Transport Device for Concrete & Rock Demolition

Transport devices are indispensable in professional concrete demolition, in special demolition, and in rock excavation as well as tunnel construction. They enable the safe moving, lifting, temporary storage, and positioning of tools, power units, and building components—from the compact hydraulic splitter to the heavy concrete demolition shear. In projects of building gutting and concrete cutting or natural stone extraction, the appropriate transport device determines the speed, safety, and quality of the workflows. This article classifies the term technically, explains designs and functions, shows selection criteria, and describes practice-oriented procedures—with reference to tools and application areas of Darda GmbH, without promotional orientation.

Definition: What is meant by a transport device

A transport device is a technical unit or combination of components that enables, supports, or safeguards in-plant or on-site movement of loads. This includes elements integrated permanently with a tool (e.g., attachment points, lifting eyes, carrying handles) as well as external aids (e.g., transport frames, dollies, roller boards, spreader beams, pallets, skids). The transport device serves safe pickup of the load, control of the center of gravity and load distribution, protection of components and surroundings, and ergonomic handling. It is distinct from transport vehicles such as trucks or trailers, but can functionally complement them, for example through loading aids and load securing.

Function and designs of transport devices

Transport devices cover a broad spectrum that varies according to the tool, environmental conditions, and workflow. The goal is always to guide the load safely, introduce forces in a traceable way, and simplify logistics—from storage through loading to the point of use.

Typical designs and components

Transport frames and racks: Custom or modular frames that accommodate tools such as concrete demolition shears, rock wedge splitters and concrete splitters, combination shears, or steel shears. They facilitate crane lifting, fork handling, and stackable storage.
Dollies and skids: Low-profile dollies, heavy-duty rollers, or sliding skids for near-ground transport on construction sites, e.g., in buildings during building gutting or within the tunnel cross-section.
Rigging and lifting devices: Attachment points, lifting eyes, carrying handles, spreader beams, and shackle systems for defined force transfer to the load. They secure center-of-gravity position and inclination during lifting.
Loading and securing aids: Pallets, spacers, chocks, lashing points, and protective covers for blades and hoses to secure and protect components.
Hydraulic and power-supply management: Holders and reels for hose bundles, protective plugs and caps, and organizing systems for hydraulic power packs and supply lines.

Functions at a glance

Load pickup and distribution: Pickup at the calculated attachment point, avoidance of point loads, protection of sensitive surfaces.
Stability and guidance: Secure support surfaces, low center of gravity, optional guidance aids (taglines are often called guide lines on site) for vibration damping during crane lifting.
Protection and preservation: Edge and cutting protection, covers against dust and moisture, leakage prevention at the hydraulic connection.
Ergonomics: Reduction of manual carrying, favorable grip heights, short routes, and intuitive grip guidance.

Transport devices for rock and concrete splitters and concrete demolition shears

Tools such as hydraulic rock and concrete splitters and concrete demolition shears are characterized by high mass, compact designs, and exposed working surfaces. The transport device must consider these properties so the tools can be safely provided for use in concrete demolition and special demolition, in building gutting and concrete cutting, and in rock excavation and tunnel construction.

Center of gravity, attachment points, and tool geometry

Center-of-gravity location: Shears and splitters have a variable center of gravity depending on jaw position and mounted condition. Transport frames with variable attachment positions or spreader beams help keep the tool level.
Protected working surfaces: Pressing and cutting edges should be protected without gaps by custom-fit guards or cover strips to minimize damage and risk of injury.
Hydraulic connections: Caps, plugs, and guided hose routing prevent ingress of dirt and kinking damage. Clear identification (e.g., by color or embossing) facilitates connection to hydraulic power packs.

Examples of suitable solutions

Transport rack with fork pockets: For forklift handling of concrete demolition shears on the building gutting site and for safe temporary storage on upper floors.
Low-profile dolly frame: For near-ground cross-transport of heavy hydraulic splitters through door openings and corridors when crane lifts are limited.
Spreader beam with tilt limiter: For controlled crane lifting in the entry shaft or tunnel to limit swinging and rotation.

Transport device in key application areas

Concrete demolition and special demolition

On buildings slated for deconstruction, routes are tight, floor slab capacities are limited, and time windows are short. Transport devices must distribute loads across multiple levels, allow tight turning circles, and define safe set-down points. For concrete demolition shears, combination shears, and Multi Cutters, low-profile dollies with parking function and anti-slip bearing surfaces have proven effective. These conditions are typical for concrete demolition and special deconstruction.

Building gutting and concrete cutting

When separating concrete, masonry, or steel, splinters and cut edges occur. Transport racks with integrated protective strips and clear grip zones prevent contact with sharp edges. For hydraulic power packs, well-ventilated, tip-resistant transport baskets with hose management are appropriate.

Rock excavation and tunnel construction

In tunnels, low overall height, maneuverability in curves, and safe guidance on slopes are critical. Skids and modular dollies with braking function facilitate positioning of rock wedge splitters and concrete splitters in confined cross-sections. Spreader beams with multiple attachment points help with vertical repositioning over shafts.

Natural stone extraction

On uneven terrain, the transport device requires large support areas, impact protection, and corrosion-resistant surfaces. For hydraulic splitters and steel shears, robust racks with replaceable sliding strips and enhanced edge-protection profiles are suitable.

Special deployment

For operations under heightened safety requirements—such as in sensitive facilities—clear markings, drip collection options, and low-sparking surfaces of the transport device are important. For cutting torch and similar tools, strict separation of sharp edges and hose routing is required.

Selection criteria: technical parameters and suitability

Load-bearing capacity and safety margin: The rated load of the transport device must cover the maximum tool and accessory mass including reserve.
Geometry and center of gravity: Fit of bearing surfaces, fixing points, and attachment points to the tool shape; center of gravity remains within the support line.
Substrate and routes: Choice of rollers or skids based on surface properties (smooth, rough, inclined, load-bearing) and turning needs.
Loading and crane interfaces: Fork pockets, defined attachment points, spreader beam, or eyes with sufficient clearance.
Protective functions: Covers for edges and blades, protection of the hydraulic connection, edge protection for supply lines.
Ergonomics: Grip positions, push and pull forces, height, hand and foot clearance, view of the travel path.
Marking: Load data, permissible inclinations, inspection data, and unambiguous assignment to the tool.

Safe handling: rigging, loading, and in-plant transport

Rigging and lifting

Select rigging gear: Chain slings or lifting belts according to load, edge radius, and temperature; protect edges.
Check center of gravity: Test lift just above the ground; observe inclination and sling behavior.
Secure guidance: Attach taglines, keep the swing area clear, clarify communication.

Loading and load securing

Bearings and friction: Anti-slip pads, clean bearing surfaces, distribute load evenly.
Use lashing points: Suitable lashing angles and forces; combine positive-fit and friction-fit securing.
Protect the surroundings: Cover blades, secure attachments against loosening, fix hoses.

In-plant transport

Plan routes: Consider bottlenecks, ramps, and load limits of floor slabs and floor finishes.
Team coordination: Assign roles (pull/secure/guide), agree on visual and audible signals.
Intermediate storage: Level, tip-resistant, marked; keep distance from edges and traffic routes.

Practical guide: procedure for transporting a concrete demolition shear

Preparation: Check tool condition, cover blades, fit protective caps to hydraulic connections.
Provide the transport device: Choose a suitable rack with fork pockets and defined attachment points, check load-bearing capacity.
Pickup: Place the shear in the rack, align bearing surfaces, apply locking pins or straps.
Rigging: Attach spreader beam, equalize chain lengths, verify center of gravity with a short test lift.
Transport: Move by crane to the loading point or transfer onto a dolly; use a tagline, keep people clear.
Set down and secure: Set down on anti-slip pads, secure against rolling, apply lashing.
Documentation: Briefly record the process (tool, weight, rigging gear, special aspects) for traceability.

Safely transporting hydraulic power packs, hoses, and accessories

Hydraulic power packs are often the logistical interface between the power supply and tools such as rock wedge splitters and concrete splitters or concrete demolition shears. A suitable transport device prevents tipping, protects controls, and eases hose management.

Power pack carriers: Tip-resistant, ventilated carriers with a low center of gravity and protected grip zones.
Hose routing: Reels or holders with large bending radius, kink protection, covered couplings and hydraulic hose lines.
Drip management: Collection areas or absorbent mats for potential leaks, especially indoors.

Maintenance, inspection, and marking of transport devices

Transport devices are subject to mechanical loads and must be inspected regularly. Inspection cycles are based on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and manufacturer specifications. Fundamentally, the applicable rules of technology and the internal hazard analysis apply.

Visual and functional inspection: Cracks, deformation, corrosion, play in rollers and bearings, condition of pins and retainers.
Documentation: Display inspection data, load-bearing capacity data, commissioning date, and next inspection deadlines.
Care: Cleaning, lubrication as specified, replacement of worn rollers, sliding strips, and protective covers.

Ergonomics, teamwork, and communication

The best transport device is of little use without coordinated use. Ergonomic grips, clear sightlines, and defined roles within the team minimize risks. A brief job briefing, hand signals for crane or forklift movements, and keeping the travel path clear contribute significantly to safety.

Avoiding common mistakes

Incorrect rigging: Rigging at unsuitable points or with the wrong angle leads to uncontrolled movements.
Overload: Rated capacities of racks, rollers, and lashing gear ignored.
Insufficient protection: Uncovered blades, open hydraulic connections, unsecured small parts.
Inadequate route planning: Bottlenecks, slopes, or floor load limits not checked in advance.

Planning and logistics in the project workflow

From tender to execution, the transport question should be considered. Particularly in concrete demolition and special demolition as well as in rock excavation and tunnel construction, proactive transport concepts increase occupational safety and productivity.

Bill of materials and weights: Record all tools and accessories with masses, dimensions, and centers of gravity.
Route and schedule concept: Consider the sequence of transports, closures, quiet times, and weather.
Resources: Plan crane times, forklifts, rigging gear, transport devices, and personnel.

Special notes for Multi Cutters, steel shears, and cutting torch

Depending on the cutting task, sparks, chips, or sharp-edged offcuts are produced. Transport devices should therefore avoid spark and chip accumulation, allow easy cleaning, and favor low-sparking surfaces. For steel shears, robust blade protection caps are useful; cutting torch benefits from clearly separated areas for the tool, accessories, and hose routing.