RAISING STANDARDS, PROMOTING INNOVATION
Founded in 2005, Steelwrist has grown from a small company into a global leader in tiltrotators, quick couplers, and work tools that enhance the versatility of excavators. The company has been a major driver behind the Open-S standard, which promotes compatibility across different manufacturers’ products.
Innovation and Safety
Steelwrist has always prioritized safety and innovation. In 2012, the company introduced the Front Pin Lock, reducing the risk of unintended tool drops. In 2015, Steelwrist launched the third-generation XTR tiltrotators, featuring LockSense, a system that ensures correct work tool or bucket connections.
In 2017, Steelwrist introduced the SQ auto connection system for quick couplers and tiltrotators, enabling operators to change hydraulic work tools from the cab, improving efficiency and safety.
Product Advancements
Steelwrist’s product innovations include the XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotators, and the SQ40 automatic coupler. These products follow the Open-S standard, allowing operators to mix and match couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from different manufacturers without compatibility issues.
“We began developing Open-S in 2018,” said CEO Stefan Stockhaus. “We realized that our competitor Rototilt was working on a similar initiative, and it made sense to collaborate and create a unified standard.”
The Open-S Alliance
In 2020, Steelwrist and Rototilt successfully launched the Open-S standard. The initiative allows manufacturers to compete on performance while ensuring compatibility, providing customers greater flexibility in choosing attachments. The Open-S Alliance has been growing globally, with more manufacturers joining the standard.
“Open-S is growing in strength, benefiting both contractors and attachment manufacturers,” Stefan commented.
V14 Electrical Connector
Earlier this year, the Open-S Alliance introduced the V14 electrical connector, designed for use between automatic couplers and work tools. The V14 connector eliminates the need for brand-specific connectors, enabling seamless interchangeability between couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from Open-S members.