Versatility for demolition and recycling

A growing demand for equipment to be used in recycling applications is helping boost the market for demolition attachments

Manufacturers have been keen to invest in technology, developing new models and with more innovations to come. There are several key players in the hydraulic breaker sector, with 161 Atlas Copco and 325 Sandvik dominating this market segment. However other breaker manufacturers are major players too, including 237 Indeco, 5905 Furukawa and NPK, while there are also specialist attachment producers such as 1140 Mantovanibenne and 283 MB Crusher.

The pace of technological development is rapid, with new models coming to market on a regular basis. Atlas Copco claims that its MB1500 medium sized breaker offers high productivity and high performance for the medium-size hydraulic hammer class. The new machine completes the firm's line-up of medium sized breakers and features a simplified design, when compared with earlier generation units in this class. The MB1500 features an innovative design in that it does not have a high-pressure accumulator, which reduces the number of moving components and also cuts maintenance needs. However the breaker is equipped with the firm's StartSelect system, which can tune start-up and shutdown performance to the specific application, while it also comes with the proven AutoControl system, which is designed to deliver high blow energy under all operating conditions. The breaker is said to deliver a high power to weight ratio due to its efficient hammer mechanism, aided by an energy recovery system.

Robust in construction, the MB1500 can be used for an array of breaking duties and can also be used in comparatively cramped spaces. The 1.5tonne MB1500 can deliver 330-640blows/min (depending on the carrier), features a 135mm diameter tool with a 630mm useful length, suits carriers from 17-29tonnes and slots into the range between the existing 1.2tonne MB1200 and 1.7tonne MB1700 breakers.

1130 Bobcat is also updating its range of hydraulic breakers and is replacing the proven B1400 model with the improved HB1380 unit. This is the latest in the firm's HB range of low noise breakers and completes the line-up of these models. Designed for use on the company's compact loaders and mini- and midi-excavators, the HB1380 has an operating weight of 385kg. It can be mounted on a wide range of Bobcat machines including the 442 midi-excavator; S220, S250 and S300 skid-steer loaders and T250 and T300 compact tracked loaders. The HB1380 has been designed to work with flow rates from 65-120litres/min and provides a blow rate from 780-1030bpm for work on soft ground and a blow rate of 900-1230bpm when working on hard ground. The breaker operates at a pressure of 125bars, while the maximum system pressure is 155bars, while it features a tool diameter of 85mm with an effective working length of 432mm.

Overall features are similar to the other models in the HB range and include a versatile mounting that allows use on compact loaders and excavators, a low noise kit, minimal moving parts and an automatic pressure-regulator. This last ensures the breaker works at its optimum operating pressure on all carriers. To further reduce maintenance, the HB1380 has no tie rods and can be quickly disassembled, while it derives its strength from its durable hammer casing. An automatic pressure regulator ensures the HB1380 breaker delivers a constant energy/blow, ensuring a longer working time without risk of overheating. Another innovative feature is a patented treated steel ring clip system, which retains the tool bushing and protects the greasing system.

Meanwhile, Italian attachment specialist Mantovanibenne is celebrating its 45th year in business and says that its latest design incorporate advanced features that improve performance. The company is based in Mirandola, near Modena and now offers a comprehensive range of demolition attachments including crushers, pulverisers, rotating pulverisers, multisystems, shears, pile breakers, grapples, grabs, quick couplers and different type of buckets.

According to Mantovanibenne, the firm continues to play a key role in the demolition equipment sector with sophisticated systems coming to market and planned for the future. In 2007 the company introduced its large MS130 multisystem, which measures 4.5m high and has and a jaw opening of 2.5m and more recently it has introduced the powerful CR100 crusher, which has a jaw opening of 2m and can be fitted to 90-130tonne excavators.

Efficient demolition

A large structure in the Polish city of Poznan has been demolished using a versatile Sandvik BC2525 fitted to a 178 Caterpillar hydraulic excavator. The demolition job has been carried out by local demolition specialist Matpol, using the powerful and versatile attachment to break up 20,000tonnes of reinforced concrete in the structure. The 2.79tonne BC2525 multiprocessor is equipped with pulverising pads, which aided demolition efficiency and has allowed the unit to achieve a production level of 340 tonnes/day. The multiprocessor was supplied by local Sandvik dealer Ruda Trading International and the unit is able to deliver a crushing force of 1,600kN and a cutting force of 3,300kN, which has allowed the contractor separate the concrete from the steel reinforcement for efficient recycling.

Meanwhile in Sweden, a 2300 Komatsu PC450 hydraulic excavator has been equipped with a 3.8tonne Sandvik BR4511 hydraulic breaker to demolish former airport hangars on a site some 20km north of Stockholm. The former aircraft engineering facility at Hagernas was used originally as a seaplane base and then by a TV company but the site is now being redeveloped by Swedish demolition firm Rivners. The contract involves controlled demolition of the buildings and breaking out of a 500mm thick concrete base covering the entire 3,600 m2 site. Rivners is also removing 70 concrete piles that measure two metres by three metres and which extend to a depth of 2m. Much of this demolition has been tackled by the Komatsu excavator and Sandvik breaker combination. The BR4511 was selected for its low noise levels and based upon the company's previous experience with a smaller BR 321.