Steelwrist reveals new generation of tiltrotators, rotor couplers, compactors, and grapples

Steelwrist has hosted a launch event at Steelwrist Deutschland GmbH's new facility in Hamburg. During the two-day event, Steelwrist launched the third generation of Steelwrist tiltrotators. Steelwrist also introduced new rotor couplers, entering into a new product category. The event also served as a launch event for new compactors and grapples.

Steelwrist's third-generation tiltrotators

The centrepiece of the new product launch includes the first model of the third generation Steelwrist tiltrotators, the XTR20. Steelwrist also showcased a new range of HCX compactors, MGX multi grapples, and SGX sorting grapples. The new work tools are designed to be used under a tiltrotator, increasing the flexibility and versatility of any excavator.

The XTR20 is the first in line of Steelwrist third-generation tiltrotators which is targeted towards 16- to 20-ton excavators. The new tiltrotators utilize LockSense, a new safety solution for work tool locking, and OptiLube, an onboard lubrication system. The XTR20 is available with both S60 and SQ60 couplers and is designed to allow for an upgrade from S60 to SQ60.

Steel casted components and optimized tilt geometry

The new XTR20 utilizes steel casted components including the upper coupler, gearbox, and the quick coupler below the tiltrotator. Despite its compact build, reducing the overall height, the XTR20 maintains a 45-degree tilting angle.

Steelwrist has improved the tilt geometry on the XTR20 to help create smooth operation for the operator. Designed with off-centre tilt cylinder brackets, the tilt cylinders have become shorter. This leads to minimized cylinder spread throughout the tilt stroke, providing a fluid and high-torque movement. 

Lubrication-free bearing and OptiLube

A new feature introduced on the XTR20 is lubrication-free, triple-sealed bearings in all the main joints. Triple-sealed means that bearings are sealed against dust or dirt penetration. 

Operators may 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. The idea behind OptiLube is to make sure the tiltrotator is greased in the right amount, at the right time and with an optimized grease.

The OptiLube onboard lubrication system helps operators maintain the Steelwrist tiltrotator. The OptiLube system takes care of lubrication automatically, ensuring consistent and ideal performance. The lubricant used is specially developed for Steelwrist tiltrotators to help reduce friction and extend the tiltrotator's 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.

Utilizing LockSense technology

Steelwrist says that the safety technology in the XTR20 has taken a step forward. Back in 2012, Steelwrist introduced the front pin lock system and has further developed that system with LockSense.

LockSense technology is a sensor system for secure work tool locking. LockSense has the necessary features to be aligned with upcoming safety regulations. The wireless solution eliminates the hassle of delicate cables in exposed positions with a battery lifetime of approximately five years. 

Operators receive visual and auditory confirmations, ensuring that every work tool change is secure and reliable. It provides both safety and peace of mind, helping to ensure that every job site is safe.

Modular design for an upgrade to the Open-S compliant SQ

The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard). 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 quickly, without leaving the cab.

On the new XTR20 – and the other third-generation tiltrotators that Steelwrist says 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. Steelwrist says that this is both less time-consuming and more economical.

All Steelwrist SQ products follow the global Open-S industry standard for automatic quick couplers for excavators. The ambition of the global Open-S industry standard is to give machine operators and contractors the freedom to combine quick couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from different manufacturers that follow the standard.

A new gripper with enhanced reach and functionality

An optional gripper can increase productivity significantly on any tiltrotator. The XTR20 can be equipped with a downward-angled three-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 precision. The design, including sturdy cylinder covers, helps to ensure smooth operation in all types of jobs.

Integration to machine control system to further enhance efficiency

Machine control systems (MCS) are increasing in popularity as these solutions enhance the productivity and accuracy of the excavator. Historically the case has often been that machine control system suppliers had to fit their tilt sensors on tiltrotators to get enough granularity on the tilt position of the work tool. Steelwrist says that with the XTR20 this is not necessary anymore.

The XTR20 comes equipped with high-resolution tilt and rotation sensors. This integration offers control, feeding exact positioning data to the machine control system. Steelwrist already has several integrations available to many machine control system suppliers.

"The XTR20 represents 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 Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.

Steelwrist's new product category

With the launch of the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler Steelwrist is introducing a new product range. The rotor coupler adds flexibility and efficiency as it allows the work tool to rotate 360 degrees continuously. At the same time, installation is very easy as the rotor coupler does not require any control system on the excavator. With the first two models, Steelwrist is targeting two important machine segments. The XR7 is for four- to seven-ton excavators, and the XR20 is for 14- to 20-ton excavators.

Rotor couplers utilize advanced rotation technology

Rotor couplers for excavators have been around for several years and are growing in popularity. With a rotor coupler, excavator operators can rotate the work tool 360 degrees continuously. The rotation function allows the operator to more freely position the work tool, avoiding the repositioning of the excavator. Steelwrist rotor couplers bring a new level of versatility and precision compared to a standard coupler. The flexibility provided by the rotor coupler turns the excavator into a true tool carrier, able to take on a variety of tasks and improve the utilization of the machine. Designed to perform, the gearbox allows for the rotation of work tools.

The XR20 is offered with both S60 and SQ60 couplers and can be installed on excavators between 14 and 20 tonnes. 

Compact design and easy installation

The XR7 and the XR20 rotor couplers utilize 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 optional gripper unit or a hydraulic work tool under the rotor coupler.

The high-flow swivel joints in the XR7 and the XR20 enable 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.

Safe work tools changes

The XR7 rotor coupler is equipped with the front pin hook safety feature. The XR20 utilizes Steelwrist's LockSense technology, a sensor-based locking system. These technologies provide secure solutions for safe work tool changes.

Optional gripper cassette and rotation sensor

Both the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler can be equipped with an integrated gripper, which will increase productivity even further. The gripper opens widely, closes almost entirely, utilizes cylinder covers and does not interfere with excavation. The gripper can be retrofitted if the customer's requirements evolve.

It is possible to upgrade the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler with an Absolute rotation sensor for improved accuracy, control, and integration with machine control systems.

"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," says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist's CEO. "Rotor couplers is obviously a product that does not have the same productivity as a tiltrotator but also not the same price tag, with the advantage of a very easy installation."

Work tools optimized for use under a tiltrotator 

Steelwrist says that a job needs a work tool and a work tool needs an excavator – not the other way around. That's the starting point when thinking of how to increase the efficiency of an excavator. Steelwrist is now adding a new range of compactors, multi-purpose and sorting grapples, all built to be used under the tiltrotator.

Steelwrist's new range of compactors

Steelwrist's second generation of compactors, HCX, are engineered for excavators to help deliver high compaction force, making soil and trench compaction seamless. The compactor operates smoothly even with its low hydraulic flow and is therefore optimized to be used under a tiltrotator. The new HCX range has the same compaction force as the previous range but only uses half of the oil flow.

The new range of compactors consists of six new models from HCX6 to the largest HCX26, covering excavators from 2 to 26 tonnes. The compactors all are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard). The range of compactors starts with the S40 size interface and goes all the way up to the S70 size. Thanks to the modular design it is very easy to upgrade the compactor from S-type to SQ-type.

The Steelwrist HCX compactors are designed with the excavator operator in mind. The compactors offer smooth, intuitive maneuverability, enabling precise positioning and ideal compaction. Additionally, the HCX compactors have an energy-efficient design that results in lower fuel consumption.

Multi-purpose and sorting grapples for a wide range of different tasks

Steelwrist's range of grapples are optimized for use with the tiltrotator and share common features that enhance their efficiency and durability. The 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. These features enhance the productivity and efficiency of the new range of grapples.

Same as with the new range of compactors the new range of grapples are all available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard). They can also be upgraded from S-type to SQ-type thanks to the modular design.

The multi-purpose grapple is a versatile and strong grapple for use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling, and light demolition. There are five new models available from MGX2 for the smallest compact excavators to MGX26 for excavators up to 26 tonnes.

The sorting grapples are ideal for handling tougher materials like rocks, large stones, timber, and scrap, as well as for recycling, sorting, and medium-duty demolition applications. There are four new models, from SGX8 for 5- to 8-ton excavators to the SGX26 which is available for excavators up to 26 tonnes.