FAQ – Technology
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about a tiltrotator or rototilt.
How common is the usage of tiltrotators?
The usage of tiltrotators varies greatly depending on country. In Sweden, where the tiltrotator (or rototilt) concept started in the mid eighties, more than 95% of ALL new excavators between 3 and 30 tons sold during 2010 were equipped with a tiltrotator. We estimate that more than 90% of all excavators used in daily operations in Sweden are equipped with a tiltrotator. In Norway and Finland the use is almost at the same level.
What is the difference between a Tiltrotator and a Rototilt?
There is no difference between a Tiltrotator and a Rototilt or Rotortilt. There are today three companies with own technology manufacturing tiltrotators aiming for the international market. For historical reasons the product has had different names. Steelwrist and Engcon use “Tiltrotator” whereas Indexator use “Rototilt” to describe the same product. Although “Rototilt” or “Rotortilt” is widely used in Sweden it looks as if “Tiltrotator” or Steelwrist will be the household word on most other markets.
What is needed on the excavator in order to use a tiltrotator?
Basically is one available hydraulic function is needer on the on the dipper arm of the excavator. Everything else can be supplied with the tiltrotator.
Why is grease better than oil as lubrication method in the gearbox?
Grease has many advantages over oil. This is what is stated by tribology experts. (Tribology is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear.)
“Is grease better than oil? In order to be able to answer the question one must first determine what grease can not do. Grease can not be used as a cooling Smörjfett kan inte used as a coolant because of its poor thermal conductivity. It can not be used as brake fluid or power transmissions due to its elasticity. But as lubricants grease is superior to oil’”
Apart from what independent sources say the trend towards connecting the tiltrotator to the excavators central lubrication system continues.
Will we launch a tiltrotator without cylinders?
No, we did en investigation early on and and came to the conclusion that the strength weight relationship is not good enough. The tilt torque is has a direct relation to the radius between the tilt shaft and the tiltcylinder positions. A tiltrotator without cylinders having the same toque would be extremely heavy and with an extreme building height.