“The efficiency issues connected with trenching have been met with advanced but expensive solutions. We’re pleased to present an alternative that will save time and money in virtually every aspect, from investment to energy and wear on the carrier. And it’s all achieved by the angles of the drum”, says Gordon Hambach, head of strategic marketing for hydraulic attachment tools at Epiroc.
The reliability, robustness and ease of use of the Epiroc drum cutters are said to have been taken to a new level with the VC range. Thanks to the V-shaped design that enables a cut with a flat base, no material is left untouched between the drums. Where a regular drum cutter must move side to side to create an even trench, an approach that causes extra wear on the carrier arm, the VC Cutters can reach the same result by just going straight. It works like a bucket, making it easier to use, friendlier for the carrier, less energy-consuming, and less time-consuming. Taking the reduced downtime and maintenance into account makes the calculation even more attractive.
The distinguishing features of the classic Epiroc drum cutters, like the robust spur gears, adaptable high torque gear motor and the QuickSnap retaining system for fast and easy pick changing, are all to be found in the new VC 3000. It even comes with the Pro bracket, which leads all hydraulic hoses through the centre of the extension arm and out of harm’s way, as standard. Mechanical and hydraulic rotatable brackets and a water spraying prevention system are also available. HATCON, a monitoring system that keeps track of operating hours, location and service intervals and presents that data on virtually any screen via MyEpiroc, is another option that will increase the overall effectiveness.
VC 3000 comes with a service weight of 3,200 kg (7,000 lbs) and is suitable for excavators of 35 to 55 tons (77,000-121,000 lbs). As standard, VC cutters are equipped with Epiroc´s unique Hexagon Picks, a new range of picks with hexagonal bodies for all types of drum-cutting equipment. The hexagonal shape may sound like a simple modification, but it’s an ingenious industry first that will make daily maintenance easier, faster and less costly. The secret is that unsticking or replacing the HexPicks can be done quickly and easily with a hexagon wrench. Epiroc reports that HexPicks are also more durable and will last up to 20% longer than all competing products.
“Providing solutions that can help our customers reach new levels is rewarding, not the least when it comes to energy saving and sustainability. They inspire us to constantly rethink all aspects of our offer, and the V Cutter range is certainly a result of that,” concludes Hambach.
