EXPANDING TECHNOLOGIES & INNOVATIONS

Since 2005 when it first set up shop in a garage north of Stockholm in Sweden, Steelwrist has grown to become the leading global manufacturer of tiltrotators, quick couplers and work tools to enhance excavator efficiency and versatility, delivering products to thousands of customers worldwide and today 20 years on its journey of innovation continues at pace.

"IT BRINGS EFFICIENCY TO NEW LEVELS FOR THE SMALLER EXCAVATORS"

This was well demonstrated at bauma 2025 when it introduced state-of-the-art new generation XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotator models, but a big focus was also on Steelwrist’s SQ40 automatic coupler technology for excavators below seven tonnes.

Christian Yanes, Steelwrist’s VP Sales Region EMEA, says the launch of SQ40 has been really important for them. “We already have all the other SQ’s - the 50, the 60, the 70, 80 and 90 – and we’ve been hearing the demand from our customers who have been using our products for many years that we need it on the S40.”

Christian adds, “SQ40 follows the symmetrical standard for S40, which means existing work tools with this interface are compatible and the customer can use these directly without any expensive adaptations.”

At bauma, Steelwrist showed two excavators equipped with SQ40. One machine was equipped with a Direct fit X07 tiltrotator, and one with a Direct fit XR7 rotor coupler, both with the SQ40 interface. The two excavators were featured in live demonstrations where they shared a wide range of work tools between each other, illustrating the efficiency and versatility that can be achieved by equipping a compact excavator with the SQ technology.

A third excavator, a 15-ton machine with a Steelwrist third generation tiltrotator, the XTR20, also featured the SQ technology, with Steelwrist’s LockSense safety solution on both the machine coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler. The 15 minute demo showed a real job situation simulated by the excavators and skilled operators demonstrated the efficiency that can be achieved with Steelwrist solutions.

SQ40 allows for quick changes of high flow--powered work tools also on smaller excavators, providing the same efficiency as larger SQ couplers. This makes changing powered work tools easier and safer, as it can be done without leaving the cab.

Significant development efforts have gone into the design of the new SQ40 automatic coupler and one very critical criteria was to ensure the flow required to power demanding hydraulic work tools. The SQ40 coupler is optimised to achieve a flow of 70 l/min thanks to a new and innovative coupling that provides 40 percent more flow area compared to a standard 3/8” coupling.

Thanks to a modular design, with significantly reduced number of components, it is easy to upgrade machine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from S to SQ. The male SQ couplings on the work tool are integrated in the shaft, and by replacing the shaft the upgrade can be done very easily. This also means that hose routing is very flexible, and can be adapted to work tools.

“I have myself been running the SQ40 size for over a year on my own excavator. It brings efficiency to new levels for the smaller excavators,” says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO. “Switching work tools in seconds is just amazing. You can work in a way that you never did before.”

With the introduction of SQ40, Steelwrist now offers a complete range of automatic couplers, making SQ technology available for excavators from 4-70 tonnes. With a comprehensive range consisting of eight different coupler sizes there is always a solution to match an operator’s specific needs.

Next Generation Tiltrotators

Also introduced at bauma was Steelwrist’s next generation XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotator models. “These new tiltrotators represent a leap forward in performance and reliability and with features like LockSense, OptiLube, more tilt and rotation torque and easy upgradeability, we show our continued commitment to improving excavator efficiency,” says Markus Nilsson, Steelwrist CTO. “All the experience we gained over our first 20 years in business has gone into the development of our XTR tiltrotators, and I am extremely proud of what the team has accomplished.”

These third-generation Steelwrist tiltrotators feature steel cast components, including the upper coupler, gearbox, and quick coupler below the tiltrotator. This design ensures maximum durability while maintaining a compact build and low overall height. The advanced tilt geometry, with optimised off-center cylinder brackets, reduces cylinder spread and enables high-torque, fluid movement, providing operators with precision and control.

All main joints in the XTR series feature triple-sealed, lubrication-free bearings, protecting against dust and dirt penetration. To further enhance durability, the OptiLube onboard lubrication system ensures automatic and optimised greasing, preventing wear caused by insufficient or inconsistent lubrication. Integrated into the tiltrotator control system, OptiLube provides continuous monitoring and notifies operators when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge, eliminating guesswork and manual maintenance.

Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO, says that from his own experience and from asking other excavator operators,’they will tell you they would never go back to working without a tiltrotator. In fact, in Steelwrist’s 20-year history, we are not aware of one single customer who adopted the tiltrotator concept and then returned to working without it.”

The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard) Open-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.

Stefan adds, “We believe in open standard interfaces, so the SQ system is designed to be able to connect to other brands using the same type of oil connection system, following the Open-S (OS) symmetrical standard.”

Multi Grapple & Tree Shears

Steelwrist have also introduced a new multi grapple, MGX4, for excavators between 2 and 4 tonnes. It comes in between the smaller MGX2 and the slightly larger MGX6, which means that the Steelwrist range of multi grapples now consists of six different sizes.

VIEW GALLERY

The multi grapple is excellent for use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition. It is light in weight but still strong, and has a compact design.

Meanwhile, adding to the range of powered work tools, Steelwrist has introduced a new product category, the tree shear, which can be used in applications such as forestry, and to clear trees from power lines, roadsides, railways and canals.

Its first model is the TSX6, for excavators up to 6 tonnes, with both S40 and SQ40 interface. It has a fixed blade and a powerful cylinder for the best cutting power and to ensure safe cutting. The two grapple arms are designed to give the best grip around the tree trunk. Thanks to the use of high quality steel the grapples are durable yet light in weight, minimizing wear on the excavator. The knife is located at the bottom of the shear to get as low to the stump as possible.

Past, Present & Future

Steelwrist, winner for five consecutive years of the Sweden’s Best Managed Companies award, introduced its first tiltrotator, the X18, in 2006. Another milestone was reached in 2011, when the company launched the X07 model for compact excavators, the world’s first fully steel cast tiltrotator. Steel cast components make it possible to minimise the weight and at the same time increase the strength, and the use of high-tensile steel casting has been a cornerstone in the design of the couplers and tiltrotators ever since.

Safety has always been a core focus for Steelwrist and in 2012, the company became the industry pioneer by introducing the patented Front Pin Lock in its couplers, setting a new standard for operational safety. Today, Steelwrist offers a comprehensive tiltrotator range for excavators weighing from 1.5 to 33 tonnes.

Steelwrist’s growth over the last 20 years would not have been possible without its strong partnerships. The company works closely with machine manufacturers, distributors, and end-users to tailor solutions that meet specific operational needs. Steelwrist’s approach to collaboration has allowed it to build long-term relationships with some of the world’s leading OEMs and suppliers.

The anniversary celebration is not just about looking back at past achievements; it’s also a chance to recognise the ongoing support and trust from their customers. Steelwrist says it is dedicated to continuing its mission of enhancing productivity and performance for its clients, ensuring that every product developed meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

The next decade promises to be an exciting one, with Steelwrist poised to explore new technologies and open new markets. Whether it’s through the development of cutting-edge products or expanding its reach globally, Steelwrist is committed to leading the charge in transforming how heavy machinery operates in an increasingly automated world. Here's to the next 20 years of groundbreaking innovation and success.