KINSHOFER is one of the world's leading sources of high-quality attachments for excavators and loader cranes. Founded in Germany in 1971, the KINSHOFER Group includes the KINSHOFER, Demarec, RF Systems, Auger Torque and Solesbee's brands. KINSHOFER offers a wide product range with just about every type of attachment for equipment carriers with and without hydraulics in industries as diverse as scrap, demolition, railway, landscaping, construction, snow clearing, excavating, road building, forestry, tire recycling and biomass. Below, KINSHOFER North America General Manager Francois Martin provides helpful information on attachment choices and use.

What are the most important factors to consider when matching an attachment to a piece of equipment?

Consider these four things when matching an attachment to a piece of equipment:

1.     Application: Is the tool the best fit for the application? For example, if it's a demolition tool, will it be used for primary or secondary demolition? If the attachment is a shear, is it for demolition or scrap applications? Work with the dealer or manufacturer to determine what attachment is best for the desired application.

2.     Carrier: Ensure the attachment is suited for the carrier size and weight. Heavier attachments, of course, require larger, heavier carriers. For example, KINSHOFER's Multi-Quick Processor, for primary demolition, and its static DSP Pulverizer, for secondary demolition, include some models that require at least a 45-ton carrier.  

3.     Hydraulic Capacity: Make sure the machine has enough hydraulic capacity to feed the attachment's requirements. Not enough flow will slow down the tool's cycle times, while too little pressure results in a lower closing force or less torque, depending on the attachment.

4.     Auxiliary Requirements: Is the machine equipped with enough auxiliary hydraulic circuits for the attachment? For example, rotation shears and multi-quick processors require double-acting hydraulic circuits, one circuit for opening and closing the jaw and one for 360-degree rotation. Attachments that don't rotate, such as KINSHOFER's DSP Pulverizer or DRS C mobile shears, only require one circuit.

In addition, if the attachment is a shear, it's important that the customer pays close attention to several additional details. For a more accurate power rating, ask the dealer or manufacturer for a force measured in the cutting area. Some manufacturers publish force measured outside of the cutting area.

Customers should also pay attention to attachment's tip force and apex force. Most importantly, they should ask for cutting performances. KINSHOFER offers a chart that shows exactly what the shear is and isn't capable of cutting. The chart lists profiles and thicknesses that each of the manufacturer's shear models can cut. If performance data isn't available, contact a local dealer.

How much "customizing" should the user expect to have to do to a piece of equipment in order to accommodate an attachment?

Most attachments don't require any machine customization, so long as the carrier is equipped with two double-acting auxiliary hydraulic circuits. Rotating attachments require the two circuits: one for opening and closing the attachment and the second for rotation. Non-rotating attachments, such as some shears and static pulverizers, require only one circuit for opening and closing the attachment. Specialized attachments, such as KINSHOFER's NOX Tiltrotators, require some additional customization. If the carrier isn't equipped with hydraulic lines to suit all of the Tiltrotator functions, KINSHOFER will install a proportional valve on the machine and install new joysticks in the cab to give the operator access to all of the attachment's capabilities.

What service and maintenance requirements should be added to the machines daily/weekly/scheduled inspections/services?

Shears and all demolition attachments require daily greasing or after every eight hours of use. Also inspect blades and wear parts daily. Contractors should consult their dealer or the OEM for additional service information specific to their attachment.

Who is responsible for fitting the attachment to the machine?

In the case of shears and demolition tools, the dealer will install the attachment after the sale. For specialized attachments that require additional expertise, such as the NOX Tiltrotator, KINSHOFER completes most installations and startups.