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

  • Hamburg wheel tracker leads three new testing machines from Gilson
    January 6, 2017
    Three key highlights gracing the new materials testing machines on display at Conexpo 2014 from Gilson Company are: its Hamburg Immersion Wheel Tracker, a Superpave Gyratory Compactor and a new version of the company’s Rotary Sifters. The Hamburg Wheel Tracker comes with stainless steel wheels (although rubber wheels are available as an option) and the machine has been put together to allow two specimens to be tested independently in a recirculating water bath. Control testing temperatures range between 20
  • Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) to launch Zaxis-5 excavator range.
    January 6, 2017
    Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)/HCME) is launching its range of Zaxis-5 medium and large excavators. New machines on show include the ZX250LC-5, ZX290LC-5, ZX350LC-5 and ZX470LCH-5. The range of Zaxis-5 models has been developed by the Design Centre at Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) in Japan. Yusuke Kajita, general manager of HCM's Construction Equipment Development Centre, is responsible for the team of 200 engineers behind the new medium excavators (between 10-35tonnes). “We develop new mach
  • Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) to launch Zaxis-5 excavator range.
    February 7, 2012
    Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)/HCME) is launching its range of Zaxis-5 medium and large excavators. New machines on show include the ZX250LC-5, ZX290LC-5, ZX350LC-5 and ZX470LCH-5. The range of Zaxis-5 models has been developed by the Design Centre at Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) in Japan. Yusuke Kajita, general manager of HCM's Construction Equipment Development Centre, is responsible for the team of 200 engineers behind the new medium excavators (between 10-35tonnes). “We develop new mach
  • Volvo adds new buckets and breakers
    January 6, 2017
    Volvo’s latest machines have been joined at bauma by a clutch of new attachments, including excavator buckets and a hydraulic breaker range. The range of tailored buckets and hydraulic breakers is designed to match the technical and performance characteristics of Volvo machines. Introductions include general-purpose and heavy-duty buckets for large excavators and a new line of hydraulic breakers for compact excavators.