What is a high reach demolition excavator?

A high reach demolition excavator, also known as a high reach excavator or a long reach excavator, is a modified version of a standard excavator. It is specifically designed for demolition purposes, allowing for the safe and controlled dismantling of tall structures, such as buildings, chimneys, bridges, and towers.

What sets the high reach demolition excavator apart from a regular excavator is its extended reach and height capabilities. It is equipped with a longer boom and arm, enabling it to reach greater heights and distances. This extended reach is achieved by utilizing additional hydraulic sections and attachments, which provide the necessary stability and strength to carry out demolition tasks at elevated heights.

A high reach demolition excavator typically consists of the following key features and components:

• Long Boom and Arm: The extended boom and arm of the excavator allow for reaching heights of up to several stories. This feature enables the machine to access and demolish structures that are not easily reachable by other equipment.
• Hydraulic Attachments: Different hydraulic attachments, such as demolition shears, crushers, and pulverizers, are used to carry out specific demolition tasks. These attachments can be easily interchanged to adapt to different demolition requirements.
• Stabilizers: To ensure stability during high reach operations, stabilizers are deployed. These stabilizers provide a solid base for the excavator, preventing it from tipping over or losing balance.
• Operator Cabin: The operator cabin is designed to provide a safe and comfortable working environment for the operator. It is equipped with advanced controls and visibility features to ensure precise maneuverability.

The high reach demolition excavator finds its application in various demolition scenarios. Some common applications include:

• Building Demolition: The excavator is used to demolish tall buildings, ensuring a controlled and safe dismantling process.
• Bridge Demolition: It is employed to remove old or damaged bridges, making way for new construction or renovation projects.
• Chimney Demolition: The high reach excavator proves useful in demolishing chimneys and smokestacks, which are often located at significant heights.
• Tower Demolition: Tall towers, such as communication towers or industrial structures, can be efficiently demolished using the high reach excavator.

Utilizing a high reach demolition excavator offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: The extended reach of the excavator allows for a safe distance between the operator and the demolition site, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Precision and Control: The operator has precise control over the demolition process, ensuring accurate and targeted dismantling.
• Time and Cost Efficiency: The high reach excavator enables faster demolition compared to traditional methods, resulting in reduced labor costs and project timelines.
• Minimal Disruption: The controlled demolition carried out by the excavator minimizes noise, dust, and vibration, reducing the impact on the surrounding environment.

While the Liebherr R 9800 takes the crown for the largest high reach demolition excavator, the smallest one is the Bobcat E20. This compact machine is designed for working in tight spaces and has a maximum reach of 4.1 meters (13.5 feet).

The Bobcat E20 weighs only 2 tons, making it highly maneuverable and suitable for small-scale demolition projects. Despite its small size, it is equipped with a powerful engine and hydraulic system, allowing it to handle various demolition tasks efficiently.

The Bobcat E20 features a comfortable operator cabin with excellent visibility, enabling operators to work with precision even in confined spaces. Its compact design and versatility make it a popular choice for interior demolition, residential projects, and other applications where space is limited.

The largest high reach demolition excavator currently in operation is the Liebherr R 9800. This massive machine stands at an impressive height of 50 meters (164 feet) and weighs around 800 tons. It is equipped with a 6.9-meter (22.6-foot) long demolition arm, making it capable of reaching even the tallest structures with ease.

The Liebherr R 9800 is powered by a 4,000-horsepower engine and features advanced hydraulic systems that provide exceptional lifting and demolition capabilities. Its spacious operator cabin is designed for comfort and provides excellent visibility, ensuring precise control during demolition operations.

This giant excavator is often used for demolishing skyscrapers, chimneys, and other tall structures that require a high reach. Its impressive size and power make it an ideal choice for large-scale demolition projects.

When selecting a high reach demolition excavator, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the project. Factors such as the height of the structure, available workspace, and budget will influence the choice of machine.

For large-scale demolition projects involving tall structures, the Liebherr R 9800 or similar models from other manufacturers would be the ideal choice. These powerful machines offer exceptional reach and lifting capabilities, making them suitable for tackling even the most challenging demolition tasks.

On the other hand, for smaller projects or those with limited space, compact excavators like the Bobcat E20 are a more practical option. These machines are easy to maneuver and can access tight areas,

High reach demolition excavators are essential tools for demolishing tall structures. Whether it’s the massive Liebherr R 9800 or the compact Bobcat E20, these machines offer the power and reach needed to complete demolition projects efficiently and safely. By considering the specific requirements of the project, contractors can choose the right high reach demolition excavator for their needs and ensure successful demolition operations.