What machines are used for high reach demolition operations and what are their special characteristics?

High demolition operations involve the use of specific machines, constructed to carry out specialised demolitions of buildings and structures of high elevation, known as high reach demolition excavators or demolition excavators with high reach arms.

In this sense, a high reach demolition excavator is an excavator designed to operate high reach work equipment.

High reach work equipment is a multi-piece rigid, pin jointed or telescopic equipment with the primary function of carrying and operating bespoke attachments for the task being carried out in the demolition of structures at heights that cannot be reached by standard backhoe work equipment.

To enable this, high reach excavators have a particular boom specific for this type of machines. Typically, the operating height of the attachment on a high reach demolition excavator is above 20 m and they can reach more than 60 m. For its part, the operating weight is from 23 to 200 tons.

Generally, a high reach demolition base machine can be fitted with a wide range of interchangeable work equipment to allow it to carry out many different applications, but the manufacturer’s guide must be reviewed to clarify the size and weight of attachments that the machine can handle at full working height.

It must be taken into account that for machines with weight and operating length like these ones, it is always necessary to carefully choose the location and setup considering ground conditions, piping or cellars location, public areas, etc.

It is also important to be aware that high reach demolition excavators always have special limitations for attachments weight and features, and that the allowed attachments depend on which work equipment is installed. In this regard, the manufacturer’s guide must be reviewed to clarify this issue.

High and ultra-high reach machines are not designed as cranes and should not be used to carry out any form of lifting duties. Care should be exercised, when cutting into structures, against retracting the arm with materials lodged in the jaws of the attachment. Pushing against a structure with the attachment should never be attempted.

Finally, it must be mentioned that these machines must be fitted with a Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) and a Falling Object Guard Screen (FOGS) cab to conform to EN ISO 3449 & ISO 10262 to protect the operator. In many instances, the machines may also be equipped with additional protective equipment including laminated glass.

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