A tilting attachment enables the controlled inclination of tools, loads, and components around a defined axis. In concrete demolition, during strip-out, and in natural stone extraction, it ensures that tools such as concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters are aligned precisely to the surface. For Darda GmbH, the safe, reproducible change of position is of particular importance: it increases work quality, reduces strain on operators, and protects the carrier machine by keeping tilting moments manageable.
Definition: What is meant by a tilting attachment
A tilting attachment is understood to be a mechanical or hydraulic setup that allows the tilting of a connected unit or load within a specified tilt angle. Core features are a load-bearing support, an actuator (usually a hydraulic cylinder), and safeguards against uncontrolled tilting. Key parameters are load capacity, permissible tilting moment, overall height, tilt angle, and the stability of the mounting points. In combination with tools such as concrete demolition shears, combination shears, or rock splitters, the tilting attachment enables precise alignment to the cut or split joint.
Design and operating principle
Technically, a tilting attachment consists of a base body, a tiltable mounting unit, bearing points (e.g., pin/sliding or roller bearings), one or more hydraulic cylinders, and end stops with damping. The hydraulics control the tilting; check valves hold the position under load. Robust geometry reduces play, and end-position damping protects bearings and structure. In combination with Darda hydraulic power units, travel speed is adjusted via flow rate and throttling, while holding force is set via system pressure.
Types of tilting attachments
Different designs are used depending on the application and carrier machine.
Hydraulic tilting attachments
Hydraulic variants dominate in concrete demolition and special deconstruction. They offer high holding moments and stepless positioning. In conjunction with concrete demolition shears or multi cutters, wall and slab elements can be approached precisely without repositioning the carrier machine.
Mechanical tilting attachments
Mechanical solutions use indexing, spindles, or screw drives. They are suitable for defined, less frequently adjusted angle positions, for example in fixtures for securing natural stone blocks prior to splitting.
Electrohydraulic and sensor-assisted systems
Additional sensors (inclination, end position) support reproducibility. Sensitive control is particularly helpful when stone and concrete splitters must be aligned exactly to the borehole row.
Applications in concrete demolition and special deconstruction
In day-to-day demolition work, including concrete demolition and deconstruction, the tilting attachment enables concrete demolition shears to be set at the optimal attack angle. This reduces cracking outside the intended separation joint and minimizes uncontrolled fractures. When dismantling beams, lintels, or parapets, the tool can be aligned so that cut or split lines follow the structural concept of the deconstruction. Combination shears and steel shears also benefit when reinforcement or sections are gripped at a favorable angle. The result is clean separations, lower reaction forces, and a smoother machine operation.
Use in rock excavation and tunnel construction
In rock excavation, the tilting attachment supports the precise placement of rock splitters along the borehole axis. A correct tilt angle maximizes splitting effectiveness, while the tilting moment is safely absorbed within the system. In tunnel construction, where space is restricted, the tilting function facilitates alignment to the tunnel face, crown, or bench. This protects the carrier machine and enables controlled release of rock packs.
Natural stone extraction and dimension stone processing
In the extraction and processing of natural stone, the tilting attachment ensures position-accurate placement of stone and concrete splitters at bedding and stratification planes. A defined inclination enables targeted guidance along natural separation planes. This reduces scrap, cuts rework, and prevents unwanted spalling.
Strip-out and cutting
For strip-out tasks and cutting operations (e.g., with multi cutters or tank cutters), tool-side inclination is crucial to separate pipes, sheets, or thin-walled components with minimal material stress. The tilting attachment enables engagement at the correct angle, improves cut quality, and lowers the risk of jamming.
Special operations
In special operations, such as with components contaminated with hazardous substances, precisely adjustable inclination increases control during release or recovery. Where accessibility is limited, the tilting attachment often replaces relocating the carrier machine, saving time while simultaneously improving occupational safety.
Interfaces to hydraulic power packs
Hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH supply tilting attachments and tools with pressure and flow. Important aspects are sufficient delivery flow for the desired tilting speed, a system pressure that safely covers the required tilting moment, and suitable hose cross-sections to keep pressure losses low. Check valves and counterbalance valves prevent uncontrolled movements under load.
Selection criteria and design
The selection should be based on the tool, load, and operating environment.
- Load capacity and permissible tilting moment including safety allowances
- Tilt angle (typically ±30° to ±90°, depending on the work scenario)
- Overall height and overall length for confined areas (e.g., in interior deconstruction)
- Self-weight and its influence on the overall system
- Bearing system and end-position damping for low impact loads
- Hydraulic connections, drain line, and protection against pressure spikes
- Corrosion protection and surface hardness at bearing points
- Compatibility with adapter plates, quick couplers, and tool flanges
Safety and operation
Safe handling has priority. Tilting movements are executed slowly and smoothly; loads are secured against slipping. Permissible tilt angles are observed, and the surrounding area is kept clear of people. The carrier machine stands securely, and the ground is load-bearing. Modifications to safety elements (e.g., lock valves) are not permitted. Notes in machine and operating manuals must be observed; country-specific regulations and recognized rules of engineering must be followed.
Maintenance, inspection, and documentation
Regular visual inspections detect cracks, play, deformed pins, and leaks. Bearings are lubricated as specified; hydraulic hoses are checked for chafing. Seals and lock valves are function-critical and are inspected cyclically. Inspection intervals depend on usage intensity and framework specifications. Complete documentation supports traceability.
Integration with carrier machines and tools
When mounting on carrier machines, ensure a stress-free fit between the tilting attachment, adapter, and tool. For concrete demolition shears, co-linear alignment with the main force line is essential to keep shear and bending forces within the permissible range. Rock splitting cylinders are mounted so that the resultant splitting force is introduced cleanly through the tilt axis into the carrier system. Reliable bolt preload and correct torque are crucial.
Accessories and peripherals
Additional equipment includes rigging slings, protective plates, inclination sensors, and travel limiters. For changing tools, mounts with defined centering surfaces make retooling easier. Limit switches and visual angle indicators support repeatable positioning, for example when serially positioning stone and concrete splitters along borehole rows.
Planning and logistics on the construction site
The tilting attachment is secured for transport, and bearing points are protected against damage. On site, lifting equipment and rigging slings must be selected appropriately. The setup area is chosen so that tilting movements are possible without collisions. Hydraulics are depressurized before coupling; couplings and sealing faces are kept clean.
Typical sources of error and prevention
- Excessive play in the bearings: leads to impacts at tools such as concrete demolition shears; remedy through maintenance and replacement of worn bushings.
- Insufficient delivery flow: jerky tilting movements; remedy by adapting the hydraulic power pack or by throttling/fine control.
- Exceeding the tilting moment: risk of structural damage; remedy through correct load assumptions and safety factors.
- Incorrect tilt angle: inefficient splitting or cutting guidance; remedy through markings, inclination aids, and instruction.
Key parameters and terms in practice
For assessment, the tilting moment, center of gravity position, tipping radius, permissible surface pressure at the bearing points, and end-position damping are particularly relevant. In combination with tools from Darda GmbH, a practice-oriented approach has proven effective: reaction forces from splitting and cutting operations are fed back through the tilt axis into the carrier system, which is why the combination of tool, tilting attachment, and hydraulic power pack must be designed as a unit. This produces stable, controlled processes in concrete demolition, strip-out, rock excavation, natural stone extraction, and special operations.