SCRAP SHEAR SHOWDOWN
Published: 22/1, 2020
The development of the scrap shear was pioneered in the US in the 1980s by such giants of the excavator attachment industry as Roy Labounty and Bruce Bacon. Since its inception, the shear design has gone through a number of iterations before acquiring its current look. Today’s scrap shear is a staple item in every respectable attachment supplier’s arsenal, with European and Asian manufacturers steadily gaining ground on their North American counterparts.
The FS145 - a new kid on the ShearCore block
Based in Superior, Wisconsin, ShearCore has introduced this year its new FS145 mobile shear, the largest in the company’s product line of attachments for the demolition and scrap recycling industries.
“The new FS145 shear model is the culmination of the company’s design policy of, ‘begin every design with a foundation in experience and a desire to improve,’” says Bruce Bacon, president of the Exodus Group. “This shear model exemplifies that policy with a new tip design to handle the massive force this shear delivers. A new ‘shark fin’ rear lug design transfers stress in a new and improved method over any previous design in the mobile shear world, which allows higher forces to be distributed over greater mass. What this means to the customer is that this shear punches above its weight class; a big advantage in the steel processing world.”
Weighing in at 12.7t, the rotating FS145R has a jaw opening of 3.9 ft (1.2m) and a reach of 14.7 ft (4.5m). The minimum excavator boom mount is 65.7t while the minimum stick mount is 113t. The FS145 is also available as a non-rotating model. The FS145 now brings ShearCore’s Fortress mobile shear range to eight models. The Fortress line also includes the concrete processor ‘cracker’ series.
LaBounty expands Legend series
Starting April 2020, US based trendsetter in scrap shears LaBounty will start rolling out four new Legend models. The new shears are equipped with “Dual Max™ Indexable Protection” the full protection indexable piercing tip that defends the shear from wear, and reduces the need for maintenance. The Legend’s jaw design also produces up to 10% more cutting force than previous offerings. The attachments feature the InSite™ advanced telematics platform that provides actionable information about the shears’ condition and activity, such as job tracking, jobsite mapping and remote diagnostics. With the InSite app, available for iOS and Android, users have access to valuable information in order to optimize shear performance.
MT series from Allied-Gator
Allied-Gator Inc., another US based player, has been providing innovative hydraulic attachments for the scrap and demolition industries for more than 40 years. The MT® Multi-ToolTM series includes 11 sizes, ranging from 800 lb to 52,000 lb (363kg to 23,600kg), all of which utilize interchangeable jaw sets. The MT Quick-Change, Shear, Cracker/Crusher, Densifier” jaw sets ensure versatility. The MT delivers high levels of power due to its patented Power-Link and GuideTM system, with versatility and power further enhanced by Serrated Gator BladesTM designed exclusively for the MT mobile shear. These blades are said to outlast conventional shear blades by up to 50% when processing general scrap, and up to 90% when shearing steel wire and cable. As Allied-Gator moves into the future, it will be interesting to see how the MT’s innovative technologies and proprietary design features can help scrap or demolition operation become more productive and profitable,
New Demarec DXS mobile shears with DemaPower 2.0 cylinder
The brand new Demarec DXS-40 and DXS-50 mobile scrap shears are engineered to deliver high cutting force and optimal performance to weight ratio thanks to patented DemaPower 2.0 cylinder technology. Unlike a conventional cylinder technique utilizing two oil chambers, DemaPower 2.0 technology is based on four cylinder chambers and two-way oil regeneration for open-to-close operations in combination with high shearing forces, resulting in very fast cycle times. The DemaPower 2.0 system generates 25% more power which results in a closing force equivalent to that of a shear one or two sizes up. The speed valve works in two directions during opening and closing. If the jaw senses resistance during closing, the valve switches from Speed mode to Power ode, and the full cylinder force from the DemaPower 2.0 cylinder becomes immediately available. According to the Dutch manufacturer, the DXS shears deliver up to 20 -30% more performance than rival brands, whilst reduced fuel consumption is another benefit of this solution. Other features of the DXS-40 and DXS-50 other remarkable features include a powerful swivel to avoid high oil temperature and ensure high working speed, with the patented ‘DemaSafety System’ protecting the cylinder against excessive pressures on the rod side of the cylinder.
RSS range from Rammer
The Scrap Shear Range (RSS) from Finland based Sandvik company Rammer, comprises of nine models, fitting 4t to 90t carriers. Manufactured from wear-resistant HB400 steel, the shears feature hydraulic rotation, rotation protection, heat-treated pins and bushings, and weld-free cylinder rods. All new models are equipped with a speed valve for improved cycle times, whereas a smart jaw design allows the material being cut to fall away from the cutting area, enhancing performance and increasing uptime. A central pin adjustment system helps prevent jaw deviation to maintain maximum cutting performance. This system has been proven to reduce operating costs by minimizing the amount of material stuck in the jaws.
Hydraram rolls out the Terminator
Netherlands based Hydraram has recently shipped the first units of its newly developed HRS-27T scrap shears to customers in Germany and Australia. The letter ‘T’ in the model designation stands for “Terminator,” which speaks volumes about the shear’s power and efficiency. Weighing in at 1,500 lb (2,680kg), the new model boasts a jaw opening of 33.6 in (855mm) and delivers high cutting force. Due to the combination of wide jaws and relatively low weight, this model is ideal for mounting on long front excavators. Made from Hardox Hituf® steel, the shear is equipped with two hydraulic motors, two reversed cylinders and a double bearing slewing ring. The HRS-27T fits 23t to 34t machines or long-front excavators which can carry a weight of up to 6,614 lb (3,000kg).
Green Attachments presents the Yellow scrap shear range
Finland based supplier Green Attachments now offers the Yellow SH range of scrap shears consisting of 11 models to fit 7t to 130t excavators. Intended for heavy duty applications, the shears are manufactured from wear resistant steel. Long reversible blades allow the cutting of big beams while optimum kinematics helps keep steel objects deep inside the jaws where the pressure is at its maximum. An optional speed valve is available for increased performance, whilst bolt on piercing tips make maintenance easy and have adjustable cushions for precise and reliable movement. Axles are hardened and greasing points have been designed in a way to make maintenance easy.
A heavy-duty pivot pin adds strength and durability, with changeable oversized steel bushings helping extend the shear’s service life. Hydraulic rotation simplifies the positioning of the tool as is essential when the shear is used for material sorting. Rotation is provided by the orbital hydraulic motors with a planetary gear and double pressure relief valves. The shears have a removeable maintenance cover to shorten service time.
BPH features 14-model Prodem range
Based in West Sussex, UK, BPH is a specialist supplier of excavator attachments under the brand name Prodem. Developed for working in the toughest demolition and recycling environments, Prodem shears feature a bolt-on piercing tip and blades. Thanks to an innovative speed valve, a reduction in cycle times regenerates power and protects the shear by eliminating internal oil pressure peaks. Twin upper jaw guides make for precise alignment, increasing cutting power and efficiency. The shear’s cylinder is accessed via bolt on access panels, making it easy to service and maintain. A weld on upper jaw protection system reduces maintenance and build-up on the upper jaw, thereby reducing downtime on site.
The smart design also reduces stress and wear to the upper jaw with the blades being able to be turned up to four times before they need to be replaced. Available for purchase or hire, the Prodem dedicated shear range includes 14 models to fit excavators weighing between 3.5t and 310t.
VTN makes a “revolution” with CI series
Italy based manufacturer VTN Europe has expanded its CI series of scrap shears with the addition of four new models: the CI8000 R, CI10000 R, CI15000 R, and CI20000. The letter “R” in the model names stands for “revolution” or “rotation.” The new shears benefit from an improved design and the use of special steels allowing the frames to withstand high loads. Other highlights include an inverted cylinder and a piercing tip with a special fastening system to increase wear resistance.