Multifunctional special modification for Konrad Kreppold GmbH: When things get really busy on the construction site, precision and performance are required.
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ECHLE realises multifunctional special modification for Konrad Kreppold GmbH
When things really get going on the construction site, precision and performance are required. For Konrad Kreppold, a company based in Odelzhausen that has specialised in demolition and dismantling for 55 years, it was clear that standard equipment was not always sufficient for their work.
The goal was to create a multifunctional demolition and earthmoving machine that would meet the high requirements for reach height, flexibility and transportability. Together with conversion specialist ECHLE Hartstahl, a Volvo EC300 EL was converted into an EHD 300 demolition excavator tailored to the specific requirements.
The conversion focused on the construction of a new hydraulic boom change system. This enables a quick and smooth change between a demolition boom with a reach height of 18 m and an earthmoving boom, which is a decisive advantage for changing operating conditions. This means that, following demolition work carried out at height, the earthmoving boom can be used to sort the demolition material and for any earthworks that may be required. The boom parts can also be transported individually and delivered to the construction site as required. To make logistics efficient, roll-off frames and specially developed brackets are used for the booms, enabling the safe transport of the boom components by roll-off truck.
Stability was the second major requirement for this project. The original counterweight can be ballasted to ensure stability. However, it was also essential not to exceed the machine’s maximum transport weight of 32 tonnes in order to keep logistics as simple as possible and avoid the need for special permits. The demolition excavator was therefore equipped with a lifting device for hydraulically lowering the counterweight so that it can be transported separately on a truck.
Converting the standard undercarriage to a hydraulically telescopic one has two major advantages: when extended, it achieves a working width of 4,200 mm, which significantly increases stability, especially when travelling sideways. To further simplify transport, the undercarriage can be retracted to a transport width of 2,990 mm.
Modifying the cab into a lifting and tilting cab has optimised the view of the work, which can be a decisive advantage in demolition work. The machine operator can adjust the cab hydraulically and continuously, allowing them to maintain an overview at all times.
Further highlights of the conversion include:
- Delivery and installation of reinforced lifting cylinders
- Central lubrication system for all lubrication points
- Underbody armouring and steel ram protection profiles on the upper carriage
- Bucket cylinder protection and chain scrapers to protect against material damage
- Dust suppression system consisting of a high-pressure water pump and special water nozzles to generate a fine water mist at the tip of the boom
- Polycarbonate roof panel (FOPS) with roof hatch
- Hydraulic quick-change tool attachment
Since April 2019, the demolition excavator, which was converted within approximately 15 weeks, has been in daily use and is mainly used for demolition work in inner-city areas. “The machine is extremely reliable, and its flexibility and increased visibility of the demolition objects are invaluable. Compared to ‘large’ conventional demolition machines, the EHD 300 is significantly more compact and easier to transport, yet extremely powerful,” says Michael Kreppold, Managing Director of Konrad Kreppold GmbH. Even under the toughest conditions, the Volvo demolition excavator proves to be stable and efficient.
With this conversion, ECHLE has once again demonstrated its expertise in the field of customised special solutions – from conception and design to final commissioning.
