A positioning device is a central aid in demolition, deconstruction, and natural stone processing for bringing attachments to components or rock quickly, safely, and with millimeter precision. In combination with tools such as concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters, it enables controlled alignment, approach, and rotation—an essential factor for low-vibration work, clean separation joints, and reproducible results. For Darda GmbH in practice, this means: precise positioning supports the performance of hydraulic tools and reduces rework, noise, and dust.
Definition: What is meant by a positioning device
A positioning device is a mechanical or electrohydraulic unit that changes and fixes the spatial position of a tool relative to the workpiece. Typical degrees of freedom are linear feed, tilting, and rotating. The positioning device can be an integral part of a carrier machine (e.g., boom with rotator) or used as a standalone fixture between carrier and tool. In use with concrete demolition shears, stone splitters, or combi shears it ensures correct approach, the proper direction of attack, and a stable force path into the component or rock—forming the basis for efficient concrete demolition, special demolition, strip-out, rock excavation, tunnel construction, and the extraction of natural stone.
Design and operating principle of positioning devices
Positioning devices combine load-bearing structure, drives, and interfaces to safely pick up tools and move them within the working envelope. Depending on the requirement, the spectrum ranges from compact rotators and swing frames to multi-axis manipulators with precise fine adjustment.
Typical assemblies
- Load-bearing structure: frames, booms, or arms designed for bending, torsion, and dynamic load cycles.
- Drive units: hydraulic cylinders or motors for linear motion, tilting, and endless rotation (360°), often with a rotary union for hydraulic flow.
- Tool mount: flange joint, quick coupler, or clamping system; zero-play fits ensure transmission of high forces.
- Guidance systems: sliding or rolling guides for sensitive feed-in, e.g., when aligning a stone splitter in a borehole.
- Sensors and stops: position and angle sensors, end positions, mechanical stops for repeatable locations.
- Control: proportional hydraulics or electrohydraulic control, optionally with remote control for work in hazardous areas.
Types of motion and kinematics
- Linear feed for controlled tool engagement.
- Tilting to maintain the optimal angle of attack at component edges.
- Rotation for the exact orientation of concrete demolition shears in tight openings or in tunnel heading.
- Fine adjustment including holding force to secure the position without giving under load.
Interfaces to hydraulic tools and hydraulic power packs
The interaction of positioning device, hydraulic tool, and hydraulic power pack determines process quality. Matching flow rates, operating pressures, and return conditions are critical so that concrete demolition shears, multi cutters, steel shears, or tank cutters deliver their rated performance. For stone and concrete splitters, an additional rule applies: the axis of the splitting cylinder must be perfectly aligned with the borehole direction to transmit splitting forces purposefully into the matrix.
- Hydraulic flow: size cross-sections, hose lengths, and rotary unions to minimize pressure losses.
- Tool mount: both form-fit and force-fit; locking must be clearly visible and verifiable.
- Power supply: Darda GmbH hydraulic power units provide the drive; the positioning device provides position and holding force.
- Hose and cable management: kink protection, sufficient slack lengths, abrasion protection—especially with 360° rotation.
Fields of application: from concrete demolition to natural stone extraction
Positioning devices contribute to process reliability in all phases of demolition and rock processing. The following examples show typical tasks in the application areas of Darda GmbH:
Concrete demolition and special demolition
In selective deconstruction, positioning devices allow the precise placement of concrete demolition shears at nodes, ribs, or web sections. The precise adjustment of the angle of attack reduces secondary breakage, vibration, and consequential damage to adjacent components—particularly relevant in sensitive existing structures.
Strip-out and cutting
In interiors with limited headroom, a compact positioning solution facilitates the approach of combi shears, multi cutters, or tank cutters. Short setup paths, collision-avoiding kinematics, and clear sightlines increase shift-by-shift productivity.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
For low-vibration rock removal, positioning devices align stone and concrete splitters precisely to drill patterns. In drifts and caverns, the rotating and tilting mount helps process rows of boreholes consistently—contributing to controlled fracture surfaces and predictable advance rates.
Natural stone extraction
In block extraction, preserving material quality is paramount. Exact alignment of stone splitting cylinders along separation joints and bedding reduces spalling and improves block quality.
Special operations
In areas with restricted access, contaminated conditions, or elevated hazard potential, a positioning device with remote control allows distance from the danger zone. The reproducible tool position supports standardized workflows.
Selection criteria for a positioning device
The correct design is based on the tool, carrier machine, working environment, and target parameters such as cycle time, surface finish, or emissions. The following points have proven practical:
- Load capacity and moments: maximum tool mass, center of gravity, and bending moments including safety margins.
- Range of motion: required linear strokes, tilt angles, and rotational freedom (e.g., endless 360°) without hose tension.
- Holding force and stiffness: positional stability under load, minimal deflection with alternating forces.
- Hydraulic compatibility: matching flow rates, pressures, case-drain routing, and valve technology to the hydraulic power pack.
- Interfaces: mechanical mount, quick-change capability, clear lock indication.
- Installation space: overall height and envelope suitable for doorways, ceiling heights, and tunnel profiles.
- Ergonomics and operation: intuitive control logic, sensitive proportional control, good view of the tool tip.
- Maintenance access: lubrication points, inspection openings, condition indication.
Practice: setup sequences, transport, and line of sight
Structured procedures reduce setup times and error rates—especially when frequently switching between concrete demolition shear, combi shear, or stone splitter.
- Preparation: lay out tool, pins, and locks; clean mounting points.
- Check hydraulics: inspect couplings, sealing faces, and hose routing; relieve pressure.
- Pick up and lock: establish the mechanical connection, visually verify the lock state.
- Function test: tilt, rotate, and feed without load; test end positions and emergency stop.
- Keep line of sight clear: route hose bundles and components so the tool tip remains visible at all times.
Occupational safety and ergonomic aspects
Safe working takes priority. As a general rule, the applicable legal requirements and accepted engineering practices must be observed; the following notes are general in nature.
- Crush and shear points: mark the danger zone, secure access, use remote actuation where possible.
- Load securing: transport tools only in defined holding positions; prevent unintended movement with lock valves.
- Stability: observe load charts, assess the setup area, damp vibrations.
- Communication: unambiguous hand signals or radio; define roles and responsibilities before starting work.
- Maintenance condition: regular inspections; immediately assess leaks, cracks, or play.
Maintenance and service life
A well-maintained positioning device holds positions precisely and extends the service life of connected tools.
- Lubrication: lubricate bearings, pins, and guides according to interval plans.
- Wear monitoring: check bushings, pins, seals, and slew bearings for play.
- Rotary union: monitor tightness, pressure loss, and uniform rotation.
- Hydraulic care: document filter condition, oil quality, and thermal balance.
- Alignment: regularly measure parallelism and angular accuracy—especially important for stone and concrete splitters.
Avoiding common mistakes
Typical deviations can be minimized with clear standards.
- Under- or over-dimensioning: set load capacities and moments realistically, including dynamic peak loads.
- Incorrect hose routing: avoid tension, kinks, and abrasion—especially with endless rotation.
- Unsuitable angles of attack: with concrete demolition shears always engage in load-bearing material; calculate edge forces, avoid secondary breakage.
- Imprecise borehole alignment: with stone splitting cylinders the axis must match exactly, otherwise splitting quality drops.
Efficiency, emissions, and component protection
Precise position holding of a positioning device supports dust- and noise-reduced methods. Concrete demolition shears separate with targeted engagement, removing no more material than necessary; stone and concrete splitters transmit forces in a controlled manner into defined planes of weakness. This increases energy efficiency, reduces rework, and protects adjacent structures.
Digital assistance and documentation
Position and angle sensors, load indicators, and integrated counters make work steps more reproducible. In critical environments, the combination of sensitive proportional control and remote control can increase safety. Simple, traceable documentation—for example, stored target angles for setting a concrete demolition shear—supports consistent quality in shift operations.
Terminology in everyday use
In everyday language, positioning device, mount, rotator, or manipulator are sometimes used synonymously. In practice, what matters is that the chosen system provides the required precision, holding force, and mobility. Whether a concrete demolition shear in a strip-out or a stone splitting cylinder in tunnel heading: the right positioning solution is the foundation for predictable results, low emissions, and a safe, efficient workflow with the tools of Darda GmbH.