A STAR IS BORN

Steelwrist recently hosted what was described as ‘the most innovative product launch in the company’s history’ when it staged a two day event at its new Deutschland GmbH’s facility in Ham burg, with Awesome Earthmovers among invited guests including journalists, dealers and customers from all over Europe.

Taking tiltrotators to the next level, the ‘star’ of the launch was the first model of the third generation Steelwrist tiltrotators, the XTR20, which includes several innovative features both from a hardware and software perspective. Steelwrist also unveiled the first generation of XR rotor couplers as well as the second generation of XT tilt couplers in addition to a new range of HCX compactors, MGX multi grapples and SGX sorting grapples.

Steelwrist CEO Stefan Stockhaus tells us that every feature about the new XTR20 has been developed from scratch. “The XTR20 is the result of everything we have learned over the last 20 years. Rather than building on an existing product, and given that we have so many units out in the field and with new customers coming on board, we really wanted to raise of bar with this latest generation tiltrotator.”

Designed for excavators in the 16 tonne to 20 tonne range, the new XTR20 has steel casted components including the upper coupler, gearbox as well as the quick coupler below the tiltrotator. Despite its compact build, reducing the overall height, the XTR20 maintains the 45 degree tilting angle.

Steelwrist’s superior tilt geometry has evolved even further on the XTR20 to ensure the smoothest operation for the operator. Designed with off centre tilt cylinder brackets the tilt cylinders have become shorter, optimizing the tilt geometry. This leads to minimized cylinder spread throughout the tilt stroke, providing a fluid and high-torque movement.

“The XTR20 has many unique selling points that will benefit the operator. It is sturdier, more compact, with a lot of new electronics and autonomous features, and safety has been taken another step forward with our patented Locksense technology,” says Stefan.

Locksense is more than just safety; it is peace of mind, ensuring that every job site is as safe as it is efficient…

Steelwrist was first to introduce the Front Pin Lock system in 2012 and this time again takes the lead in the development of the technology with the new LockSense system. This innovative, state-of-the-art sensor system for secure work tool locking has all the necessary features to be aligned with upcoming safety regulations. The wireless Locksense solution eliminates the hassle of delicate cables in exposed positions with a battery life time of approximately five years.

As we saw during the Hamburg event where it was demonstrated with a working machine coupler, operators receive both visual and auditory confirmations, ensuring that every work tool change is secure and reliable. It is more than just safety; it is peace of mind, ensuring that every job site is as safe as it is efficient.

The OptiLube onboard greasing system takes care of lubrication automatically, ensuring consistent and optimal performance…

“The XTR20 also incorporates an optimised onboard greasing system, OptiLube, which is completely operator independent,” adds Stefan. It eliminates those occasions when operators might forget to grease the tiltrotator or do not grease enough. In some cases, the tiltrotator is connected to the excavator’s central lubrication system where too often a very fluid or low quality grease is used. With OptiLube the tiltrotator is greased in the right amount, at the right time and with an optimized grease, all with the purpose to increase the lifespan of the tiltrotator.

The OptiLube system takes care of lubrication automatically, ensuring consistent and optimal performance. The lubricant used is specially developed for Steelwrist tiltrotators and reduces friction and extends lifetime. OptiLube is integrated into the tiltrotator’s control system, allowing for continuous monitoring of lubrication performance and alerts the operator when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge. This feature eliminates guesswork and routine checks, allowing the operator to focus on the work without interruptions.

GROWING GLOBAL S STANDARD

The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard), which is the fastest growing standard internationally. Thanks to the modular design it is possible to upgrade the tiltrotator from S-type to SQ-type. Steelwrist SQ technology allows the operator to change between hydraulic powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab.

On the new XTR20 and the other third generation tiltrotators that are still to come, the upgrade from S to SQ is possible on both the upper coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler without having to change the structural parts as was the case on the previous models. A simple change of components will allow for the upgrade from S to SQ. This is both less time consuming and more economical for the customer.

IMPROVED GRIPPER CASSETTE

The XTR20 can be equipped with a redesigned downward angled 3-finger gripper extending the reach of the excavator. With its improved geometry it gives a wide opening and near-complete closure, and it handles objects with unmatched precision. The robust design, including sturdy cylinder covers, ensures smooth operation in all types of jobs.

Historically the case has often been that Machine Control System suppliers had to fit their own tilt sensors on tiltrotators to get enough granularity on the tilt position of the work tool, but with the XTR20 this is not necessary anymore. It comes equipped with high resolution tilt and rotation sensors as standard. This integration offers the customer precise control, feeding exact positioning data to the Machine Control System.

“The new XR range of rotor couplers are easy to install and with the same robustness that is found in all of Steelwrist product range…”

Also launched at the two day event was the XR7 rotor coupler for 4 to 7 tonne excavators and XR20 for 14 to 20 tonne excavators. These rotor couplers have a robust design, a low building height and weight. Installation is fast and easy as no separate control system is required. The machine needs to be equipped with at least one dual connection auxiliary line, an additional auxiliary line can be used to operate the gripper unit (option) or a hydraulic work tool under the rotor coupler.

The high flow swivel joints in the XR7 and the XR20, enables the use of high flow-demanding work tools such as hydraulic breakers, compactors and grapples. The high flow swivel design ensures maximum flow efficiency, allowing work tools to perform at their best.

“With the introduction of the XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers we are further expanding our already wide product range focusing on turning the excavator into a tool carrier. Rotor couplers obviously do not have the same productivity as a tiltrotator but also not the same price tag, with the advantage of a very easy installation,” says Stefan. “I am confident that customers that are not yet ready to go all the way and equip their excavator with a tiltrotator will find a very attractive solution with our new XR range, easy to install and with the same robustness that is found in all of Steelwrist product range.”

NEW RANGE OF WORK TOOLS TO DRIVE EXCAVATOR EFFICIENCY

Steelwrist is also introducing a second generation of compactors, HCX, engineered to make soil and trench compaction seamless and effortless. With an innovative design, the compactor operates smoothly even with unmatched low hydraulic flow, and is therefore optimized to be used under a tiltrotator. The new range consists of six new models, covering excavators from 2 to 26 tonnes.

Meanwhile, Steelwrist’s new range of multi purpose grapples (MGX) and sorting grapples (SGX) are lighter in weight yet stronger in design, and the overall height has been reduced. For use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition, there are five new MGX models for excavators up to 26 tonnes, while there are four new models in the SGX range, ideal for handling tougher materials like rocks, large stones, timber and scrap, as well as for recycling, sorting and medium-duty demolition.

Following the Hamburg event the new products are being shown at upcoming exhibitions in France, Norway, Sweden and the UK, and adds Stefan: “As for the future, we at Steelwrist will be targeting further growth. We now have a worldwide scope, and the market in the US, in particular, where there has been little penetration, is really now starting to move, so there is super potential going forward.”