Capital Equipment News November 2021

the pipe to the ground. And grapples aren’t just for demolition. Grapple attachments can also be used for lifting, moving and support during construction. Depending on the jaw opening and carrier size, these tools can lift materials up to 30-inches in diameter. When paired with a demolition robot with exceptional reach, this means operators can remain safely on the ground and out of the drop zone for a number of overhead tasks. Additionally, once materials have been pulled down, the precision and flexibility of the remote-controlled demolition machine with the grapple attachment makes it easy to pick up and sort even small debris. Here again, jaw opening is important for overall productivity. Additionally, a 360-degree hydraulic rotation circuit should also be considered for fast and accurate positioning. For picking, sorting and material handling, boltable grip plates allow operators to complete those tasks without switching attachments. Buckets Finally, no suite of robotic demolition attachments would be complete without a bucket – or two. These multi-purpose tools increase efficiency for a number of confined applications such as excavation, digging trenches, material handling, sorting, separating and loading debris. Since they are primarily designed to optimise breakout forces for hammering above and in front of the machine, the demolition robots’ boom design provides ample power for digging in rocky soil and heavy clay. It also provides increased reach and maneuverability compared to most similar-sized mini-excavators. An innovative a three-part arm allows demolition robots from leading manufacturers to work closer to the carrier body, minimizing the need to reposition. Compared to the two-part excavator boom, the demolition robot’s flexible three-part arm also requires less height to extend, making it ideal for confined spaces. Most models only require 182,9 – 213,4 cm of height clearance for excavation, allowing operators to work in a number of situations with low overhead clearance, such as tunnels and utility applications. Smooth, precise movements and a remarkable range of motion mean operators can dig both toward and away from the machine by simply switching the direction of the bucket, and a stronger boom means the demolition robot can handle larger buckets and heavier loads than similar-sized excavators. Using a bucket and remote-control demolition robot also provides increased safety compared to an excavator. Remote- control operation keeps employees safely on the ground and outside the immediate work zone, protecting them from dust and flying debris. It also eliminates the need to climb into or out of a cab, which is a leading cause of jobsite injury often resulting in sprains, strains and other minor ailments. Leading manufacturers offer customised buckets to fit an operation’s specific needs for maximum efficiency. Tackle any task These tools are just a small representation of what some manufacturers offer – the ideal suite of tools for interior and top-down demolition. With more than 80 attachments to choose from, manufacturers aren’t kidding when they say they have a tool for every application. From planers and descalers to rock drills, saws and shotcrete guns, a demolition robot can become a true multi-purpose machine that opens up new revenue opportunities and speeds up ROI. b

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