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

  • Sandvik’s new Asian models
    January 6, 2017
    At bauma China, Sandvik is revealing new additions to its product ranges that have been developed specifically for the requirements of the Asian market. The firm has seen strong demand for its products in Asia, with particularly rapid growth in China. Sandvik Construction has developed product lines that are aimed specifically at Asian market requirements. Asian customers are keen to use advanced, high-quality equipment and the latest Sandvik models for this territory offer high performance and reliability
  • Sandvik’s new Asian models
    November 20, 2012
    At bauma China, Sandvik is revealing new additions to its product ranges that have been developed specifically for the requirements of the Asian market. The firm has seen strong demand for its products in Asia, with particularly rapid growth in China. Sandvik Construction has developed product lines that are aimed specifically at Asian market requirements. Asian customers are keen to use advanced, high-quality equipment and the latest Sandvik models for this territory offer high performance and reliability
  • Volvo strengthens German distribution with sale of Bavarian dealer
    January 6, 2017
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has divested its wholly-owned dealership in south-east Germany, Volvo Baumaschinen Bayern (VBB), to neighbouring distribution partner Robert Aebi. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes the transfer of the company including all assets, employees and sales territory. The distribution in the south of the country, with Robert Aebi, now consists of a well-financed, independent and strategically aligned partner and this latest move strengthens Volvo CE’s competitive po
  • Volvo strengthens German distribution with sale of Bavarian dealer
    February 26, 2013
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has divested its wholly-owned dealership in south-east Germany, Volvo Baumaschinen Bayern (VBB), to neighbouring distribution partner Robert Aebi. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes the transfer of the company including all assets, employees and sales territory. The distribution in the south of the country, with Robert Aebi, now consists of a well-financed, independent and strategically aligned partner and this latest move strengthens Volvo CE’s competitive po