Brokk is highlighting its latest generation of demolition robots, along with two multi-cutter attachments, at World of Concrete 2024.
What is Brokk's SmartPower+?
Brokk has launched Brokk SmartPower+, a new generation of robots unveiled at World of Concrete 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brokk's new range of SmartPower+ robots provides ideal endurance by increasing operational uptime with consistent power delivery over time. Brokk's newest generation is resistant to shock, temperature, and vibrations and the new robots and control boxes are dust- and water-protected to an IP65 equivalent. Brokk's SmartPower+ generation also includes a noteworthy 87 percent reduction in cables and connectors, reducing weak points while also facilitating servicing and troubleshooting.
Brokk SmartPower+ introduces a lightweight control box weighing less than three kilograms (or less than 6.5 pounds) that helps contribute to more precision, better response times, and easier operation. The control box is ergonomically designed and features tilted joysticks, easier-to-reach features, and faster dual charging. It includes Brokk QuickSwitch and intuitive settings.
With Brokk's SmartPower+ robots, operators can perform the demolition task at hand without shifting their gaze from the machine between commands.
Brokk says that this new generation of robots elevates the operator-machine interaction, focusing on added intelligence for the benefit of the operator. Visual status updates through incremental light indicators allow the operator to focus their attention on the demolition work at hand while simultaneously monitoring the status of the machine. A two-way communication system communicates the status back to the operator in real time.
Brokk's SmartPower+ generation alerts the operator about any unwanted power supply or machine statuses. SmartPower+ is also enabled for future over-the-air upgrades. Simple settings, an increase in sensors, as well as the addition of individual tool presets, all contribute toward a more user-friendly and efficient operator interface.
What is the Brokk 200?
The Brokk 200 comes equipped with the new SmartPower+. With 87 percent fewer cables and connectors, SmartPower+ creates a shock, temperature, and vibration-resistant machine suitable for extreme weather conditions. Machines featuring the SmartPower+ have IP65 equivalent dust and water protection.
"When we set out to design the Brokk 200 we saw an opportunity to support customers further by introducing a new weight class," said Martin Krupicka, president and CEO of Brokk Group. "The Brokk 200 allows contractors to work in tight spaces without a loss in power."
The 27.5-kilowatt machine operates tools with requirements typical of one weight class above. When paired with the Brokk BHB 305 breaker, the unit's hitting power is increased by 40 percent. The machine delivers 450 foot-pounds (610 joules) with each blow of the 650-pound (295-kilogram) hydraulic breaker.
In addition to its heightened power, the Brokk 200 offers 15 percent longer vertical and horizontal reach in a compact footprint similar to the Brokk 170. The extra chassis length and machine weight help achieve proper balance, even when wielding heavy attachments like breakers, drum cutters, grapples, and concrete crushers. The Brokk 200 is ideal for difficult-to-access projects and applications.
What are Brokk's multi-cutter attachments?
Brokk offers steel-cutting tools for both small and midsized Brokk demolition machines. The MC200 multi-cutter expands the versatility of smaller Brokk models while the MC300 multi-cutter pairs with midsized machines. The attachment, which is manufactured by Brokk's sister company Darda, offers an ideal power-to-weight ratio and compact design, addressing the need for an economical cutting tool in recycling, demolition, nuclear, process, food, and construction.
The 10- by 13-inch (25- by 33-centimetre) MC200 multi-cutter is 40 inches (102 centimetres) long and can be used on machines weighing 2,650 to 6,170 pounds (1.2 to 2.8 metric tons), including the Brokk 110, 120D, and 170 models. It utilizes a slim profile, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces like building interiors. The attachment also features a hydraulic 360-degree rotary drive for exact positioning and an 8-inch (200-millimetre) jaw opening. It weighs only 265 pounds (130 kilograms) yet uses a hydraulic booster to exert 50 tons of cutting force at 3,900 psi (270 bars) to cut through steel.
The MC300 can be used on Brokk 200 and 300 models. It is 50 inches (127 centimetres) long, 12 inches wide (30.5 centimetres), and 21 inches (53 centimetres) high. Weighing in at only 639 pounds (290 kilograms), it still has a cutting force of 60 tons (590 kilonewtons). The MC300 also features a hydraulic 360-degree rotary drive for exact positioning and a 14-inch (36-centimetre) jaw opening to handle a variety of metals. To reduce costs to the end user, Darda designed the multi-cutter attachments so operators can sharpen the jaws rather than replace them.
"We developed the multi-cutter in conjunction with Darda because there was no reasonably priced cutter or shear on the market for our machines," said Lars Lindgren, Brokk's president. "This tool opens the door to operators who need the compact size and light weight of our Brokk machines, but the force to cut through steel. Plus, the attachment expands the variety of services contractors can offer by increasing the number of attachments available for our smaller models."
The multi-cutters allow contractors to cut beams, cables, supply lines, and steel pipes in hard-to-reach areas. This improves efficiency and minimizes labour costs. The attachment, paired with a Brokk machine, reduces the risk of injury to labourers by eliminating the need to climb scaffolds and ladders with handheld tools. The attachment also alleviates the risk of injury from open-flame torches, which are a common but dangerous method for cutting steel.
