Thanks to the arrangement of its cutting heads in a 'V' formation, the product achieves claimed pioneering performance such as higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as protection of operators, the environment and carriers.
It has been showcasing its worth during the removal of rock for a retention basin by the A45 near Siegen-Süd, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia, impressing customer Straßen- und Tiefbau GmbH Kirchhundem and Epiroc authorised dealer maschinen + technik Sauerland with its impressive functionality and user-friendliness.
Removing rock for the rainwater retention basin at the summit of the A45 motorway in mountainous Siegen was a sensitive task. The building authorities specified that the slope needed to be secured by a retaining wall. Rock material on the front of this surface had to be removed with high precision and finesse to ensure that the wall, built from concrete piles, was not damaged. A drum cutter was needed to cope with the rock's hardness and work reliably in the confined space.
Epiroc's VC 2000 from Epiroc had been tested on various 20-40 tonne excavators beforehand, but mainly on a Volvo 30-tonne tracked excavator, and is said to have met the complex requirements perfectly. It ensured that removal was quick and effortless and that the construction work could be completed successfully within around two weeks.
The customer was delighted with the effective and efficient construction process and was impressed by the performance of the low-vibration and low-maintenance drum cutter. As the organisation responsible for the construction project, the established company from Kirchhundem brought expertise and an understanding of the latest technologies to the project.
Another factor was the local nature and environment that needed protection. Before use, the modern drum cutter was quickly re-oiled with the fully compatible 'Panolin' bio-hydraulic oil, which is biodegradable and does not pollute soil or rock. The company from Sauerland generally operates its fleet of excavators and attachments with a fully hydraulic Oilquick quick-coupling system and Panolin bio-hydraulic oil.
Epiroc says its VC 2000 drum cutter's immediately recognisable V-shape special feature combines simplicity with exceptional leverage and outstanding performance. It all starts with the new drum cutter saving time and money and reducing energy use by a claimed up to 40%. Because of its special design, the drum cutter allows flat surfaces to be created without material accumulating between the drums, as is usually the case. The material is completely removed in the middle of the drum cutter due to the inclined cutting heads – thanks to the patent-pending technology - without swivelling. This removes the need for the zigzag course, and digging can occur faster and more accurately. The VC 2000 can be moved straight ahead like a shovel or trench bucket on conventional equipment, making it more efficient and easier to get from A to B.
Of course, the drum cutter can still be used as a swivelling cutter to remove surface material like a conventional transverse drum cutter. A further advantage of V-technology becomes apparent during regular digging for supply lines. For example, the drum cutter can work like a trench bucket facing the excavator, producing deep, vertical trenches in rock and concrete. The new product also works underwater and can be used at a depth of up to 30 metres without additional installation or modification.
The innovative VC 2000 is also said to be ideal for profiling hard surfaces such as rock or concrete walls in particular, but also for excavating frozen soil, soft rock in quarries and general demolition work. In addition to its robust housing design for increased operating time and a durable drive shaft bearing with a maintenance-free mechanical seal system, it also surprises with an adaptable gear motor with high torque for greater productivity and longer motor service life. Extremely stable gears for optimal power transmission also ensure complete reliability – as you would expect from Epiroc equipment. The new drum cutter also offers intuitive user-friendliness and protection of the carrier. This, in turn, leads to reduced downtime and maintenance, making the VC 2000 a worthwhile long-term investment.
The VC 2000 has been launched with the sturdy Pro Bracket console, said by Epiroc to be particularly advantageous during digging and with fully hydraulic changers. The hydraulic hoses were routed into the adapter plate at the rear in the centre of the drum cutter extension arm so that they were effectively protected against material and dust and subjected to less mechanical stress.
