Steelwrist reveals third generation tiltrotators and introduces rotor
couplers and a wide range of new work tools at event in Hamburg
On March 13-14, 2024, Steelwrist hosted a launch event at Steelwrist Deutschland
GmbH’s new facility in Hamburg, presenting the most innovative product launch in the
company’s history. During the two day event, invited journalists and customers
participated in the launch of the third generation Steelwrist tiltrotators. A new product
category was also introduced as Steelwrist announced two new rotor couplers, besides
a range of new compactors and grapples. Following the Hamburg event the new
products will be shown at upcoming exhibitions in France, Norway, Sweden and UK.
Two days with visitors from all over Europe
During a two day event, held at the Steelwrist facility in Norderstedt, close to Hamburg,
journalists, dealers and customers took part in the biggest product launch in Steelwrist’s
history. The visitors met experts from Steelwrist who shared insights and details about the new products. As part of the event Steelwrist inaugurated its new facility in Germany.
New products introduced
The centerpiece of the new product launch includes the first model of the third generation
Steelwrist tiltrotators, the XTR20, which demonstrates several innovative features both from a hardware and software perspective.
The XTR20, first in line of Steelwrist’s third generation XTR tiltrotator series, is also
complemented with the first generation XR rotor couplers as well as with the second
generation XT tilt couplers.
Adding to the already comprehensive range of work tools, Steelwrist also showcased a new
range of HCX compactors, MGX multi grapples and SGX sorting grapples. All new work tools
are designed to be used under a tiltrotator increasing the flexibility and versatility of any
excavator.
Steelwrist presents the first model in its third generation of
tiltrotators with the launch of XTR20
The XTR20 is the first in line of Steelwrist third-generation tiltrotators which is targeted towards16-20 ton excavators and takes efficiency to the next level. Best in class tilt geometry, LockSense – a new patented safety solution for work tool locking and OptiLube – an onboard lubrication system, are just some of the technical developments of the third generation high performance Steelwrist tiltrotators. The XTR20 is available with both S60 and SQ60 couplers and is designed to allow for an upgrade from S60 to SQ60, providing the customer with flexibility to adapt as the needs evolve.
Steel casted components and optimized tilt geometry
The new XTR20 has steel casted components including the upper coupler, gearbox as well as the quick coupler below the tiltrotator. Despite its compact build, reducing the overall height, the XTR20 maintains the 45 degree tilting angle.
Steelwrist’s superior tilt geometry has evolved even further on the XTR20 to ensure the
smoothest operation for the operator. Designed with off center tilt cylinder brackets the tilt
cylinders have become shorter, optimizing the tilt geometry. This leads to minimized cylinder spread throughout the tilt stroke, providing a fluid and high-torque movement.
Lubrication free bearing and OptiLube – the tiltrotator onboard lubrication system
A new feature introduced on the XTR20 are lubrication free, triple-sealed bearings in all the
main joints. Triple sealed means that bearings are sealed against dust or dirt penetration.
Today it can happen that operators forget to grease the tiltrotator or do not grease enough. 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.
With the new OptiLube onboard lubrication system, maintaining the Steelwrist tiltrotator has never been easier. The OptiLube system takes care of lubrication automatically, ensuring consistent and optimal performance. The lubricant used is specially developed for Steelwrist tiltrotators and reduces friction and extends lifetime. 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.
A leap in safety with LockSense technology
Safety is paramount and with XTR20 Steelwrist takes a new leap in terms of safety solutions, preparing for the future with LockSense. Steelwrist was first to introduce the Front Pin Lock system already in 2012 and this time again takes the lead in the technology development with the new LockSense system.
The XTR20 features our patented LockSense technology – a state-of-the-art sensor system
for secure work tool locking. The innovative LockSense solution has the necessary features
to be aligned with upcoming safety regulations. The wireless solution eliminates the hassle of delicate cables both visual and auditory confirmations, ensuring that every work tool
change is secure and reliable. It is more than just safety; it is peace of mind, ensuring that
every job site is as safe as it is efficient.
Modular design for upgrade to the Open-S compliant SQ
The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces
following the symmetrical standard (S standard), which is the fastest growing standard
internationally. Thanks to the modular design it is possible to upgrade the tiltrotator from
S-type to SQ-type. Steelwrist SQ technology allows the operator to change between
hydraulic powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab.
On the new XTR20 and the other third generation tiltrotators that are still to come, the
upgrade from S to SQ is possible on both the upper coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler
without having to change the structural parts as was the case on the previous models. A
simple change of components will allow for the upgrade from S to SQ. This is both less time
consuming and more economical for the customer.
All Steelwrist SQ products follow the global Open-S industry standard for automatic quick
couplers for excavators. The ambition with the global Open-S industry standard is to give
machine operators and contractors the freedom to combine quick couplers, tiltrotators and
work tools from different manufacturers that follow the standard.
A new gripper with enhanced reach and functionality
The optional gripper is an amazing tool that increases productivity significantly on any
tiltrotator. The XTR20 can be equipped with a redesigned downward angled 3-finger gripper
extending the reach of the excavator. 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.
Integration to machine control system to further enhance efficiency
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.
The XTR20 comes equipped with high resolution tilt and rotation sensors as standard. This
integration offers the customer precise control, feeding exact positioning data to the Machine Control System. Steelwrist already today has a number of integrations available to all the most prominent Machine Control System suppliers.
“The XTR20 represents a leap forward in performance and reliability and with features like
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”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.
A new Steelwrist product category – Rotor Couplers (XR)
With the launch of the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler Steelwrist is introducing a completely
new product range in the already comprehensive line-up. The rotor coupler adds flexibility
and efficiency as it allows the work tool to rotate 360 degrees continuously. At the same time installation is very easy as the rotor coupler does not require any control system on the excavator. With the two first models launched Steelwrist is targeting two important machine segments, with the XR7 for 4 to 7 ton excavators and the XR20 for 14 to 20 ton excavators.
Steelwrist XR7 and XR20 rotor couplers empowers excavators with advanced rotation technology
Rotor couplers for excavators have been around for a number of years and are growing in
popularity. With a rotor coupler the excavator operator can rotate the work tool 360 degrees continuously. The rotation function allows the operator to more freely position the work tool, avoiding repositioning of the excavator, which increases efficiency.
Steelwrist rotor couplers bring a new level of versatility and precision compared to a standard coupler. The flexibility provided by the rotor coupler turns the excavator into a true tool carrier, able to take on a variety of tasks and improving the utilization of the machine. Designed to perform, the robust gearbox allows for precise and efficient rotation of any work tool.
With the two first rotor couplers, XR7 and XR20, Steelwrist is introducing a new product
category in the already comprehensive line-up. The XR7 is designed for excavators between 4 and 7 tonnes and comes with an S40 coupler. The XR20 is offered with both S60 and SQ60 coupler and can be installed on excavators between 14 and 20 tonnes.
Compact design, easy installation and high flow swivel joint
The XR7 and the XR20 rotor couplers have a robust design, a low building height and
weight. Installation is fast and easy as no separate control system is required. The machine
needs to 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. The high flow swivel joints in the XR7 and the XR20, enables the use of high flow-demanding work tools such as hydraulic breakers, compactors and grapples. The high flow swivel design ensures maximum flow efficiency, allowing work tools to perform at their best.
Safe work tools changes
The XR7 rotor coupler is equipped with Front Pin Hook, a robust and secure safety solution.
The XR20 has our patented LockSense technology, a sensor based locking system. These
technologies provide robust and secure solutions for safe work tool changes.
Optional gripper cassette and Absolute rotation sensor
Both the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler can be equipped with an integrated gripper, which will
increase productivity even further. The gripper opens widely, closes almost entirely, has
robust cylinder covers and does not interfere with excavation. The gripper can be retrofitted if the customer’s requirements evolve.
It is possible to upgrade the XR7 and XR20 rotor coupler with an Absolute rotation sensor for improved accuracy, control and integration with Machine Control Systems (MCS).
“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 is obviously a product that does 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”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.
Work tools optimized for use under a tiltrotator
A job needs a work tool and a work tool needs an excavator – not the other way around. That’s the starting point when thinking of how to increase the efficiency of an excavator. Steelwrist offers a wide range of work tools and are now adding a new range of compactors, multi purpose- and sorting grapples, all optimized to be used under the tiltrotator.
Compaction made easy with Steelwrist new range of compactors (HCX)
Steelwrist introduces the second generation of compactors, HCX, engineered for excavators to deliver unparalleled high compaction force, making soil and trench compaction seamless and effortless. With an innovative design, the compactor operates smoothly even with unmatched low hydraulic flow, and is therefore optimized to be used under a tiltrotator, in fact the new HCX range has the same compaction force as the previous range but only using half of the oilflow.
The new range of compactors consists of six new models from HCX6 to the largest HCX26,
covering excavators from 2 to 26 tonnes. The compactors all are available with interfaces
following the symmetrical standard (S standard), which is the fastest growing standard
internationally. The range of compactors starts with the S40 size interface and goes all the way up to the S70 size. Thanks to the modular design it is very easy to upgrade the compactor from S-type to SQ-type. Steelwrist SQ technology allows the operator to change between hydraulic
powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab.
The Steelwrist HCX compactors are designed with the excavator operator in mind, the
compactors offer smooth, intuitive maneuverability, enabling precise positioning and optimal compaction. Additionally the HCX compactors have an energy efficient design that results in a lower fuel consumption.
Multi purpose (MGX) and sorting grapples (SGX) for a wide range of different tasks
Steelwrist’s range of grapples are optimized for use with the tiltrotator and share common
features that enhance their efficiency and durability. The new range of multi purpose grapples (MGX) and sorting grapples (SGX) are lighter in weight yet stronger in design, and the overall height has been reduced. These features enhance productivity and efficiency of the new range of grapples.
Same as with the new range of compactors the new range of grapples are all available with
interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard). They can also be upgraded from S-type to SQ-type thanks to the modular design.
The multi purpose grapple (MGX) is a versatile and strong grapple for use in general
construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition. There are five new models available from MGX2 for the smallest compact
excavators all the way to MGX26 for excavators up to 26 tonnes.
The sorting grapple (SGX) is excellent for handling tougher materials like rocks, large stones, timber and scrap, as well as for recycling, sorting and medium-duty demolition. There are four new models, from SGX8 for 5 to 8 ton excavators to the SGX26 which is available for excavators up to 26 tonnes.
“With the very significant upgrades worked into our second generation compactors, multi and sorting-grapples we have the solutions that customers are looking for to make their
excavators even more versatile and productive”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.
Earthmoving efficiency: Tiltrotator, Tilt rotor & Rotortilt (steelwrist.com)
