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

  • New machines and a new division for Controls Group
    April 18, 2013
    Controls Group launched the Automax range of testing machines at bauma 2013. The Automax Classic is an automatic unit for testing compressive and flexure strength of construction materials; Automax E-Modulus additionally performs tests to determine the elastic modulus and Automax Multitest has an extra channel to allow more sophisticated tests.
  • First-time exhibitor CMS Cepcor to display replacement crusher spare parts/crusher liners
    March 11, 2013
    First-time exhibitor CMS Cepcor will exhibit its range of replacement crusher spare parts and premium crusher liners at bauma 2013. Recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Trade, CMS Cepcor currently exports to over 100 countries. Despite the worldwide economic recession and credit crisis, the company says its sales turnover increased by over 100% since 2010. “This growth has been achieved through a focus on optimisation of web presence together with an engineering f
  • Call for SME exhibitors at Road Infrastructure Innovation Expo, Brussels
    April 2, 2013
    SMEs developing innovative solutions to improve road infrastructure now have until 12 April, 2013, to apply to exhibit free-of-charge at the first Road Infrastructure Innovation Expo being held in Brussels, Belgium, 4-6 June 2013. Due to the involvement of additional countries and the final constitution of the scientific committee for the Infravation programme, organisers have extended the exhibitor registration deadline. All research fields are welcome addressing the theme of Advanced and Innovative Constr
  • Haulotte Group’s net sales rise 23%
    January 6, 2017
    Haulotte Group (HG) recorded net sales growth of 23% to $400.3million in 2011, compared to $326million in 2010. The boom lift and lifting equipment manufacturers believe the strength of emerging markets and renewed investment by major European retail companies will also give the Group a “double-digit” growth in 2012 sales.