STEELWRIST launched its third generation of tiltrotators at a special event at the manufacturer’s new facility in Hamburg.
A new product category was also introduced as the manufacturer unveiled two new rotor couplers, alongside a range of new compactors and grapples.
The first model of the third generation of Steelwrist tiltrotators is the XTR20, targeted at excavators from 16-20-tonnes. Features include LockSense – a new patented safety solution for work tool locking – and OptiLube, an onboard lubrication system.
The OptiLube system takes care of lubrication automatically, ensuring ‘consistent and optimal’ performance, Steelwrist explained. The lubricant used is specially developed for Steelwrist tiltrotators. OptiLube is integrated into the control system, allowing for continuous monitoring of lubrication performance and alerts the operator when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge.
The patented LockSense technology is described as a ‘state-of-the-art’ sensor system for secure work tool locking. The wireless solution eliminates the hassle of delicate cables in exposed positions with a battery life time of approximately five years. Operators receive both visual and auditory confirmations, ensuring every work tool change is ‘secure and reliable’.
The XTR20 is available with S60 and SQ60 couplers and is designed to allow for an upgrade from S60 to SQ60, providing customers with the flexibility to adapt as needs evolve.
The model has steel casted components including the upper coupler, gearbox, and the quick coupler below the tiltrotator. Despite its compact build, the XTR20 maintains the 45-degree tilting angle. Steelwrist said the company’s ‘superior’ tilt geometry has evolved even further to ensure the ‘smoothest operation’ for users. Designed with off-centre tilt cylinder brackets, the tilt cylinders have become shorter. This, Steelwrist explained, leads to ‘minimised’ cylinder spread throughout the tilt stroke, providing a ‘fluid and high-torque’ movement.
The new tiltrotators are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard). Thanks to the modular design, it is possible to upgrade the tiltrotator from S-type to SQ-type. On the XTR20 and the other third generation tiltrotators still to come, the upgrade from S to SQ is possible on both the upper coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler without having to change the structural parts as was the case on the previous models.
Historically, Steelwrist explained it has often been the case that Machine Control System (MCS) suppliers had to fit their own tilt sensors on tiltrotators to get enough granularity on the tilt position of the work tool. With the XTR20, this is not necessary. The model comes with high resolution tilt and rotation sensors as standard. Exact positioning data is fed to the MCS.
“The XTR20 represents a leap forward in performance and reliability and with features like LockSense, OptiLube, more tilt and rotation torque and easy upgradeability we show our continued commitment to improving excavator efficiency,” said Steelwrist CEO Stefan Stockhaus. “I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished and I look forward to seeing the new Steelwrist XTR20 tiltrotator improving job sites around the world.”
With the launch of the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler, Steelwrist is introducing a completely new product range. The rotor coupler allows the work tool to rotate 360 degrees continuously. With the two first models launched, Steelwrist is targeting two machine segments, with the XR7 for four to seven-tonnes excavators and the XR20 for 14-20-tonnes diggers.
The XR7 features an S40 coupler. The XR20 is offered with both S60 and SQ60 couplers. The products are said to have a ‘robust design’ along with a low building height and weight. The high flow swivel joints enables the use of high flow-demanding work tools such as hydraulic breakers, compactors and grapples.
The XR7 is equipped with Front Pin Hook, while the XR20 has the LockSense technology. Both models can be supplied with an integrated gripper.
“With the introduction of the XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers we are further expanding our already wide product range focusing on turning the excavator into a tool carrier,” Stefan Stockhaus added. “Rotor couplers is obviously a product that does not have the same productivity as a tiltrotator but also not the same price tag, with the advantage of a very easy installation. I am confident that customers that are not yet ready to go all the way and equip their excavator with a tiltrotator will find a very attractive solution with our new XR range, easy to install and with the same robustness that is found in all of Steelwrist product range.”
Steelwrist is also adding a new range of compactors, multi-purpose and sorting grapples. The firm’s second generation of compactors, HCX, has the same compaction force as the previous range but only uses half of the oilflow. The range consists of six new models from HCX6 to the largest HCX26, covering excavators from two to 26-tonnes.
The new range of multi-purpose grapples (MGX) and sorting grapples (SGX) are described as lighter in weight yet stronger in design, and the overall height has been reduced. The multi-purpose grapple is designed for use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition. There are five new models available.
The sorting grapple (SGX) is intended for handling tougher materials like rocks, large stones, timber and scrap, as well as for recycling, sorting and medium-duty demolition. There are four new models.
“With the very significant upgrades worked into our second generation compactors, multiand sorting-grapples we have the solutions that customers are looking for to make their excavators even more versatile and productive,” Stefan Stockhaus commented.
