S50 and SQ50 quick couplers are steel cast and have the Steelwrist front pin lock safety solution. The X12 and X14 tiltrotators have been redesigned with a new top and attachment coupler in order to make it possible to upgrade from S50 to SQ50 at a later stage. The SQ is located on the top side (upper coupler) of the tiltrotator for rapid change between tiltrotator and other work tools, and SQ on the bottom side (attachment coupler) of the tiltrotator for rapid change between hydraulic work tools. By using SQ, tiltrotator work tools can be made less expensive as the rotation function is included in the tiltrotator. “With the introduction of SQ50 fully automatic quick couplers and tiltrotators, we will change the game in the growing 10t excavator segment with flow capacities of 120l/min with low back pressure. This allows for efficient use of high flow work tools also for mid-size excavators,” says Stefan Stockhaus, CEO of Steelwrist AB.

High flow hydraulics

Steelwrist says that with the introduction of SQ50 ‘Qplus’ technology has been updated to allow for even higher flows, adding another 20% to flow capacity which allows users to also run the high flow requiring work tools on mid-size excavators. Its introduction also sees the implementation of a new ‘Absolute Rotation Sensor’ on the tiltrotators in order to give higher accuracy to machine control systems. The Steelwrist range of SQ fully automatic quick couplers includes models for excavators up to 70t, and fully complies with the global Open-S industry standard for fully automatic couplers for excavators. This means that the SQ system is designed to be able to connect to other brands following the Open-S standard.

Steelwrist expands the tiltrotator range

The installation ratio for tiltrotators on the smallest excavators is starting to grow globally, and in response Steelwrist is now introducing the new X02, a tiltrotator suitable for 1.5t to 2.5t excavators. The X02 is accompanied by a complete range of work tools for increased efficiency and versatility which also convert the smallest excavators into true tool carriers. The X02 tiltrotator has a number of innovative design solutions and comes with either a ‘direct fit’ or an S30 top for the connection to the excavator. The coupler side (bottom) of the tiltrotator is available with hydraulic locking for S30. The hydraulic lock version with the integrated front pin hook is said by the company to probably be the only tiltrotator in this class that has work tool safety to support CE requirements.

The X02 is positioned between the smallest ‘TCX’ tilt coupler for machines below 2t and the X04 tiltrotator for excavators from 2.5t to 4t. Again, the focus with X02 has been to make a fully cast product with the best strength weight ratio and low building height. Other innovative design solutions introduced with the X02 are: a new gearbox design which makes it possible to easily eliminate play over time; lubrication free bearings for easy maintenance; valves and control module placing to protect from outer damage and a bolt on lifting eye or lifting hook as an option on direct fitted tiltrotators.

Optimised range of work tools

The X02 tiltrotator is accompanied by a complete set of Steelwrist S30 work tools, such as grading/digging, cable/trenching and ‘v-ditch’ bucket, asphalt cutter and ripper. In autumn 2022, a multi grapple was also added. The latter turns the excavator into an efficient and versatile tool carrier

that can do work in a wide range of applications. “With the launch of the X02, we finally complete the tiltrotator range for excavators below 2.5t. The X02 is a fantastic combination of innovation and robustness which customers have been waiting for,” says Stefan Stockhaus, CEO of Steelwrist AB.

Compatibility with VDMA MiC 4.0

Steelwrist is a member of the German industry organisation VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau e.V.). The VDMA working group MiC 4.0 aims to create a uniform, manufacturer independent and machine independent digital communication model for the construction process. For attachments, this includes an open tiltrotator control system interface. Communication of attachments with the carrier is a very important safety aspect. The purpose is to achieve appropriate communication between the attachment and the carrier in order to identify the attachment accurately. This should transmit the necessary settings for safe use, prevent possible hazards and simplify the operability of attachments independent of the carrier. The new Steelwrist models are said to meet these requirements.