Compact excavators up to demolition work
By Mike Anderson
The expanding use of compact excavators in demolition is a main reason why Takeuchi increased the hydraulic flow on a number of machines, including the conventional TB250 and “Full Rotation” TB153FR in the 5-ton range.
“When selecting a breaker, it is important to review the requirements of the machine, such as weight and available hydraulic flow,” says David Steger, national product manager.
Conversely, says IHI national sales manager Kendall Aldridge, “if a hydraulic hammer is going to be a part of the package, then the max flow requirements for the hammer and the average thickness of the material being demolished will also be an important part of the puzzle when choosing the compact excavator.”
Compact equipment manufacturer Bobcat offers tips for customers using their E50 or E55 with a breaker:
• When operating the breaker, press the tool against the target material until the weight of the machine is transferred to the attachment. The shank should be completely compressed into the housing to prevent dry firing, which occurs when the breaker is activated with no or little pressure on the shank. Dry firing, with its distinctive sound, may reduce the service life of the breaker’s internal components.
• The shank must be greased regularly during constant use. Two times per day is recommended. Otherwise, the operator risks the eventual seizure of the breaker and tool.
• When breaking, prying should be held to a minimum. Excessive prying will cause damage to the tool. EW
ROUNDUP
Atlas Copco
SB 152 BreakerFor contractors using compact excavators in demolition applications, Atlas Copco offers a family of SB small hydraulic breakers, CC combi cutters, SC scrap cutters and MG multi-grapples. The solid-body breakers boast built-in pressure relief valves to prevent internal damage caused by excessive flow and pressure. Combi cutters have a two-cylinder design with 360-degree rotation – a movement ability matched by the hydraulic scrap cutters and multi-grapples. Also positioned in the “silent demolition tool” lineup, Atlas Copco updated its hydraulic compactors within the last three months. An overload protection valve allows the user to install the HC150, HC350 or HC450 on multiple carriers without worrying about dangerous flow or pressure changes from one machine to the next. A regeneration feature protects the hydraulic motor on bi-directional circuits.
For product info, visit:
atlascopco.us/usus/products/navigationbyproduct/ProductGroup.aspx?id=1401339
CEAttachments
CS03 Multi-UtilityOnly two moving parts provide enough power for Edge hydraulic breakers to break through the toughest materials, says manufacturer CEAttachments. Breaking force is generated by the hydraulic flow and pressure of the carrier, and a nitrogen-charged backhead increases the impact energy to maximize hammer production. An advanced hydraulic circuit provides increased flow to the valve and piston, resulting in better cycle times and tool penetration, says the company. On Edge breakers for compact excavators, ranging 150 to 1,500 foot-pounds in impact energy, there are no through-bolts to constantly torque or replace, and the front wear bushing is easy to replace when needed. With mounting brackets for most excavator makes available, each breaker comes standard with a moil point tool.
For product info, visit:
products.ceattachments.com/Comergent/en/US/adirect/matrix?cmd=catNavigate2&OP=filter&catKey=6601&filterDispName=Breakers
Rotobec
CS03 Multi-UtilityThe combined VTN Rotobec product family includes three families of hydraulic demolition attachments for excavators in the 3.0- to 6.0-metric-ton range. As part of the CS Multi-Utility family, the CS03 offers six interchangeable jaw options, continuous 360-degree rotation and an integrated speed valve that boosts cycle times. Compact and easy to maneuver, the precise-cutting PD shears – PD02 and PD30 models – likewise have innovative, continuous 360-degree rotation suited to primary concrete demolition. Available for second- or third-member use, CI shears have Hardox 400 structures, reversible cutting edges and the cycle-boosting integrated speed valves. For added functionality, the pertinent CI040 and CI070 models are equipped with rotation brakes.
For product info, visit: rotobec.com
Caterpillar
H55D S BreakerCat’s CCE D Series hydraulic hammers include internal recoil protection buffers to protect their carriers. A wide oil flow range eliminates the need to reduce hydraulic flow to the tool, increasing the hammer’s frequency and ultimately its production, says Thomas Munch, Caterpillar Global Work Tools and Services. Silenced as standard, the one-piece-body D Series hammers have 48-percent fewer internal components compared to past generations. Features include a three-in-one slip fit bushing design, replaceable cylinder sleeve, enclosed housing and internal accumulator. For safety, the use of window guards is required for Caterpillar hammer use, says Munch. The company’s BCP BHL hammers – primarily designed for backhoe loaders – can also be used on larger compact excavators.
For product info, visit: cat.com/cmms/13869258
Chicago Pneumatic
RX4 BreakerIn response to the traditional maintenance-heavy product design, Chicago Pneumatic developed its hydraulic breakers to eliminate the need for side bolts and cross studs, both reducing the amount of moving parts and making energy transfer more efficient. Features such as noise damping technology, advanced control valves and automatic lubrication systems improve power and performance of the RX2, RX3, RX4, RX6 and RX8 breakers used on compact excavators, says Chicago Pneumatic, owned by Atlas Copco. Contractors choosing the correct hydraulic breaker can increase the life of the compact excavator itself, the company says: “By reducing the amount of moving parts and incorporating noise and vibration damping, today’s hydraulic breaker manufacturers are able to help reduce the stress on the bushings and pins that often wear out on an excavator during heavy use.”
For product info, visit:
products.cp.com/CPConstructionSite/default.asp?content=Products/product_group.asp?Id=CP-hydraulic+breakers&cookie_test=1
