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Steelwrist Deutschland's Hamburg facility was the setting in March for the launch of the most innovative products in the Swedish manufacturer's history. In addition to the newly developed third-generation tiltrotators, a new product category saw the light of day when Steelwrist announced two XR rotor changers, in addition to a range of new XT tilters, HCX vibratory blocks, MGX multi-grabs and SGX sorting grabs.
Turntable XTR20, intended for excavators from 14 to 20 tons, is not an update of the previous generation. "The development started with a blank drawing sheet," knows Tom van Baars, Country Manager Benelux at Steelwrist AB. "The engineers listened carefully to customers' wishes, so the XTR20 has become lower, lighter and stronger. Steelwrist is known for liking to use parts made of cast steel instead of cast iron. This has been reinforced with this new generation. For example, the suspension, housing and quick coupler are made of cast steel. By positioning material where it is needed and omitting it where it can, a lot of weight has been saved."
The XTR20 is easily upgraded from an S quick coupler to an SQ fully automatic coupler system, which does not require the operator to leave the cab. Thanks to clever placement and suspension, the tilt cylinders are shorter than before but still achieve a 45-degree tilt angle. In addition, the cylinders do not move as far outward and the XTR20 features better tilt geometry. Furthermore, the protection of the hydraulic connections of the cylinders has been placed so that the hoses have more freedom of movement and are better protected.
Steelwrist provides the XTR with lubrication-free bearings. These are triple sealed and have lifetime lubrication. Nevertheless, the rotary tilt features an automatic lubrication system called OptiLube as standard. This lubricates only the worm gear, which is now attached to the housing by a raised edge with splines. A new feature of OptiLube is that it self-sends a signal to the user via the Quantum Connect screen in the cab when the high-quality grease is running low. The cartridge should be replaced about once every six months.
With this third generation tiltrotator also fits a new generation safety system for locking. LockSense hereby replaces the Front Pin Lock. Steelwrist anticipates upcoming legislation, which assumes monitoring with sensors. Steelwrist developed a wireless system and has now patented it. Thanks to the sophisticated shape, the wedge of the quick change is forced into a small turning movement. The internal sensor in the locking pin detects this and transmits it wirelessly to a receiver. This colors the display green when both wedges are in the correct position. Sensor and transmitter are powered by a battery, with a service life of about five years.
Steelwrist already had the Quantum control system. This is getting an upgrade to Quantum Connect and has greater connectivity. The system is connected to the cloud, which allows it to interface with all 3D GPS excavation systems, the operator's smartphone or the touchscreen in the cab. Thanks to the wireless ToolRec modules, the system automatically recognizes attachments. Thanks to new absolute sensors for both rotation and tilt, the machine knows exactly the position of the bucket blade. The control system also includes new joysticks, which were introduced at the Intermat trade fair in April.
The XTR20 is now on the price list and production has started. Steelwrist has its own Benelux representation in Emmeloord, from where dealers, service partners and end users are supported.
