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

  • Innovative vacuum trailer system from D-TEC
    January 30, 2013
    Netherlands-based D-TEC has developed a novel vacuum tank trailer system for applications such as bentonite extraction during sample boring. An innovative steering system is said to allow the D-TEC vacuum tanktrailer to manoeuvre easily on sites where there is little space. This design also reduces tyre scrubbing and allows greater tyre life, cutting running costs over the long term. The tank trailer offers greater load capacity than previously available designs according to the firm, due to its low weight,
  • Kleemann is increasing its mobile crushing range
    January 6, 2017
    Kleemann is introducing four innovative mobile crushing products to the North American market at Conexpo. The MR 110 ZS EVO II and MR 130 Z EVO II are Tier 4 Interim-compliant impact crushers, which are said to offer high throughput, high efficiency and low operating costs. Designed for durability and long wear life, these machines are also said to be easy to maintain and service. In addition to the new impact crushers, Kleemann is also introducing the MC 110 R EVO and MC 110 Z EVO mobile jaw crushers to th
  • Cat sees reason for global equipment growth
    January 6, 2017
    Caterpillar ceo Doug Oberhelman is cautiously optimistic that recovery in the global equipment market will continue throughout 2014. Speaking at Conexpo, Mr Oberhelman said that the company was in the best possible position to make the most of steadily growing demand, with a host of improved machines and technologies on show. “The North American market is showing the best growth signs in March that we’ve seen for four years,” he said. “This year the market is stronger, housing is better and we see a very
  • Cat sees reason for global equipment growth
    March 5, 2014
    Caterpillar ceo Doug Oberhelman is cautiously optimistic that recovery in the global equipment market will continue throughout 2014. Speaking at Conexpo, Mr Oberhelman said that the company was in the best possible position to make the most of steadily growing demand, with a host of improved machines and technologies on show. “The North American market is showing the best growth signs in March that we’ve seen for four years,” he said. “This year the market is stronger, housing is better and we see a very