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.
March 3, 2014 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

  • Euroswitch sensor achievement
    April 5, 2013
    Euroswitch is among those leading the way in the design and manufacture of level, pressure, temperature, speed and position sensors. The company says its mission is to develop high quality standard products and custom solutions supported by an efficient and flexible organisation with a highly skilled workforce.
  • Smoother quieter excavators from Doosan unveiled at INTERMAT
    January 6, 2017
    Doosan’s new Stage IIIB-compliant DX300LC-3 and DX340LC-3 crawler excavators are said to offer 6% to 17% higher productivity, along with fuel saving and reduced costs. The 30 and 35tonne machines have a new ROPS and OPG-certified pressurised cab. A heated air suspension seat and a new cab suspension cut vibration by 20% and reduce the sound level in the cab to 71d(B)A.
  • Smoother quieter excavators from Doosan unveiled at INTERMAT
    April 19, 2012
    Doosan’s new Stage IIIB-compliant DX300LC-3 and DX340LC-3 crawler excavators are said to offer 6% to 17% higher productivity, along with fuel saving and reduced costs. The 30 and 35tonne machines have a new ROPS and OPG-certified pressurised cab. A heated air suspension seat and a new cab suspension cut vibration by 20% and reduce the sound level in the cab to 71d(B)A.
  • Cap Minerals shows EmiControls V12 dust controller
    January 6, 2017
    Distributor Cap Minerals is showing the latest model of the V12 dust controller, whose manufacturer is EmiControls by TechnoAlpin. Applications include working with primary crushers and stockpiles as well as in construction and demolition. The machine can be put on wheels or even mounted on a tower. The V12 sends out a fine water spray to keep the dust down and it can control dust across a distance of up to 50m, said Cap Minerals. The high-performance fan oscillates vertically and horizontally for optimum c