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

  • Promove’s XP2000 completes breaker range
    January 6, 2017
    The new XP2000 breaker from Promove is designed for 22 to 29tonnes carriers and its 145mm diameter tool delivers 5900 joules of energy at between 350-650 blows per minute. A flow rate of 160litres/min at 180bar is required and the breaker can work with a backpressure of up to 25bar.
  • Promove’s XP2000 completes breaker range
    April 16, 2012
    The new XP2000 breaker from Promove is designed for 22 to 29tonnes carriers and its 145mm diameter tool delivers 5900 joules of energy at between 350-650 blows per minute. A flow rate of 160litres/min at 180bar is required and the breaker can work with a backpressure of up to 25bar.
  • Bobcat’s ‘Limited Edition’ excavator
    January 6, 2017
    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bobcat compact excavator range, a new Limited Edition version of the Bobcat E16 1.6 tonne compact excavator is being unveiled at INTERMAT 2012. The Limited Edition E16 model is said by Bobcat to be available as standard with a retractable undercarriage, while also offering powerful performance, superior reliability and durability. The machine’s smooth responsive hydraulics are said to enable precise movements and fast cycle times.
  • Bobcat’s ‘Limited Edition’ excavator
    April 2, 2012
    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bobcat compact excavator range, a new Limited Edition version of the Bobcat E16 1.6 tonne compact excavator is being unveiled at INTERMAT 2012. The Limited Edition E16 model is said by Bobcat to be available as standard with a retractable undercarriage, while also offering powerful performance, superior reliability and durability. The machine’s smooth responsive hydraulics are said to enable precise movements and fast cycle times.