What’s new in construction & demolition recycling?

The construction and demolition (C&D) recycling sector continues to evolve, driven by advancements in equipment and technology that address critical industry obstacles. The latest innovations focus on key priorities like improved mobility for complex job environments, exceptional safety protocols, simplified maintenance, easier operation, and increased equipment durability.

OEMs are striving to equip the industry to adapt to the need for more streamlined workflows, greater efficiency, and sustainability by expanding product offerings, elevating features and functionality, and integrating smarter technologies into demolition machines and processing equipment.

New processing equipment breaks ground

The shift toward smarter, more efficient processing equipment is crucial for the C&D recycling sector. Operations are grappling with a range of challenges, including the need for greater mobility on confined job sites and the demand for compact machinery that can still deliver powerful performance. The increasing reliance on technology to optimize workflows, reduce downtime, and enhance safety is essential for managing rising material volumes, meeting strict environmental standards, and addressing the challenges posed by a lack of skilled labour.

RUBBLE MASTER has entered the mobile jaw crusher market with the RM J110X. Boasting a deep jaw with a 44- by 28-inch inlet opening (1,100 by 700 millimetres) this heavy-duty primary crusher is designed for hard natural rock and C&D recycling applications. 

According to RUBBLE MASTER, new and experienced operators will find machine settings and maintenance tasks easy to navigate. Leveraging the latest hydraulic technologies, the RM J110X consumes less hydraulic fluid and requires fewer change intervals, saving time and money. 

Kleemann has combined compact dimensions, low transport weight, and enhanced flexibility to make the new MOBIREX MR 100(i) NEO/NEOe impact crusher ideal for tight spaces and diverse applications. This compact mobile impact crusher processes materials ranging from concrete and asphalt to natural stone with high precision. It is available in diesel-direct (NEO) or all-electric (NEOe) versions; the NEOe variant offers emission-free operation. 

The crusher ensures high product quality through its powerful 4-ledged rotor, which delivers a large impact range and adaptable rotor ledge options. An optional 4-metre-squared single-deck secondary screening unit enables classified final grain sizes, while an optional wind sifter further enhances product quality.

Also of note, Kleemann SPECTIVE CONNECT system now includes a stockpile monitoring feature designed to improve efficiency on complex worksites. This increased capacity tracks material discharge and monitors associated stockpiles, providing real-time updates on their status. Users can set customizable thresholds to receive push notifications when action is required, ensuring timely interventions.

The stockpile monitoring system addresses a common visibility challenge for excavator and wheel loader operators. By notifying operators precisely when a stockpile needs clearing, the system eliminates unnecessary trips, prevents workflow interruptions caused by overfilled stockpiles, and increases overall productivity. The system also collects data to build algorithms that predict when stockpiles will reach capacity, further streamlining operations.

Purpose-built demolition equipment meets evolving demands

OEMs are advancing the demolition sector by engineering equipment that directly addresses the complexities inherent to the industry. Space constraints on urban job sites demand machinery that balances compact dimensions with the power and precision. Transportation logistics further complicate operations, requiring equipment that is easily mobilized between projects. 

Durability remains non-negotiable, as machinery must withstand harsh environments and high-intensity use, and versatility is increasingly vital to managing diverse tasks with fewer resources. Efficiency and speed are critical for maximizing output and minimizing project timelines, while downtime for maintenance disrupts productivity, highlighting the importance of streamlined designs and extended service intervals. 

As always, safety is a fundamental priority, and OEMs are delivering purpose-built machines that redefine performance and reliability for demolition.

Komatsu has significantly expanded its presence in the North American demolition market with a new line of demolition excavators. These machines, proven in Europe for over two decades, are available to North American contractors for the first time.

The PC490HRD-11 high-reach demolition excavator's K100 boom change system allows operators to quickly adapt to changing job site conditions, minimizing downtime. The boom change system includes oversized quick couplers on the hydraulic lines which minimize back pressure and oil heating without restricting oil flow. Hydraulically powered pins mounted inside the main boom structure reduce the risk of damage to equipment during reconfiguration.

Additional models in Komatsu's lineup — the straight-boom PC290LC-11, PC360LC-11, and PC490LC-11 — provide increased reach (22 to 26 percent) over their standard counterparts and have robust guarding systems.

Volvo Construction Equipment's updated line of demolition excavators includes straight boom and high-reach models.

The 30-ton EC300 Straight Boom and the 40-ton EC400 Straight Boom replace their previous generation counterparts (EC300E Straight Boom and the EC380E Straight Boom). Both models increase reach over standard digging models by approximately 30 percent and have a detachable counterweight. They also deliver a 10 percent increase in engine power and a 14 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to their predecessors.

Safety and operator comfort are prioritized with the robust Falling Objects Guard, roll-over protection, and single-piece 12-millimetre impact-resistant glass. Improved visibility, an electric joystick, and ergonomic controls enable precision operation while reducing fatigue.

The new 50-ton EC500 Straight Boom, tailored for large-scale demolition, features a 25.5-foot boom with a 30 percent increase in pin height over standard models. Its heavier counterweight (6,610 pounds) ensures stability for heavy-duty tasks, while advanced features like a case drain line improve hydraulic efficiency. Volvo has extended hydraulic filter change intervals to 1,000 hours, and enhanced safety features include rollover protection, single-piece impact-resistant glass, and an optional remote control.

For specialized high-reach demolition, the EC400 High Reach and EC500 High Reach models replace the EC380EHR and EC480EHR. These machines feature hydraulic systems that are optimized with larger X1 return lines and dedicated drain lines, ensuring efficient operation and reduced back pressure for rotating motors. Modular boom configurations allow operators to switch to standard digging tasks when necessary. 

This new generation of Volvo high-reach excavators delivers a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency through engine pump optimization. 

Demolition Assist gives the operator real-time visual and audible stability alerts. Situational awareness is also improved through the integrated Smart View system with optional Obstacle Detection. Advanced controls, including Comfort Drive Control and smart switches, make handling these excavators intuitive and efficient.

Engineered for urban demolition projects, SENNEBOGEN's 830 R-HDD long-front demolition machine has a compact design and telescopic undercarriage making it well-suited for navigating tight spaces. The transport weight can be reduced by 20,000 pounds (9,050 kilograms) with the push of a button. It features a three-part boom and stick combination with a height of over 75 feet (23 metres) that is easily moved from site to site in a transport frame. The 830 R-HDD includes eco-friendly engines and advanced hydraulics for precise, energy-efficient operations. SENNEBOGEN's fully hydraulic quick-coupler system allows for rapid attachment changes, minimizing delays on site and increasing versatility.

Safety has been prioritized throughout the design, and bulletproof windshields, skylights, and camera systems give operators visibility and protection. The hydraulically elevating Maxcab, which tilts up to 30 degrees, offers a comfortable and safe operating position. Stability is bolstered by a wide working stance, enabling vibration-free operation even at maximum height.

C&D is evolving

As the industry evolves, equipment innovations play an increasingly pivotal role in meeting the needs of the C&D sector. OEMs are addressing market demands with solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability — key factors that will define the success and resilience of the industry moving forward.