Skip to main content

Europe leads the way as the USA and others reduce breaker sound levels

Europe’s stand on sound is being heard around the world by the hydraulic breaker market. While many countries have not specifically adjusted their national sound guidelines, the Europeans have essentially done it for them, two industry experts revealed at Conexpo 2014.
January 6, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Europe’s stand on sound is being heard around the world by the hydraulic breaker market. While many countries have not specifically adjusted their national sound guidelines, the Europeans have essentially done it for them, two industry experts revealed at Conexpo 2014.

“In Europe, they set the rules,” said David Nakamura, president of Toku America. “And the manufacturers have to respond.”

The issue has become significant enough in Europe to force the 2440 Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) into putting together a group of industry experts charged with looking at the hydraulic attachment tool market. The group, which consists of leading industry manufacturers, is addressing “silent demolition tools” and noise-reduction solutions.

Reduced sound levels are occurring naturally in other parts of the world as manufacturers reach the European standards so they can continue to do business in that market.

“It takes a little longer to get to the U.S. because the mentality is different,” said Keith Becker, product development specialist at 161 Atlas Copco. As quieter equipment becomes available, local governments are more likely to demand that it is used when working near hospitals, nursing homes and schools, Becker said.

In the US, sound levels have drawn the most attention in California and the north east area of the country. “Regulation is going to the driving force behind changes in the US,” Becker said. The CECE is looking at new approaches and techniques as well.
%$Linker: 2 Asset <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 2 49588 0 oLinkExternal <span class="mouselink"><span class="oLinkExternal">www.cece.eu </span></span> Committee for European Construction Equipment web false /EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=49588 false false%>

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Engcon improves tilt-rotator design
    April 19, 2012
    Engcon has introduced a new range of tilt-rotators, using a cast housing to greatly increase capacity. The EC218 and EC226 replace the EC15 and EC20 respectively. The former is suitable for machines up to 18tonnes in operating weight, while the latter is designed for excavators up to 26 tonnes. The cast housing incorporates internal lubrication channels for centralised greasing, reducing the risk of dust ingress or damage while operating. Larger bushes are used to reduce the chance of play in the housing
  • Wacker Neuson’s record-breaking revenue
    January 6, 2017
    German-based construction equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson is celebrating record annual revenue and earnings.
  • Wacker Neuson’s record-breaking revenue
    February 6, 2012
    German-based construction equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson is celebrating record annual revenue and earnings.
  • Erlau chooses bauma 2013 to mark the 70th year since tyre protection chain invention
    April 5, 2013
    Erlau has chosen bauma 2013 to mark the 70th year since Erlau TPC says it invented the tyre protection chain. A small drawing registered by Erlau in 1943 marks a pivotal moment in the history of bulk materials handling. At that time mining methods were changing as the lumbering steam shovels, rope-operated excavators and horse-drawn rail tubs, which had themselves superseded the pick and shovel, were being replaced by wheeled, hydraulic loading shovels and tipper-bodied trucks.