By Jeff Keeling
Cross passages in underground tunnels provide a unique challenge for construction crews. Compact, strong and precise, remote-controlled demolition robots with specialized attachments are the go-to solution for improving safety, speed and productivity in cross passage excavation.
Here are a few demolition robot attachments that can make tunneling contractors’ lives easier.
1. BUCKET
Because they convert a demolition robot into an agile excavator, buckets are a no-brainer, versatile attachment for cross passage excavation. They can dig, sort and separate material, and quickly load it into carts for removal from the passage.
2. BEAM GRAPPLE
Beam grapples handle the important work of placing support ribs in the passage. Some manufacturers offer beam grapples that are lightweight yet stand up to tough tunneling conditions and lift as much as 1,100 pounds.
3. BREAKER
The breaker is a pro at removing large amounts of material, breaking it down and sizing it. Designed to hit harder and faster than a mini-excavator paired with a breaker, breaker-equipped remote-controlled demolition machines also produce less noise and vibration, making them perfect for tunneling.
4. TEI ROCK DRILL
Paired with a demolition robot, the TEI Rock Drill is ideal for drilling blast holes in confined spaces. It excels at cross passage work because of its ability to drill at all angles and directions, and as a bonus is far quieter than pneumatic handheld drills.
5. DRUM CUTTER
Drum cutters gently remove layers of hard, reinforced ground for cross passage excavation. The attachment is especially suited for tunneling work thanks to low impact operation that produces less noise and vibration.
CLOSING THOUGHT
The perfect pairing of a remote-controlled demolition machine and the best attachment for the job can mean days or even weeks of time saved on a project. Contact a demolition robot manufacturer to find out how the equipment can increase efficiency and profits on your next project.
For More Information
Jeff Keeling is the North American sales and marketing manager for Brokk Inc., a manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines and attachments for more than 40 years. Through continuous innovation in engineering and design, Brokk is able to offer unique solutions to multiple industries worldwide, including construction, demolition, mining and tunneling, cement and metal processing, nuclear, and other specialty applications. For more, visit www.brokk.com.
Modern Contractor Solutions, June 2021
Did you enjoy this article?
Subscribe to the FREE Digital Edition of Modern Contractor Solutions magazine.
