An attachment is an interchangeable tool that is coupled to carrier machines such as excavators, loaders, the demolition robot, or carrier frames with hydraulic power packs. In construction, deconstruction, and extraction technology, attachments define the specific work process: cutting, splitting, gripping, pressing, crushing. Especially in concrete demolition, gutting works, or rock excavation, specialized tools such as concrete pulverizers or hydraulic rock and concrete splitters enable controlled interventions with low noise, reduced vibration, and high precision.
Definition: What is meant by attachment
An attachment is a mechanical or hydraulic tool that is mounted to a carrier via standardized interface systems (e.g., quick couplers, adapter plates) and energy supplies (hydraulics, and, if necessary, electric or pneumatic). The aim is to extend the carrier’s functionality for a defined task such as concrete demolition, steel cutting, rock or natural stone splitting, gripping, or cutting tanks. In practical applications of concrete demolition and special demolition, hydraulic attachments are predominantly used, including concrete pulverizers, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shears, tank cutters, as well as stone splitting cylinders within rock and concrete splitting systems.
Design and operating principle of modern attachments
Hydraulic attachments convert flow and pressure into force, torque, or linear motion. Core components include cylinders, valves, bearing points, and tool-specific assemblies such as jaw arms, knives, blades, or splitting wedges. In concrete pulverizers, the hydraulic cylinder generates a closing force that crushes concrete in a controlled manner and exposes reinforcement. Rock and concrete splitting equipment operate with static pressure: splitting wedges and stone splitting cylinders generate high radial forces in pre-drilled holes or along separation joints, causing the material to open with minimal vibration and without uncontrolled cracking. Hydraulic power units supply mobile or stationary applications when no excavator hydraulic circuit is available or low-emission indoor operations are required.
Types and configurations at a glance
- Concrete pulverizers: For selective concrete demolition, ceiling openings, wall openings, and the controlled removal of structural elements.
- Combination shears and multi cutters: Changeable jaws or multifunctional geometries for cutting and downsizing different materials in gutting works and special demolition.
- Steel shears: Optimized for profiles, reinforcing steel, and steel structures, frequently used in dismantling and industrial recycling.
- Rock and concrete splitting equipment with stone splitting cylinders: For rock excavation, tunnel excavation, natural stone extraction, and low-vibration concrete removal.
- Tank cutters: Specialized for cutting vessels and pipelines, e.g., in industrial deconstruction and special operations.
- Hydraulic power packs: Mobile or stationary energy supply for attachments when no carrier hydraulic circuit is available or low-emission indoor work is required.
Areas of application and typical tasks
Concrete demolition and special demolition
For ceiling openings, wall openings, and the removal of structural elements, specialist contractors use concrete pulverizers for controlled breaking, while combination shears expose and cut reinforcing steel. Where vibration or noise must be minimized, rock and concrete splitting equipment are used as a quiet alternative to breaker hammers.
Gutting works and cutting
Multi cutters and combination shears accelerate gutting works by cross-material cutting. Tank cutters enable safe cutting of vessels or large-diameter pipelines, for example in production plants, always with appropriate safety measures.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Stone splitting cylinders generate high splitting forces to release rock blocks in a controlled manner or to adjust overbreak—often where blasting is impossible or undesired. The low vibration protects adjacent structures and existing installations.
Natural stone extraction
In quarries and during raw-block extraction, static splitting enables precise separation planes. This reduces waste and preserves material quality.
Special applications
In sensitive environments such as hospitals, laboratories, or inner-city locations, low-emission solutions are required. Attachments powered by hydraulic power packs operate locally exhaust-free; rock and concrete splitting equipment further minimize noise and vibration.
Carriers, interfaces, and hydraulics
The choice of carrier (mini excavator, crawler excavator, demolition robot, or frame with power pack) affects performance and accessibility. Relevant interfaces include quick couplers, pin spacing, rotators, and the number/type of hydraulic circuits (single/double-acting, leak-oil/return line). For concrete pulverizers, a sufficiently dimensioned return line is important to keep cycle times short; for splitting tools, reproducible pressure delivery is crucial. Hydraulic power packs ensure constant parameters when the onboard hydraulics are unavailable or special locations require it.
Selection criteria and sizing
- Material and task: Concrete strength, member thickness, reinforcement content; rock type, splitting planes, and borehole diameter.
- Performance data: Required pressing/closing forces, splitting force, cutting force, opening width, cycle time.
- Carrier compatibility: Operating weight, reach, hydraulic pressure/flow, quick coupler system.
- Operating environment: Noise and vibration constraints, dust management, spatial constraints, load-bearing capacity of floor slabs.
- Process objectives: Selectivity, recyclability, cut-edge quality, minimization of secondary damage.
Occupational safety, emissions, and environmental protection
Safe work with attachments requires structured hazard assessments, suitable personal protective equipment, and clear exclusion-zone concepts. Dust and noise reduction is a high priority: water misting, dust extraction plant, and quiet methods such as static splitting reduce emissions. When cutting tanks, cleaning, gas-free condition, and controlled avoidance of ignition sources are fundamental measures. Notes do not replace legally binding requirements; applicable standards and rules must always be considered on a project-specific basis.
Operating sequence: preparation, operation, follow-up
Preparation
Component analysis, selection of the appropriate attachment (e.g., concrete pulverizer for selective breaking, rock and concrete splitting equipment for low-vibration removal), check hydraulic connections, visual inspection of blades, jaw arms, or splitting wedges.
Operation
Steady positioning, firm engagement, and continuous monitoring of the component’s response. For splitting tasks: correct drilling pattern, uniform re-setting, control crack propagation.
Follow-up
Blunting sharp edges, sorting material fractions, cleaning tools, visual inspection for cracks and wear, lubrication of bearing points.
Maintenance, wear, and service life
Regular inspections of pins, bushings, blades, and teeth as well as pressure/leakage tests increase availability. For concrete pulverizers, blade condition and bearing play are critical to cutting and crushing performance. Splitting tools require clean hydraulics, intact seals, and properly lubricated wedges. Hydraulic power packs benefit from scheduled filter and oil changes in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Performance indicators and process quality
- Force parameters: Closing, cutting, and splitting forces determine suitability for strength classes and cross-sections.
- Working envelope: Opening width, reach, and space requirement influence accessibility.
- Throughput rate: Cycle time and energy efficiency directly affect takt and project durations.
- Emissions: Sound pressure, vibration, and dust generation are decisive for interior demolition and sensitive environments.
Terminology and system understanding
Concrete pulverizers break concrete primarily through compression and bending; steel shears and multi cutters cut metallic components; combination shears combine both. Rock and concrete splitting equipment with stone splitting cylinders work statically and with low vibration—an advantage in gutting works, tunnel construction, and natural stone extraction. Tank cutters focus on the defined opening of vessels. Hydraulic power packs provide the energy supply when an excavator’s onboard hydraulics are not available or special locations require it.