Steelwrist prepares for major product launch at the Bauma exhibition

PRESS RELEASE

At the upcoming Bauma exhibition Steelwrist is all set to show visitors several new products designed to enhance excavator efficiency and versatility. Celebrating 20 years in business, Steelwrist continues to focus on innovation and product development, and introduces the XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotator models as well as the SQ40 automatic coupler technology. In an interactive stand at Bauma, visitors will experience the new products together with a wide range of excavator work tools.

Stand: FN 1016/2

Product news presented in a new large Steelwrist stand

At Bauma 2025 Steelwrist will welcome visitors to its largest and most interactive stand ever, located in the North-East outdoor exhibition area. The stand reflects the impressive range of product news that the company will launch at the exhibition. As always, the interactive show featuring three excavators equipped with Steelwrist products, will be a real highlight. During the show visitors will see and experience the third generation Steelwrist XTR tiltrotators in action, as well as the new SQ40 automatic coupler that brings SQ technology to excavators below 7 tonnes. Together with the machines, a wide range of work tools will be demonstrated, showing the versatility and efficiency of the Steelwrist product portfolio.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to the Steelwrist stand at the Bauma exhibition. Our team has worked really hard to create an impressive stand where all our product news will be presented. In our live demo show visitors will experience in an interactive way the advantages with an excavator equipped with Steelwrist products”, says Karl Serneberg, Steelwrist VP OEM Sales & Marketing.


Continued roll-out of Steelwrist third generation XTR tiltrotators

In 2024 the first model in the third generation of Steelwrist tiltrotators was presented with the launch of XTR20. At Bauma 2025, the XTR20 will be followed by two additional models, XTR15 for excavators between 12 and 15 tonnes, and XTR23 for excavators between 19 and 23 tonnes. The XTR15 comes with S/SQ60 interface, and XTR23 comes with S/SQ70 or S/SQ70/55 interface.

Both new models come with all the features that were presented when the XTR20 was launched, with best in class tilt geometry, OptiLube onboard lubrication system, and LockSense, a state-of-the-art sensor based system to indicate if the work tool is securely locked. Common for all XTR models is that they are easily upgradeable from S to SQ interface. Naturally, the XTR tiltrotators have the low building height that is typical for all Steelwrist tiltrotators.

Steelwrist XTR tiltrotators with advanced technology
The third-generation Steelwrist tiltrotators feature steel cast components, including the upper coupler, gearbox, and quick coupler below the tiltrotator. This design ensures maximum durability while maintaining a compact build and low overall height. The advanced tilt geometry, with optimized off-center cylinder brackets, reduces cylinder spread and enables high-torque, fluid movement, providing operators with precision and control.

All main joints in the XTR series feature triple-sealed, lubrication-free bearings, protecting against dust and dirt penetration. To further enhance durability, the OptiLube onboard lubrication system ensures automatic and optimized greasing, preventing wear caused by insufficient or inconsistent lubrication. Integrated into the tiltrotator control system, OptiLube provides continuous monitoring and notifies operators when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge, eliminating guesswork and manual maintenance.

Steelwrist continues to lead safety innovation with LockSense, a patented, next-generation sensor system for indicating secure work tool locking. LockSense aligns with upcoming safety regulations and introduces a wireless design, removing delicate exposed cables. Operators receive both visual and auditory confirmations, guaranteeing safe work tool changes and enhancing job site safety.

The optional three-finger gripper, redesigned with a downward-angled position, extends the excavator’s reach and precision. Featuring a wide opening and near-complete closure, it ensures secure handling of objects across various applications. The robust design, including durable cylinder covers, guarantees long-lasting performance in demanding environments.

The XTR tiltrotators also come equipped with high-resolution tilt and rotation sensors as standard, providing precise positioning data to Machine Control Systems (MCS) for enhanced accuracy and productivity.

Modular design for upgrade to the Open-S compliant SQ
The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard), which is the fastest growing standard internationally. Thanks to the modular design it is possible to upgrade the tiltrotator from S-type to SQ-type. Steelwrist SQ technology allows the operator to change between hydraulic powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab.

On the new XTR series, the upgrade from S to SQ is possible on both the upper coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler without having to change the structural parts, as was the case on the previous models. A simple change of components will allow for the upgrade from S to SQ. This is both less time consuming and more economical for the customer.

All Steelwrist SQ products follow the global Open-S industry standard for automatic couplers for excavators. The ambition with the global Open-S industry standard is to give machine operators and contractors the freedom to combine machine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from different manufacturers that follow the standard.

“Our XTR generation of tiltrotators represents a leap forward in performance and reliability and with features like LockSense, OptiLube, more tilt and rotation torque and easy upgradeability, we show our continued commitment to improving excavator efficiency. All the experience we gained over our first 20 years in business has gone into the development of our XTR tiltrotators, and I am extremely proud of what the team has accomplished”, says Markus Nilsson, Steelwrist CTO.


Extending the SQ automatic oil connection technology with SQ40

Steelwrist extends its SQ technology to include the SQ40 automatic coupler (patent pending) for excavators below 7 tonnes. SQ40 allows for quick changes of high flow-powered work tools also on smaller excavators, providing the same efficiency as larger SQ couplers. This makes changing powered work tools easier and safer, as it can be done without leaving the cab.

Innovative couplings with high flow capabilities and a modular design
Significant development efforts have gone into the design of the new SQ40 automatic coupler and one very critical criteria was to ensure the flow required to power demanding hydraulic work tools. The SQ40 coupler is optimized to achieve a flow of 70 l/min thanks to a new and innovative coupling that provides 40 percent more flow area compared to a standard 3/8” coupling.

Thanks to a modular design, with significantly reduced number of components, it is easy to upgrade machine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from S to SQ. The male SQ couplings on the work tool are integrated in the shaft, and by replacing the shaft the upgrade can be done in a very easy way. This also means that hose routing is very flexible, and can be adapted to a wide range of hydraulic work tools.

SQ40 follows the symmetrical standard for S40, which means existing work tools with this interface are compatible and the customer can use these directly without any expensive adaptations.

At Bauma Steelwrist will show two excavators equipped with SQ40. One machine is equipped with a Direct fit X07 tiltrotator, and one with a Direct fit XR7 rotor coupler, both with SQ40 interface. The two excavators will be featured in the live demonstrations where they will share a wide range of work tools between each other. This will illustrate the efficiency and versatility that can be achieved equipping a compact excavator with the SQ technology.

“I have myself been running the SQ40 size for over a year on my own excavator and I am really looking forward to presenting the SQ40 solution which will bring efficiency to new levels also for the smaller excavators. I welcome everyone to come to the Steelwrist stand at Bauma and see first hand our innovative Steelwrist SQ40 technology in action”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.


Expanding the range of Steelwrist powered work tools

The existing range of powered work tools with S40 interface are made available also with the SQ interface, following the launch at Bauma. This means that the Steelwrist HCX hydraulic compactors, MGX multi grapples, SGX sorting grapples, and other relevant powered work tools, will be offered with SQ40.

A new multi grapple, MGX4, is introduced, for excavators between 2 and 4 tonnes. It comes in between the smaller MGX2 and the slightly larger MGX6, which means that the Steelwrist range of multi grapples now consists of six different models. The multi grapple is excellent for use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition. It is light in weight but still strong, and has a compact design.

Introduction of TSX6 tree shear for efficient and safe cutting
Adding to the range of powered work tools, Steelwrist is introducing a new product category, the tree shear. A tree shear on the excavator is a powerful work tool for cutting trees, branches, brush, and energy wood, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual cutting. It can be used in applications such as forestry, and to clear trees from power lines, roadsides, railways and canals. Using the tree shear is safer, faster and often more cost-effective.

At Bauma Steelwrist will present its first model, the TSX6, for excavators up to 7 tonnes, with both S40 and SQ40 interface. The Steelwrist TSX6 tree shear has a fixed blade and a powerful cylinder for the best cutting power and to ensure safe cutting. The two grapple arms are designed to give the best grip around the tree trunk. Thanks to the use of high quality steel the grapples are durable yet light in weight, minimizing wear on the excavator. The knife is located at the bottom of the shear to get as low to the stump as possible.

The excavator operator can cut and hold the tree safely using the tree shear, compared to the risks associated with chainsaw operations, such as kickback reactions. The need for workers to be near dangerous cutting zones is eliminated. Installation and maintenance is easy, and learning to work with the tree shear is relatively straightforward. The TSX6 has the capacity to cut round wood up to 180 millimeters depending on the tree species.

“A job needs a tool and a tool needs a carrier, that is our starting point when developing our range of work tools, designed to make our customers’ excavators even more versatile and productive. With the introduction of SQ40 we have made sure it will be possible to easily upgrade their Steelwrist existing powered work tool from S to SQ interface, without any welding required. We also expand our range of work tools with the TSX Tree shear, a product which we will show live in our stand at Bauma”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.

For more information please contact:

Stefan Stockhaus                              Karl Serneberg
CEO                                                   VP OEM Sales & Marketing
Steelwrist AB                                     Steelwrist AB
[email protected]     [email protected]
Tel +46 709981321                            Tel +46 702619811

About Steelwrist
Steelwrist is a global manufacturer of tiltrotators, quick couplers and work tools for excavators with headquarters in Sweden. A determined focus on robust and modern products, combined with fast service has been appreciated by an increasing number of customers world wide. For more information about Steelwrist, please visit steelwrist.com.