The Best Excavator Attachments for Demolition
Demolition isn't just taking down an old building or clearing space. Its the removal of something old to make something new and it may be the most fun part of the project. Getting to knock down or clear a plot of land can keep you busy from days to weeks, depending on the size of the project.
Ensuring that you are choosing the right rental excavator goes hand in hand with picking the best attachments for your demolition project. Having the best of both would not only reduce the time needed to complete but project but also decrease the risk of injury.
Hydraulic Breakers
Capable of a wide range of uses, hydraulic breakers can be used to break concrete, rocks, and other hard surfaces. Their hydraulic clamps work by matching the hydraulic capacity of the carriers to the breaker for maximum efficiency. The hydraulic breaker is an excavator attachment that offers consistent impact frequency and power, which guarantees productivity on any and all demolitions.
Advantage: Hydraulic breakers provide both comfort and reduced risk of injury when using them, especially when compared to handheld equipment that works to complete the same task.
Crusher Buckets
Crusher buckets are made up of a jaw crusher attached to a carrier. With a unique element mounted on an axle that is rotated by a hydraulic motor, it crushes things against it using the jaws. They are typically set up with a fixed bottom and a moving jaw that works to crush materials to the correct size (3/4 inch to 6 inches) for reuse or transport.
Advantage: Crusher buckets provide a cost-effective alternative to transporting large pieces of materials to different locations. While it cannot replace a portable rock crusher, it can act as an alternative piece of machinery. They can be used to help reduce dumpsite and transportation costs because it's more expensive and time-consuming to move larger pieces of materials and makes those large pieces more manageable.
Demolition Shears
Demolition shears are hydraulic attachments with claw-like jaws that work together to break and carry materials, not limited to steel, rebar, aluminum, and wires. These shears are designed for optimal strength and durability, using high-quality abrasion-resistant steel.
Advantage: Not only does this attachment enhance efficiency but it also minimizes the risk of damage to other equipment on site. Scissors of this strength are flexible in their usage, and are proven to be able to break down hard to transport equipment like cars, concrete structures, and more.
Grapples
Grapple attachments include any tool attachment that is used to grab or hold onto any large or oddly shaped item. Powered by the excavator's hydraulic system, they are most commonly used in residential demolition where they deal with lighter materials.
Advantage: By reducing the amount of work for crews to do, grapples are able to save time through their efficiency on the job site. They are capable of removing branches, rocks, and debris, at a faster speed.
Pulverizer
Pulverizers are specifically designed to best handle concrete that has been heavily reinforced with rebar. Greatly different than the crusher attachment mentioned earlier, it is designed to crush the concrete around the rebar into smaller pieces. Rather than the concrete holding onto the rebar, it falls to the ground.
Advantage: Pulverizers are not only beneficial for initial demolition but also capable of breaking concrete into more manageable-sized pieces in a secondary demolition. Having attachments that are capable of assisting with different stages of the demolition on the job site are incredibly beneficial.
Rotating Pulverizer
Pulverizers are also designed to handle concrete that has been heavily reinforced with rebar, but it is specifically designed for the primary demolition of buildings and recycling. Just like classic pulverizers, rotating pulverizers are made with equally as strong but lighter-weight steel, making the attachment lighter without sacrificing power.
Advantage: Rotating pulverizers can help contribute to environmentally friendly demolition practices. Reducing the need for more heavy machinery on your job site and minimizing dust and debris, rotating pulverizers help lower the environmental impact associated with traditional demolition methods.
Rippers
Rippers are an excavator attachment that is most often used pre-excavation. They have proven to be beneficial for demolition on rigid surfaces, efficiently separating materials and precise demolition. Their blades allow operators to specifically target sections of a structure to demolish.
Advantage: Rippers are another attachment that promotes environmentally friendly demolition practices. Their ability to separate materials in a precise manner allows for a higher percentage of debris to be recycled, rather than sent to a landfill.
Hydraulic Clamps
Hydraulic clamps use a hydraulic pump system to create pressure which results in a force being applied to the piston within the clamp, causing it to press down on the material. They help provide a secure and controlled grip on different materials that allow for maximum efficiency handling and guaranteed security.
Advantage: Hydraulic clamps provide enhanced safety in multiple forms. From reducing the manual handling of materials to minimizing the chances of falling objects, these clamps improve job site safety.
Choosing the Right Excavator Attachment for Your Demolition Project
When deciding on the best excavator attachment for a demolition project it's important to consider all the factors at play on your jobsite. Some factors to consider include the material composition because you'll need to get an attachment that is best suited to work with that material. Project requirements are an important factor as knowing precision levels at your job site will help in picking the right attachment for you.
Renting Excavators with DOZR
There are many attachments for your next DOZR rental excavator which is why it's important to understand the differences between them all. Keeping track of every potential excavator price and availability near you can be exhausting. Check out DOZR's rental equipment marketplace, where we show you a wide selection of equipment options, rental rates, and availability in your area.
Make sure you are carefully considering your project requirements to choose the best attachment possible. This matters for every machine and excavator whether you choose a mini excavator, specialty excavator, or standard excavator. Offering a wide selection of excavators suitable for demolition projects in your area helps us ensure that you have the best attachment to boost efficiency and productivity on your job site.
If you're interested to learn more about growing your demolition company or about new developments in demolition, we interviewed Ryan Priestly of Priestly Demolition, a company that has contributed to some of the most historical projects across North America."
Choosing to rent through an online marketplace, like DOZR, will allow you to choose the best machine and attachment for the job.
