Steelwrist launches third-gen tiltrotators and rotor couplers

The Steelwrist Deutschland headquarters. (PHOTO: D&Ri)

Located in Norderstedt near Hamburg, Steelwrist Deutschland has today welcomed customers and members of the press to see the first of its new third generation XTR tiltrotator model, and to introduce its XR Rotor Couplers - an entirely new product line.

The centrepiece of the launch event was the XTR20 tiltrotator, which is available with interfaces that follow the symmetrical standard (S standard) and can be upgraded to the SQ-type for quick tool changes from the cab.

Third generation tiltrotators

The model incorporates “several innovative features both from a hardware and software perspective”.

Among these are the upper coupler, gearbox and the quick coupler below the tiltrotator, which are comprised steel casted components.

The XTR20, which maintains the 45 degree tilting angle, has also been designed with off-centre tilt cylinder brackets, which unlike the company’s second generation models, are now shorter for optimised tilt geometry.

“This leads to minimized cylinder spread throughout the tilt stroke, providing a fluid and high-torque movement,” said Steelwrist.

XTR20 on an excavator arm. (IMAGE: Steelwrist)

Furthermore, a key feature of the new XTR series tiltrotators is that the bearings in all the main joints are triple-sealed, to protect them from dust and dirt penetration.

They also incorporate the OpitLube onboard lubrication system, which has been specifically designed for Steelwrist’s equipment. 

“It can happen that operators forget to grease the tiltrotator or do not grease enough,” said Steelwrist.

“In some cases the tiltrotator is connected to the excavators central lubrication system where too often a very fluid or low quality grease is used.

“The idea behind OptiLube is to make sure the tiltrotator is greased in the right amount, at the right time and with an optimized grease, all with the purpose to increase the lifespan of the tiltrotator.”

XTR20 highlighting OptiLube. (IMAGE: Steelwrist)

According to the company, the OptiLube system takes care of lubrication automatically, reducing friction and extending lifespan by ensuring consistent and optimal performance. 

“OptiLube is integrated into the tiltrotator’s control system, allowing for continuous monitoring of lubrication performance and alerts the operator when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge.

“This feature eliminates guesswork and routine checks, allowing the operator to focus on the work without interruptions.”

When it comes to safety, the XTR20 comes as standard with Steelwrist’s patented sensor based locking system technology, LockSense.

Described as “a new leap” in safety technology, LockSense is a wireless system powered a battery with a lifespan of roughly five years.

Said to include “the necessary features to be aligned with upcoming safety regulations,” LockSense provides machine operators with both visual and auditory confirmations that every work tool change is complete, secure and reliable. 

Another added benefit of the XTR20, and of the other upcoming models in the range, is the integration of high resolution tilt and rotational sensors.

Included as standard with the third generation models, the addition of the sensors allow the tiltrotators to be used on equipment fitted with a machine control system.

Steelwrist said: “Machine Control Systems (MCS) continuously increase in popularity all over the world as these solutions significantly enhance the productivity and accuracy of the excavator.

“Historically the case has often been that Machine Control System suppliers had to fit their own tilt sensors on tiltrotators to get enough granularity on the tilt position of the work tool, with the XTR20 this is not necessary anymore.”

Steelwrist XTR20 with gripper. (IMAGE: Steelwrist)

Optional extras for the XTR20 include a gripper that Steelwrist says can increase the productivity of any tiltrotator.

“The XTR20 can be equipped with a redesigned downward angled 3-finger gripper extending the reach of the excavator,” it said.

“With its improved geometry it gives a wide opening and near-complete closure, and it handles objects with unmatched precision. The robust design, including sturdy cylinder covers, ensures smooth operation in all types of jobs.”

Commenting on the tiltrotator, Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO, said: “LockSense, OptiLube, more tilt and rotation torque and easy upgradeability we show our continued commitment to improving excavator efficiency.

“I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished and I look forward to seeing the new Steelwrist XTR20 tiltrotator improving job sites around the world”.

Stefan Stockhaus, CEO at Steelwrist, speaking at the opening of Steelwrist Deutschland. (PHOTO: D&Ri)

Steelwrist’s new product line: XR Rotor Couplers

Alongside the third generation tiltrotator, Steelwrist also showcased the XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers which, as the first models of an entirely new product line, mark a key milestone in the company’s history.

Stefan said: “With the introduction of the XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers we are further expanding our already wide product range focusing on turning the excavator into a tool carrier.

“Rotor couplers are obviously a product that do not have the same productivity as a tiltrotator but also not the same price tag, with the advantage of a very easy installation.

“I am confident that customers that are not yet ready to go all the way and equip their excavator with a tiltrotator will find a very attractive solution with our new XR range, easy to install and with the same robustness that is found in all of Steelwrist product range.”

Joachim Schier and Peter Lam with the XR7 Rotor Coupler. (PHOTO: D&Ri)

Described as robust, the XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers enable the work tool to rotate 360 degrees continuously.

They feature a low building height and weight, and are designed for excavators weighing from 4 to 7 t, and from 14 to 20 t respectively.

Both models incorporate high flow swivel joints, which enable them to be used at maximum efficiency with high flow-demanding work tools such as hydraulic breakers, compactors and grapples.

“hile the XR7 comes with an S40 coupler, the XR20 is offered with either the S60 and SQ60 coupler.

XTR20 LockSense wedges, close up. (IMAGE: Steelwrist)

With regard to ensuring safe work tool changes, Steelwrist said that the XR7 rotor coupler is equipped with Front Pin Hook - a robust and secure safety solution, whereas the XR20 features the LockSense system. 

According to the manufacturer, the rotor couplers also do not require the carrier machine to have a separate control system.

However, the excavator must be equipped with “at least one dual connection auxiliary line, an additional auxiliary line can be used to operate the gripper unit (option) or a hydraulic work tool under the rotor coupler”.

XT tilt couplers and HCX compactors, MGC multi grapples and SGX sorting grapples

Other products launched at the opening of Steelwrist Deutschland included the company’s second generation of XT tilt couplers and work tools, such as the new range of HCX compactors, MGX multi grapples and SGX sorting grapples.

All the new work tools are designed to “used under a tiltrotator increasing the flexibility and versatility of any excavator,” said Steelwrist.

SGX26 sorting grapple. (IMAGE: Steelwrist)