. These mechanical parts were inexpensive to purchase and the manufacturing cost was reasonable. The proposed mechanism is potentially useful for excavator with variety of working output.