Francois Martin is the North American general manager for Kinshofer, one of the industry’s sources of attachments for excavators and loader cranes. The company offers a product range of attachments for equipment carriers with and without hydraulics in a number of industries, including construction, scrap, demolition, excavating, roadbuilding and more.
What are the most important factors to consider when selecting an attachment?
■ Application. Is the tool the best fit for the application? For example, if it’s a demolition tool, will it be used for primary or secondary demolition? Work with the dealer or manufacturer to determine which attachment is best for the desired application.
■ Carrier. Ensure the attachment is suited for the carrier size and weight. Heavier attachments, of course, require larger, heavier carriers.
■ Hydraulic capacity. Make sure the machine has enough hydraulic capacity to feed the attachment’s requirements. Not enough flow will slow the tool’s cycle times, while too little pressure results in a lower closing force or less torque, depending on the attachment.
■ Auxiliary requirements. Is the machine equipped with enough auxiliary hydraulic circuits for the attachment? For example, rotation shears and multi-quick processors require double-acting hydraulic circuits, one circuit for opening and closing the jaw and one for 360-degree rotation. Attachments that don’t rotate only require one circuit.
Certain attachments require additional considerations, including hydraulic breakers. Just because a breaker fits a carrier does not mean it’s the best choice. Making a selection based on intended purposes often leads to a more successful pairing.
Not only does the size of the breaker have to fit the excavator, but the required pressure and oil flow must be provided. Depending on the purpose, users can consider the striking energy and tool diameter. In some cases, a smaller model may be used, causing less stress to the boom and, ultimately, saving money.
Customers should also pay attention to an attachment’s tip force and apex force. Most importantly, they should ask for cutting performances.
Will users have to customize a piece of equipment in order to accommodate an attachment?
Most attachments don’t require any machine customization, so long as the carrier is equipped with two double-acting auxiliary hydraulic circuits.
Rotating attachments require two circuits: one for opening and closing the attachment, and the second for rotation. Non-rotating attachments, such as some shears and static pulverizers, require only one circuit for opening and closing the attachment. Of course, specialized attachments require some additional customization.
How frequent are service and maintenance requirements?
Shears and all demolition attachments require daily greasing or after every eight hours of use. When it comes to breakers, some manufacturers’ products feature an automatic lubrication system that eliminates manual greasing.
Also, inspect blades and wear parts daily. Contractors should consult their dealer or the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for additional service information specific to their attachment.
Who is responsible for fitting attachments to machine?
In the case of shears and demolition tools, the dealer will install the attachment after the sale. For specialized attachments that require additional expertise, the OEM completes most installations and startups.