PDa’s CRASH COURSE IN EXCAVATOR ATTACHMENTS

Published: 22/10, 2018

The headway made by the demolition and recycling industry over the last decades is mind-blowing. From a wrecking ball and hard-to-control implosions demanding weeks of debris cleaning it has progressed to safe and precise demolition techniques involving powerful and sophisticated excavator attachments. PDa’s Andrei Bushmarin presents a “crash course” on the latest innovations in the attachment business. 

Crushers, shears, multiprocessors, pulverizes and demolition grabs are the most powerful weapon in every specialist contractor’s arsenal. Efficient and versatile, they can be applied to a wide range of tasks including primary and secondary demolition, debris recycling and scrap metal processing. 

Trevi Benne has really BIG news
Italian attachment specialist Trevi Benne has designed a monster of a crusher for one of its Europe-based customers. Weighing in at 27t, the HC 250 crusher is the biggest model developed by the Italian company for primary demolition tasks so far. It took about four months of hard work including some 120 hours of designing and consultations with the client, 250 hours of welding and 50 hours of assembling to build this monster. The finished product boasts a jaw opening of 10.2 ft (3.1m), height of 16 ft (5m) and a tip force of 545t at 6,527 psi (450bar). The crusher will be fitted on a customized LIEBHERR demolition excavator. When delivering the giant to the customer, Trevi Benne had to custom-build a 6t metal cage to comply with road transportation regulations. The project is its final stage, and more details will shortly be available. 
www.trevibenne.it

NPK adds new rotating pulverize
Japan-based NPK has extended its line-up of rotating pulverizes with the addition of the V250R model. Designed for 24t-35t carriers, the new 2.75t tool has a maximum crushing force of 193 psi (1,330kN). The pulverize is suitable for diverse applications including demolition of walls, floors and light-steel structures as well as secondary crushing jobs. 

The V250R is 360° rotatable and comes with an NPK trademark integrated booster. The booster turns on automatically whenever the jaws meet resistance. Using a relatively low oil flow, the pressure intensifier system reduces cycle times and increases crushing force. The booster also allows for a compact body design and easy maintenance while reducing the attachment’s overall weight.
www.npk.co.uk

ShearCore – a new ‘shear’ force in the attachment game
Located in Wisconsin, ShearCore was founded by Bruce Bacon – a legendary figure in the scrap recycling and demolition industries. ShearCore manufactures the ‘Fortress’ line of attachments, with mobile shears being the company’s core competence. Bruce managed to assemble a strong team around him. Fortress mobile shears are designed by Ross Christenson who authored a number of innovations over the past 20 years while designing shears at LaBounty & Genesis. The manufacturing is led by Jim Campbell, who would head the manufacturing division at Genesis for 12 years. Before that he had run the reconditioning department at LaBounty. With professionals of that caliber and experience on board, ShearCore manufactures robust and powerful shears designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The mobile shear series includes seven models ranging in weight from 2.5 to 9.6t. 
www.shearcore.com

Hydraram turns 25 and launches new series of fixed pulverizes
Hydraram has introduced this year the HFP-M series of fixed hydraulic pulverizes featuring an integrated magnet. Powered by a 24V battery, the magnet is activated by the excavator driver when needed, for instance, to collect rebar lying around the jobsite or to load and move iron bars. The magnet is equipped with a quick-release system that immediately drops the steel-containing objects when the electrical function of the magnet is switched off. The new series includes the 2.4t HFP-20VM fitting 20t-30t excavators, the mid-range 3.2t HFP-25VM designed for 28t-40t carriers, and the 3.85t HFP-32VM suitable for 35t-52t machines. 
www.hydraram.com

Demarec unveils three new series
Netherlands-based Demarec has introduced three new series in 2018. One is the DCC range of two-cylinder concrete crushers designed for demolition of the thickest reinforced concrete structures such as viaducts, quays and heavy foundations. The DCC concrete crushers fit both standard and high-reach demolition machines. The series ranges from the 1.9t DCC-25 model providing the closing force of 100t on the tip up to the DCC-75 weighing 6.5t boasting the force of 200t. The tools have two pivot points, ensuring that more torque is transferred to the jaws for maximum closing force. A combination of the newly developed DemaPower 2.0 cylinder (featuring four oil chambers) and optimized jaw geometry results in 25% higher closing power on the tip. 

Next up from Demarec is the DMS Multi-shear fitting mid-size excavators (7-9t). The DMS is an all-round specialist thanks to a mechanical changing system and a wide choice of jaws. The selection includes jaws for cutting reinforced concrete (DMS-05-C), scrap (DMS-05-S) and cables (DMS-05-V). All jaws are fitted with replaceable wearing parts. And the last but not least from the Dutch trailblazer is the new DXS line of shears featuring an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio, jaw opening size, cycle times and hydraulic efficiency. The line’s debuting model is the DXS-50 shears designed for scrap processing, tire recycling and demolition. According to the company, it will soon be followed by the DXS-40 model.

Demarec’s new DemaPower 2.0 cylinder technology gives the DXS-50 the same power as shears two sizes larger. That allows the DXS Series to exert up to 25% more power from a smaller attachment. The 4,5t DXS-50 boasts a closing force of 1,203t. The upcoming DXS-40 will have a closing force of some 900t. The DXS-50 is suited for 25t-35t carriers when boom mounted, and 32t-50t carriers when stick mounted. 
www.demarec.com

Green Attachments enlarges product assortment
Established in Finland as a supplier of demolition tools for specialist contractors, Green Attachments has been enjoying a steady growth in the past couple of years. The company is now a staple fixture at construction trade shows, both domestic and international, and its product portfolio just keeps expanding. The company’s “Yellow MC” series of multiprocessors counts 11 models designed for 4t-130t excavators.  The multiprocessors come complete with different sets of jaws to allow users to solve a wide range of demolition and recycling tasks. The “Yellow RV” range of rotating pulverizes is suitable for secondary demolition applications as well as primary demolition of reinforced concrete structures. The entire line is built from Hardox 400. The pulverizes feature a speed valve for increased performance and reversed cylinder for protection of the cylinder rod. A pressure relief valve is installed to protect the motor. The range includes 10 models intended for 7t to 120t carriers. 
www.greenattachments.com

Stanley LaBounty extends mobile pulverize line
US-based Stanley LaBounty has expanded its mobile hydraulic pulverize line with the introduction of the MHP 350 model. This powerful machine is engineered for high-efficiency secondary demolition and concrete recycling. The brand-new design is configured for puck-up, crushing and separation of rebar from concrete. The pulverize boasts a large jaw opening to process the thickest concrete. The lower jaw angle is optimized to pick up concrete slabs with ease. Four-way indexable blades provide four usable cutting edges. Other highlights include a speed valve, bolt-on lower platen for quick maintenance and field-replaceable swift lock teeth.  
www.stanleyinfrastructure.com

Rammer enjoys a crushing success in the UK
Bradley Demolition, one of the most established specialist firms in the northwest of England, took delivery of a Rammer rotating pulverize for a project in York where the company was contracted to demolish a former college complex. The 2.9t, 2.4m RVP29R pulverize was fitted on to a Hitachi ZX300-6 excavator using a Lehnhoff hydraulic quick coupler. Built from wear-resistant steel, the RVP29R features a reinforced jaw with an opening of 3 ft (900mm) for high productivity and durability. A single tooth top plate allows for better penetration when doing primary demolition. A patented speed valve allows for faster cycle times, with the added benefit of protecting the hydraulic circuit from any pressure peaks. The 1.8 ft (550mm) wide, 2.8 ft (850mm) deep jaws ensure that large chunks of masonry are processed with ease. Bradley Demolition is reported to be extremely pleased with this new acquisition made through Rammer’s UK dealer Murray Plant.  
www.rammer.com

Daemo adds three new ranges
In 2018, Korea-based attachment manufacturer Daemo has added three new ranges to its product portfolio. The DRP series of pulverizes, suitable for 13t-32t excavators, now offer 130% greater crushing power compared to predecessors. Bolt-on teeth effectively protect the body and can be replaced easily. The new DMP multiprocessors boast a quick-change function (DMP-Q). Built from “Hardox 400,” the attachments feature Daemo’s patented pin-guide system. Thanks to it, four types of jaws can be mounted and replaced within five minutes. Also new from Daemo is the DMQ series of hydraulic quick couplers that lock the attachment tightly in place using a triple safety system. Thanks to this solution, the operator can change work tools right from the cab.  
www.daemo.co.kr

Cat Work Tools beefs up multiprocessor line
Caterpillar Work Tools has expanded its multiprocessor range with the addition of three new models—the MP332, MP345, and MP365.  The attachments’ construction allows pairing a basic housing with up to six jaw sets for maximum versatility onsite while a new jaw locking system and a speed booster valve contribute to high productivity. The housings incorporate a heavy-duty 360°rotator for positioning the multi-processor at an optimum angle at any given moment. When the jaws meet resistance the integral hydraulic booster valve automatically kicks in. Depending on the jaw set being used, closing force is up to 19% higher compared to the previous series. 
www.cat.com

Indeco tools receive major makeover
Based in Italy, Indeco has been busy this year with a major overhaul of its product lines. The IMP series of multiprocessors has been upgraded with a more rugged body and increased jaw opening. The jaw configuration has been improved to simplify the assemble/disassemble procedure and provide a better grip on the material. The IFP and IRP ranges of fixed and rotating pulverizes now feature interchangeable teeth on the movable jaw (welded on a bolt-on plate and secured with latches) for optimal penetration of the material being demolished.  But the biggest news is that the IMG line of demolition and sorting grabs is now available in five different versions: the IMG S sorting jaws, the IMG D demolition and sorting jaws, the IMG 3 + 2 material handling jaws, the IMG L loading jaws and the IMG T timber jaws.
www.indeco.it

Arden drops a bomb of a sorting grab on US military base
France-based Arden Equipment delivered a S6002B sorting grab—the biggest in its range—to the US military base in Cádiz, Spain. The operation was coordinated by Newimar S.A., a construction company servicing this naval facility, and Finanzauto, a Caterpillar distributor in Spain that supplied a Cat 374F L excavator as a base machine. A monster of a sorting grab, the S6002B boasts an opening of 10 ft (3m), two rotational motors and three hydraulic cylinders. The S6002B will be handling a number of tasks at the base that include transporting large rocks when making new dykes in the harbor, and beach cleaning. Arden Equipment grabs are made of abrasion-resistant steel with enough resilience to absorb shocks resulting from the impact with materials. A wave-shaped design further contributes to shock dampening and allows easy maintenance of the attachment. 
www.arden-equipment.com

Don’t forget drum cutters
Drum cutters are another example of excavator attachment that has come to the forefront in the recent years. The feature that sets drum cutters or rockwheels aside from other demolition tools is their versatility. Demolition, grinding, trench cutting, profiling, descaling – that is an incomplete list of tasks that a drum cutter is capable of solving.   

Rokla’s flagship G series
Germany-based Rokla GmbH is a young vibrant company, whose drum cutters brand-named “Rockwheel” have already become synonymous with this type of excavator attachments. Rokla’s most successful G-series (“G” standing for “gearbox drive”) includes the G40, G50, G60, and G125 models suitable for excavators ranging in weight from 35t to 125t. The drum cutters boast rugged design and a twin-motor solution for optimum weight distribution. The range’s bestselling model G60 has been developed for 50t-65t carriers. Thanks to the in-house double-motor technology and the gearbox, the G60 is one of the most powerful cutting drums available in the global market today. An efficient water spray system and special safety valves effectively protect both the attachment and the carrier. The smaller G5 and G5twin drums are designed to work with compact 3t-12t excavators. Featuring the twin-motor technology and a 2:1 gearbox transmission, the drum cutters generate a very high torque. The drum cutters specified for demolition applications come equipped with a heavy-duty hardox plate for cutting through steel rebar. 
www.rockwheel.com

MB-R500 – the master of all trades from MB
Italy-based trendsetter in crushing and screening technology MB used Intermat to unveil the brand-new MB-R500 drum cutter designed to turn mini excavators and mini loaders into real milling factories. The MB-R500 is engineered to grind particularly resistant and tough materials, such as fragmented rock, although it works on soft materials like asphalt as well. The MB-R500 is the smallest model in MB’s drum cutter range. 

Weighing in at only 661 lb (300kg), it has a replaceable cutting head of 1.6 ft (500mm) and is compatible with 3t-12t excavators and 3t-8t skid steers and backhoe loaders. Like other MB-R models, it comes with a full or low-set drumhead kit, which allows users to change the number of peaks depending on the material being grinded. The cutter body rotation kit allows the driver to operate rotation directly from the cab without stopping trenching work. The cutting depth adjustment kit makes grinding edges and levelling possible. The nebulizer kit and the drum cover kit reduce dust emission and allow performing jobs in confined and enclosed areas like galleries and tunnels. The temperature reduction kit lowers the oil temperature during operation without affecting the drum’s performance. 
www.mbcrusher.com

Simex strengthens the compact range
Another market leader from Italy Simex has added two compact drum cutters to its range. The TF 100 fitting 2.5-t4t mini-excavators together with the TF 50 designed for 1.2t-4t mini-excavators make up the compact end of Simex’s range comprising ten models. Featuring an innovative milling system incorporating a central chain, the new drums leave no areas untouched. They effectively cut trunks and roots, which make them suitable for forestry applications. The drums are handy for excavation of small trenches, creating manholes or water conduits, laying down telephone and electrical lines. Thanks to the low noise levels, the TF 50 and TF 100 can also be used indoors for milling of concrete walls, profiling of horizontal and vertical surfaces and removing plaster. 
www.simex.it