“Building Strong Attachments is Our Business”
Published: 9/12, 2019
Designing and manufacturing excavator attachments is a complex engineering task fraught with technological challenges. Excavator operators like their work tools to be robust, high performing, low maintenance, and durable. These qualities take on even greater importance in such harsh environs as demolition sites and recycling yards, which leaves suppliers little room for mistakes. PDa’s Andrei Bushmarin presents the latest news from the attachment industry.
New attachments from Epiroc
Epiroc has expanded its offerings with additions increasing user productivity and maximising investment, including pulveriser jaws for combi cutters with the introduction of pulveriser jaws for the CC 3100 combi cutter being unveiled at Bauma, with more models to follow this year. Fitted with Epiroc´s coupling and positioning system (CAPS), which makes it easy to switch between jaw types on site to suit the work at hand, the full jaw range consists of universal (U), steel cutting (S), and pulveriser (P) jaws.
A new CC 1600 combi cutter model designed for carriers in the 13t-23t class features two powerful hydraulic cylinders with integrated speed valves for minimum cycle times and low fuel consumption. Fully protected by piston rod guards, the cylinders deliver virtually constant closing force which remains high even when the jaws are almost closed.
The MG multi grapple range has been redesigned to make it even more robust. The MG 1000 was displayed at Bauma, with the entire range being replaced during 2019. As a new option, to allow even better customization of the grapples, they can now be ordered with or without rotation device to enable operation of the base units in combination with tiltrotators.
A new cutting wheel option is available for the ER/ERC 50-ER/ERC 3000 transverse drum cutters. As precision is key when it comes to cutting narrow trenches for cables or pipe trenches with a width of 2-10 in (55-250 mm, and a depth of 6-27.5 in (150-700 mm) can be cut in one go.
Furukawa Rock Drill extends FXJ hydraulic breaker series
Furukawa Rock Drill has introduced two new models in its FXJ series, the FXJ 225 and FXJ1070. One of eight FXJ models, the FXJ1070 replaces the F100XP, adding an extra .5t in weight and with more impact energy, as well as durability and the lowest lifetime ownership cost in the range.
Thanks to improvements of its in-line systems, and various other patented solutions, the new FXJ breakers offer an increased power to weight ratio. A weight reduced breaker with higher impact energy results in larger breaking power, with less maintenance with minimum downtime and easy handling. A wider range of oil flow allows the breaker to be used with various excavator sizes. A new mono block design eliminates the need for through bolts, resulting in higher performance and more stability.
The FXJ series is ideal for use on demolition sites, or as a production breaker at a quarry, with the slim design increasing the efficiency in trench and channel works. Both noise and vibrations are also reduced by the newly designed dampening system.
The FS145 - the biggest pillar in the ShearCore Fortress
US-based ShearCore, a division within attachment specialist Exodus Machines Inc., has added a new mobile shear to its Fortress line of excavator attachments. The largest in the range so far, the FS145 has been designed with fewer welds and pieces to make it structurally stronger.
“The FS145 shear is the culmination of the company’s design policy, which dictates ‘begin every design with a foundation in experience and a desire to improve,” explains Bruce Bacon, president of Exodus Machines. “This shear exemplifies that policy with a new tip design to handle the massive force this model delivers.”
An innovative “shark fin” rear lug design transfers stress using a new and improved method over any previous design in the mobile shear world, which allows higher forces to be distributed over greater mass. The end result, says Bacon, is a model that “punches above its weight class which is a serious advantage in the steel processing game.”
Weighing in at 12.7t, the rotating FS145R has a jaw opening of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a reach of 14.75 ft (4.5 m). The minimum excavator boom mount is 65.7t while a minimum stick mount is 113t. The FS145 is also available in a non-rotating version. With the FS145 on board, the Fortress line now counts eight mobile shears and the concrete processor cracker series.
Genesis launches ‘Razer’ multiprocessor
Another North American player, Genesis Attachments, has expanded its product range with the addition of the new ‘Razer’ X Multi-Jaw Demolition Tool (GRX) enabling operators to change jaw sets in less than two minutes without leaving the cab. The attachment body contains hydraulically actuated pins, controlled from the cab, that connect to the cylinder and jaw set.
The Razer X is available with cracker and shear jaws to process a variety of materials, and each GRX jaw set comes with its own stand specifically designed for correct positioning and efficient handling. In addition, the GRX features bolt on and reversible wear parts to simplify maintenance while a flat top head with bolt on bracket makes it easy to change lugs for different carriers.
Caterpillar is having a busy year
This year has been busy for Caterpillar, which added a number of new products to its already extensive portfolio. First off is the new TRS23 Tiltrotator system fitting 23t to 30t wheeled and tracked excavators. The TRS23, featuring a fully integrated control system to enhance carrier versatility and attachment control, rotates 360 degrees and tilts up to 40 degrees left and right, allowing more reach from one position. Cat’s scrap shear range has, too, been expanded with the addition of three new models. Designed for 8t to 40t excavators, the S3015, S3025, and S3035 rotating shears feature optimum force to weight ratios for faster cycle times when compared with predecessor models.
Cat’s new top mount silenced hydraulic hammers - the H115 GC S, H120 GC S, H130 GC S and H140 GC S models - are designed for 13t to 40t excavators. The hammers combine optimum power to weight ratios with design simplicity for reliable performance, versatility, ease of use and maintenance as well as providing cost effectiveness in construction, demolition and mining applications. As a package solution, hydraulic kits are available to provide an exact hammer to machine fit, ensuring optimum performance.
Also new from Caterpillar is the PL161 attachment locator. Developed for attachment tracking, it allows users to locate the position and condition of attachments on all worksites and plan for maintenance and replacement in a timely manner.
Arden gives its demolition shears a boost(er)
France’s Arden Equipment has extended its range of demolition shears with the launch of the CU008 model. Available with a choice of four jaw types - CB (concrete shear), BF (scrap concrete), BB (concrete shredder) and CF (shear scrap) - the new CU008, fitting 11t to 13t excavators, comes equipped with either a speed valve or a booster. Arden’s booster technology is built around compact sized cylinders that reduce cycle times and increase the attachment’s performance. The booster technology helped cut the attachment’s weight by 220 lb (100 kg) while maintaining the same crushing force.
Another new development from Arden is the CU042 demolition shear, fitting 38t to 50t carriers that has been designed to replace the outgoing CU3500 model. With the same operating weight, the CU042 boasts a larger jaw opening and is 17% more powerful thanks to the new cylinders and kinematics.
New pulverizers and grapples from Green Attachments
Finnish supplier Green Attachments has beefed up its product offering with a new ‘Yellow R’ line of rotating pulverizers suitable for both primary and secondary demolition work. Featuring a robust yet lightweight design, the attachments come with blades to cut steel rebar. The attachment geometry ensures that maximum power is reached when jaws are almost fully open, enabling cutting even thin steel plates. A built-in speed valve helps increase tool performance, and the cylinder is reversed in order to protect the cylinder rod. The pulverizers come with a pressure relief valve as standard, and the orbital motors have gears for higher reliability. Currently the range consists of 10 models fitting 7t to 120t excavators.
Another innovation from GA is the ‘Yellow line’ of demolition and sorting grapples available with or without rotation. Without the rotation option, the grapples are suitable for tilt rotating installation. The grapple line counts nine models (with various jaw options available) fitting 2.5t to 65t carriers.
Ramtec diversifies into plate compactors
Finland based Ramtec, best known for its ‘Robi’ range of demolition and recycling attachments, has been concentrating on plate compactors lately. The newest addition to its ‘Kenguru’ series of compactors is the C200R rotating model designed for challenging applications in limited access areas. Weighing in at nearly 1t, the C200R fits 14t to 24t excavators and has its integrated hydraulic rotation unit positioned eccentrically. This solution enables the unit to be used in difficult to access places, for example, under asphalt edges when undertaking compacting for a pipeline. Kenguru compacts up to 90% of cohesive soil at a depth of 29.5 in (750 mm).
Other benefits include the ability to change the vibration altitude thanks to a high frequency compact unit and a “next to no” maintenance requirement.
Idrobenne: a grapple expert from Italy
Headquartered in Brescia, Northern Italy, Idrobenne has been manufacturing demolition and sorting grapples since 1994. Featuring the heavy duty ‘Quadra-Box’ frame with extra-large bearings at pivotal points, the grapples come with jaws made from the Hardox 450 wear-resistant steel with replaceable and reversible blades. Other trademark features include a single hydraulically cushioned cylinder with two compensation bars on the sides, long levers to increase the closing force, a safety valve flanged directly on the cylinder, and oversized tips to transfer the shocks experienced to the main frame which also protects the cylinder and junctions from wear and tear. Wide inspection openings ensure easy maintenance. All models feature a continuous hydraulic rotation option as standard.
ARVI showcases Echidna rocksaw capabilities
ARVI is a Netherlands based supplier of demolition, recycling and earthmoving solutions for professional contractors. The company represents a number of well recognized global and European brands in the Benelux, but perhaps it is most known for its long-term cooperation with Australian based manufacturer Echidna. Established in 1990, Echidna specializes in making rocksaws that allow cutting a wide range of construction and rock materials. The case studies below are a testament to the broad applicability of Echidna equipment.
Recycling epoxy windmill piles
After having collapsed in a storm, the epoxy windmill piles were delivered to Nehlsen, a plastic recycling specialist based in Bremen, Germany, for further processing. The equipment used by Nehlsen on this project included an Echidna rock saw installed on a Cat324D excavator. The epoxy varied in thickness from a fraction of an inch to nearly a foot (330mm).
Demolishing a reinforced concrete building
Another project saw an Echidna rocksaw used to dismantle a reinforced concrete building in Bremen. Powered by a Husqvarna DXR300 demolition robot, the rocksaw cut the concrete structure to sections that were being held up by a telescopic crane. The thickness of the concrete structures being cut varied between 7.75 in and 11 in (200 mm and 280 mm with .4-in (10-mm) rebar inside.
Dismantling a heat exchanger
On a job in Terneuzen, Netherlands, Echidna rock saw fitted to a 22t Kobelco excavator, was used to dismantle a heat exchanger. The main task involved separating the copper pipes inside the heat exchanger (worth much more than other parts) from the remaining structure. The Echidna saw proved just the solution for the task.
Mining natural stone in Australia
An Omnicut rock saw installed on a Hitachi ZX350 excavator was successfully employed to cut sandstone blocks in a quarry in Australia. This Omnicut model came equipped with three 5.25-ft (1.6-m) wheels brandishing the custom designed Echidna teeth. The wheels have a lower rotation speed than a diamond blade, which results in a wider trench. Although not mandatory for this type of saw, the use of cooling water is still highly advisable as it extends the teeth’s life and enhances productivity.
News from Indeco
Indeco’s new IMP multiprocessor has a more robust body and has been redesigned to increase its maximum jaw opening, while its demolition, pulverizing and cutting geometries on the various jaws have also been improved.
The jaws have also undergone another key improvement, with Indeco IMP’s crusher and pulverizer configurations now having interchangeable teeth. Welded onto a bolt on plate anchored to the jaw, all Indeco jaw teeth can be removed as a unit. This significantly speeds up replacement and improves grip, giving the attachment greater durability.
The shear version has also undergone substantial innovation with the blades now being fully reversible and interchangeable so that they can be used for cutting at any angle. They have a dual profile piercing tip system with differentiated upper and lower tips, for a clean gradual cut.
New HP 100 micro hammer
The Indeco range of small hammers has been expanded with the HP 100, designed for mini excavators from 0.7t to 0.8t for working in restricted working areas. Despite weighing less than 132 lb (60 kg), the HP 100 has a larger steel diameter than hammers in the same class, and delivers good impact energy per blow. The new hammer also maintains maximum hydraulic efficiency from start to finish, reducing demolition times and ensuring high productivity levels.
Anti-dust system updated
Indico’s IDA dust abatement system has been updated in line with the latest OSHA guidelines in order to protect workers even more against exposure to crystalline silica micro particles. Indeco has launched an optional low-pressure dust abatement system for its smaller range of hammers and pulverizers, which can be mounted on carriers of up to 16t.
The technology involves moving the vaporizing plate, with its four nozzles, away from its previous position in the lower part of the casing. It is now located where the mounting bracket is attached, which enables it to cover the entire working area regardless of the tool’s position. This reduces the amount of dust produced, even on windy days. The new system requires a low-pressure water supply, as the sprayers activate automatically only when the attachment is in action, thereby reducing water consumption.
Trevi Benne’s new MA Series of Processors
Trevi Benne of Italy introduced at Bauma a new generation of universal processors, the MA Series. The expression of perfect productivity and efficiency, the MA Series is a perfect match of power in demolition, fast opening/closing cycles, and reliability. Five models are available, from the 4,189-lb (1,900-kg MA 18 up to the 24,251-lb (11,000-kg) MA 65. Available with Combi and Swiss Kit, the MA Series is the perfect equipment for any demolition process, from the demolition and crushing of concrete structures to cutting reinforcing rods and metals.
Trevi Benne also showcased the model MA 25 model with Combi Kit, for a total weight of 5,953 lb (2,700 kg).
VTN crushers get magnetic separation option
Italy based attachment expert VTN Europe has upgraded its VF series of fixed crushers by adding an electromagnetic separation option. Designed for secondary demolition applications, the VF crushers have already proved popular with end users thanks to such features as a wide jaw opening, high clamping force and short working cycle. Now the attachments are available with an integrated electromagnet to facilitate material separation immediately on the job site. The magnet is powered by an integrated hydraulic unit, with no external power unit required.
Promove strengthens position in secondary demolition
Another Italian company is Promove, which has redesigned its CF range of fixed pulverizers as part of a quest to strengthen the company’s position in the secondary demolition segment, with all attachments now manufactured from wear resistant Hardox 400 steel. A single weldless block located between the body and the fixed jaw lends extra strength.
The mobile jaw features three rows of two interchangeable teeth. The central row is staggered and slightly lowered compared with the other two, allowing better penetration of any material being demolished. The lower interchangeable plate on the body is designed to ensure a safe and stable grip on the ground and to facilitate handling of debris and non-crushable materials. Thanks to their compact design, the new CF pulverizers are more productive and easier to maneuver than their forerunners. From the CF200 model on, all pulverizers are equipped with a speed valve to shorten the working cycle by as many as 3 seconds. The oversized pins are protected by a system of bushings to ensure long service life even in the most challenging environments.
Wreko, a new player from Italy joins the fray
This year, the attachment industry was abuzz with the news of takeovers and acquisitions. Takeovers might be good for business, but they do tend to consolidate the market thereby reducing competition. Therefore, the appearance of a new player is a welcome change from the trend.
Wreko was founded by three partners, each having a track record of more than 20 years in excavator attachments. They set themselves an ambitious goal to become a “Ferrari” of the attachments industry by providing clients with customized solutions of the very highest quality.
Wreko comes to the market well prepared, offering an extensive range of products, including crushers, pulverizers, scrap shears, orange peel grabs, crusher buckets, and forestry shears, but this however is an incomplete list of work tools available from the Italian manufacturer. All attachments are produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in the town of Este, Italy.
UEDA Industries: small company with big R&D capabilities
Based in Osaka, Japan, UEDA Industries is one of the pioneers of bucket crushing and screening technology. The company is small sized (with a staff of some 30 employees) but its R&D capabilities easily rival those of its much bigger counterparts. Being a signature product, UEDA crusher buckets are well-crafted, and boast many useful features.
For example, the upper and lower jaw plates can be exchanged as well as the rear and front sections. The buckets are built in a way that allows simultaneous direct and reverse rotation, with any clogged material released by just reversing the rotation. UEDA says the direct drive system’s maintenance is “easier” when compared with most competing brands. The optimized design of the jaws results in high performance crushing. The buckets are available with a 24V magnet and/or a dust suppression system as an option. Thanks to the large inlet and discharge openings the bucket crushers are suitable for processing big chunks of concrete.
Skancraft: demolition craftsmanship
Skancraft GmbH & Co. KG is a mid-sized German company with an ample choice of attachments to offer to demolition, mining and forestry professionals. On the demolition side, a range of rotating pulverizers is one of the company’s most popular product groups. The range consists of six models fitting 15t to 80t carriers. Thanks to the 360° continuous rotator, the pulverizer can be positioned at any angle during operation.
Other highlights include high-quality replaceable teeth, an extra-long piercing tip, optimized jaw construction and a robust swivel head. With magnetic separation becoming a staple feature on demolition sites, Skancraft has designed an eight-model line of hydraulic magnets ranging in weight from 1,102 lb to 3,968 lb (500 kg to 1,800 kg). The magnets come with a three-strand chain suspension as standard. On request, a quick-change adapter can also be fitted to the mounting plate.
The range’s largest model - SCHMAG 1300 FIX - is equipped with “fangs” to facilitate the exposure and removal of ferrous metals. This makes the magnet a sort of “combi tool” for digging and picking up metal parts.
Innovations galore at Demarec
Demarec, a Netherlands based trailblazer in demolition attachments, used Bauma to present a veritable slew of innovations. The DXS scrap shear, featuring the DemaPower 2.0 cylinder with four pressure chambers and a double acting speed valve, boasts up to 25% more power than its predecessors. The shear comes in two versions available for mounting on 18t to 50t excavators—the DXS A rotating shear with a head plate and the DXS-FQC version with integrated “Fuchs Quick Connect System.” The DemaPower 2.0 technology also leads to considerable reduction in fuel consumption.
Other highlights include the shear arm guiding system (SGS), robust jaw design with large opening for scrap, exchangeable and reweldable piercing tip, an upside-down cylinder to fully protect the cylinder rod in the housing, filters in the rotation circuit, and 360-degree rotation.
Another innovation is the DDCC two cylinder concrete crusher that has been specifically developed for demolishing the thickest concrete structures such as viaducts, quays, and heavy foundations. The crusher has two pivot points to ensure that the jaws generate increased torque for maximum closing force. The hydraulic system is completely built into the frame, with the cylinders protected by robust cylinder guards so the hydraulics cannot be damaged during operation. The DCC also has an extra wide and deep jaw mouth.
Also new from Demarec are the DSB and DFX series of hydraulic hammers. The DSB series are so called “monoblock hammers” with a simpler, easy to service design with fewer parts. They are suitable for mini excavators, loaders, and demolition robots, while the DFX series fits medium to large carriers.
Finally, the KDC line of drum cutters consists of nine models fitting 2t to 60t carriers. They have a heavy-duty sealing system making it possible to operate the cutter underwater at a depth of up to 82 ft (25 m).
Beilite: breaking force to be reckoned with
China’s Beilite Machinery Co. has been growing exponentially over the past 15 years. The company’s flagship BLTB line of hydraulic hammers now includes 20 models that fit excavators ranging in operating weight from 0.5t to 160t. Beilite supplies its products to every continent under its own registered brand name.
New concrete crushers from Darda
Darda has released the new concrete crushers CC440 and CC580. Two perfect attachments for use with Brokk demolition robots or other demolition carriers. CC440 is developed for carriers weighing 2.5t to 4.5t, and CC580 for carriers weighing 5.5t to 9t.