Hydraulic attachments increases the versatility of utility machines

Utility machines are designed to be highly versatile and able to handle a wide range of duties but using attachments can further broaden the array of capabilities - Mike Woof writes

The utility equipment market is a diverse sector of the construction machinery business. These versatile machines can be used in a vast array of duties and are very popular in the rental equipment market. Skid steer loaders, compact tracked loaders, compact wheeled loaders, mini excavators, zero tailswing excavators, wheeled excavators, backhoe loaders and telehandlers are all designed from the outset to be able to carry out many jobs. And customers have a vast array of machines to choose from, with manufacturers in China, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the US all producing competing products.

This complex equipment segment further benefits from the wide range of attachments and attachment devices available. And a range of new units has recently come to market, to further develop the range of capabilities of these already versatile machines.

The interface between an attachment and the machine itself is of key importance, allowing quick changes between different units. These are designed for speed of locking and unlocking, as well as safety. They can also be designed to change orientation for the attachment, allowing it to be used in a still wider range of duties and tasks. This, however, calls for some clever solutions with regard to the design so as to be able to route hydraulic flows and maintain performance.
Specialist firm 705 Engcon is now offering its improved Generation 2 tiltrotators, the latest of which is the new EC214. This is the fifth model in the Generation 2 line-up to come to market, slotting into the range between the EC209 and EC219. As the nomenclature suggests, the EC214 is designed for use with excavators in the 9-14tonne weight range. With its introduction, the firm’s range of EC206, EC209, EC214, EC219 and EC226 Generation 2 tiltrotators now can be used on excavators weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes.

The unit can tilt to 45° and features sufficient space for machine control sensors and integrated lubrication channels, connected to a single lubrication point. The user can also adjust the lateral play on the new tiltrotator without dismantling it, making service and maintenance easier.

Another new hitching system is being offered by 3772 Geith, which is broadening its quick coupler range and now includes units capable of holding attachments weighing from 1 to 2tonnes, 2 to 4tonnes and 4 to 6tonnes. At the same time Geith is also adding to its range of compact tilt buckets for excavators ranging from 1.5 to 9tonnes. The single-cylinder buckets can be tilted 45° left and right to tackle any slope. Another development is the combination of a Geith Quick Coupler with a PowerTilt unit by Helac. Geith said that the combination will easily tilt a bucket or any other attachment up to 180°. It is available for excavators between 6tonnes and 26tonnes and can be operated totally from inside the cab. There is also a range of dual-cylinder tilting buckets for excavators from 2 to 29tonnes, while the firm makes more conventional buckets for excavators ranging in weight from 1 to 75tonnes.

Allowing utility machines to use special work tools means that they can be used for specific tasks. This is of importance as .the attachments can be employed when specific tasks need to be carried out, a more cost-effective solution than buying a costly piece of equipment dedicated to a particular task.

Screening buckets can be of use, for example, on small recycling or demolition jobs and Italian firm 283 MB Crusher said that its MB-LS140 unit suits use with skid-steer loaders. The firm has been expanding its product line and this is its third new crushing and screening bucket launched during 2015, bringing this range of products to five models in all.
The MB-LS140 is said to be an innovative unit that is compact, versatile and reliable. Rugged and durable, it can deliver high performance in applications such as processing excavation, demolition or waste material. Because of its compact design, the MB-LS140 can be used in sites with space restrictions and suits duties on urban demolition projects, for example. The unit can be used directly onsite where the material is located, eliminating the need for a wheeled loader in a load and carry application to feed the material into a mobile crusher.

The MB-LS140 can be used on skid steer loaders weighing 2.6tonnes or more and the unit tips the scales at 450kg. Measuring 1420x1380x875mm, the unit offers a capacity of 0.5m3.

Meanwhile, the firm’s crusher bucket range now features 12 models, with the most recent additions being the BF 80.3 and BF135.8 for 18.5tonne and 43tonne excavators, respectively having been launched earlier this year. The firm was a pioneer of the crusher bucket attachment, introducing its first model in 2001 and patenting its design. With this extensive experience of the sector, the firm claimed that its products feature the most rugged components and materials and are stronger and more durable than competing products.

Another important offering from MB Crusher is its B2B Portal software program. This tool includes video guides for optimising the performance of its product range, while other features include a spare parts ordering facility and a full product catalogue. As well as being viewable on the company’s website via a login and password, customers can also access the B2B Portal using smartphones.

Another Italian firm specialising in attachments is 1141 SIMEX, which is also broadening its line-up as well as the capabilities of its products, with five new units currently in final development.
The RW 500 is a self-levelling wheel saw that can attached to compact wheeled loaders or compact loaders and suits duties for the installation of cables, pipes and other narrow-width utilities. The self-levelling system was developed by SIMEX for use with its planing attachments but is also useful for the RW 500 as it ensures the trench sides are straight.

Meanwhile the 3994 RWE 60 is a wheel saw for use on excavators, and shares some features with the RW 500. It is designed for use on excavators in the 20-45tonne range and has been designed particularly for the Northern European market. Also for use on (smaller) excavators is the VSE 30 screening bucket, which is designed for excavators weighing from 16 to 28tonnes. This shares some features with the larger VSE 40 screening bucket, aimed at use with excavators weighing from 24 to 40tonnes. The VSE 30 has a novel feature allowing the operator to change the screening size range from inside the cab. The MP 1000 cutter head can also be used on excavators and is designed for tunnel profiling and excavation operations. High productivity and durability are claimed for this unit, which benefits from the firm’s experience in the sector and also offers improved performance over earlier generation units.

Greater working safety is the focus for the new system from 8019 SMP Parts meanwhile. The firm’s new HardLock Quick Coupler is designed to provide greater security than earlier generation units on the market. Based on the firm’s reversible S models, the HardLock Quick Coupler features a standard rear-locking system at the rear. It also has a standard locking system at the rear for additional security and this design is said to ensure that there is zero play, while providing a safe connection for tools and attachments. The firm offers a five-model range of couplers weighing from 85 to 320kg and these are designed to fit excavators weighing from 5 to 40tonnes.