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

  • Gate7’s mark of distinction
    January 6, 2017
    Gate7 has developed a range of products to perform to the same standard in all global climate zones from Alaska to the Sahara. The firm will be showcasing these at Intermat 2012 and highlighting why the company has seen rapid growth over the last ten years. The firm describes itself as one of the market leaders for the design, manufacture and supply of specialist vehicle livery, markings and decals. Its primary markets are construction, industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturers. Major construction
  • Gate7’s mark of distinction
    April 13, 2012
    Gate7 has developed a range of products to perform to the same standard in all global climate zones from Alaska to the Sahara. The firm will be showcasing these at Intermat 2012 and highlighting why the company has seen rapid growth over the last ten years. The firm describes itself as one of the market leaders for the design, manufacture and supply of specialist vehicle livery, markings and decals. Its primary markets are construction, industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturers. Major construction
  • Atlas Copco’s powerful new compressors offer efficiency
    January 6, 2017
    Atlas Copco says that its new high-pressure, portable compressor line-up offers versatility and mobility for a vast array of construction jobs. There are four variants offered so far, the XRVS1050, XRHS1150, XRYS1150 and XRVS1210. All four share features including a new screw element design that is said to be highly efficient and reduces energy consumption by 3% over the previous range. Increased fee-air delivery and reduced fuel consumption are also benefits of this improved screw element layout. A novel c
  • Atlas Copco’s powerful new compressors offer efficiency
    November 30, 2012
    Atlas Copco says that its new high-pressure, portable compressor line-up offers versatility and mobility for a vast array of construction jobs. There are four variants offered so far, the XRVS1050, XRHS1150, XRYS1150 and XRVS1210. All four share features including a new screw element design that is said to be highly efficient and reduces energy consumption by 3% over the previous range. Increased fee-air delivery and reduced fuel consumption are also benefits of this improved screw element layout. A novel c