Like SCRAP Shears, Concrete Pulverisers can be used for both demolition and recycling applications that involve crushing concrete and separating out rebar, mesh or cable. The pulveriser, or more common term ‘muncher’, is capable of reducing large pieces of concrete to smaller more manageable pieces to aid loading from the site or the supply of materials to an onsite crushing unit. The equipment can also be used to break up hardcore and concrete arisings to be used as fill material where foundations have been removed or voids have been uncovered etc. To aid separation for recycling, most pulverisers are fitted with cutting blades, positioned at the back of the jaw, for rebar and smaller steel sections.
Pulverisers can be operated fully by hydraulic pressure to open and close the jaws and enable 360º rotation in both directions. A Pulveriser can also be used to function mechanically where the only moving part is the front jaw which is connected to the ‘bucket’ cylinder. The rear or right-hand jaw is connected via the brace bar to the underside of the dipper arm although this type of pulveriser is less versatile in its movements it is popular with smaller contractors, as it is less costly, has fewer moving parts and requires less hydraulic circuitry.
Cutting edges on pulverisers are made from wear-resistant material and are bolted or welded on (as is the case in many mechanical attachments). They can generally be rotated for use. The operation of the attachment jaws is based on the static force produced by the hydraulic cylinder of the equipment, to increase the product's working life particular attention should be paid to correct working methods.
When using a mechanical or hydraulic pulveriser the manufacturer's recommendations regarding fitting should be consulted, particularly if the application is to involve primary and secondary processing. Consideration should be given to the length of stroke of the bucket ram when fitted directly to the dipper arm as the brace bar, to the underside of the arm, will need to be positioned into the correct locating hole on the welded ‘boss’ (usually there is a choice of three).
Equally, users of mechanical and or hydraulic pulverisers when fitted via a ‘quick hitch’ system should consider the length of stroke of the bucket ram, the position of the brace bar, the application of use, i.e. primary or secondary processing and the construction of the locking mechanisms and moving parts of the hitch, i.e. cast iron or mild steel.
This last point is particularly important when undertaking primary processing that involves pulling down sections of a structure where undue stress may be placed on the hitch which in turn may cause damage or failure.
