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

  • JCB’s Ecomax engines make their debut at bauma
    February 18, 2013
    JCB’s Ecomax engine – the company’s innovative solution to EU Stage IIIB/US Tier 4 emissions legislation - will be on show for the first time at bauma as machines powered by it make their debut. The UK-based construction equipment manufacturing giant claims it is the only leading equipment manufacturer in the world to have met the stringent Stage IIIB/Tier 4 interim emissions legislation without the use of diesel particulate filter (DPF) or after-treatment – resulting in the world’s cleanest and most effici
  • 10 billion pixel camera offered by EarthCam.net
    March 7, 2014
    To say the GigapixelCam X10 is a high-powered camera is an understatement. The camera, unveiled by EarthCam.net at Conexpo 2014, is capable of taking 10 billion pixel, 360º panoramic images. “We help monitor, document and promote,” said Brian Cury, CEO and founder of the company. The monitoring comes in the form of live-streaming video that can bring the job site to a desktop. The documenting is achieved through archiving photos throughout the process, should a dispute surface.
  • 10 billion pixel camera offered by EarthCam.net
    January 6, 2017
    To say the GigapixelCam X10 is a high-powered camera is an understatement. The camera, unveiled by EarthCam.net at Conexpo 2014, is capable of taking 10 billion pixel, 360º panoramic images. “We help monitor, document and promote,” said Brian Cury, CEO and founder of the company. The monitoring comes in the form of live-streaming video that can bring the job site to a desktop. The documenting is achieved through archiving photos throughout the process, should a dispute surface.
  • Clip of Unic’s ‘world strongest’ mini crane
    January 6, 2017
    Unic Cranes Europe (UCE) has made a teaser video showcasing what the company claims is the world’s strongest mini crane - set to be unveiled at INTERMAT 2012. The Unic URW-1006 mini spider crane is said to have an unrivalled 10tonnes of lifting power as well as 30.7metres lifting height and 24.3metre working radius. According to UCE, the machine’s 2metre width allows it to retain class-beating minimal dimensions for working in restricted spaces.