THE Scottish market has been described as a “highly important focus” for Kinshofer’s NOX cylinderless tiltrotator range.
With a range of models suitable for excavators with an operating weight from 3 to 25 tonnes, the manufacturer believes the Scottish conditions and knowledgeable plant workforce makes this a perfect area to target more business.
Carl Saliba, from Kinshofer Group brand marketing, told Project Plant, “We attended our first ScotPlant last year with quite a small stand to introduce the NOX, not really knowing what to expect – but we were astounded by not only the enthusiasm of the Scottish audience for the NOX, but also the awareness of the detail, demonstrated in the type of questions asked and the desire to embrace something a little different.
“They were an excellent audience – massively supportive of the concept of tiltrotators as a whole, genuinely interested in the particular benefits of a cylinderless design and keen to find out more, asking all the right questions – so it was a pleasure to be involved.
“Maybe being closer to Scandinavia does have something to do with it, but the level of expertise was clear to see! When you consider the amount of interest, plus the environment and particular terrain – forestry is obviously key for the region – so absolutely 100% it’s an area we will be looking to develop as far as possible.”
Carl said the NOX range offers all the flexibility and positive elements of traditional tiltrotators, but its compact design and lack of cylinders are what sets the models apart.
“We’ve developed the range to the point where it’s more in demand than ever before,” Carl said. “The TR11NOX was introduced this year and is starting to make inroads into the highly competitive 6-12t machine bracket and 2020 should see a similar effect with the introduction of the smaller TR07 unit.
“The operational performance of these compact units stems from the strength and reliability of the elliptic rotary actuator – low build height means a greater breakout force. There’s also no drop-off in torque across the tilting angle, so a smooth, consistent power output is generated – with no ‘stepping’ of the bucket as the load is transferred on tilt, for example.
“We found with customer feedback that the lack of cylinders in the design helps on a number of levels. It helps for accessing narrow and confined spaces. If you’re working above ground it can be less critical, but if you’re working below ground, that’s when the NOX really comes into its own.
“If you’re digging a trench or undertaking forestry work in confined spaces with plenty of opportunity to get rams caught or snagged, then we’re finding there’s potential for damage and resultant downtime. That’s also been an issue within other sectors, particularly rail. A lot of railway work is done at night and in very demanding environments, where downtime just has to be managed out wherever possible.”
Carl said rail customers have reported productivity improvements with the introduction of the NOX units. In terms of customer feedback, Carl pointed to the “low maintenance” aspect of the design, adding that users appreciate the “simplicity, robustness and uncomplicated” design.
Although tiltrotators have been an option for some years now, he believes being relatively fresh to the market can work in Kinshofer’s favour, as well as the fact tiltrotators are slowly being viewed as a necessity rather than simply a niche product.
“It’s a very competitive market, full of quality and choice,” Carl added.
“Everyone’s offering high quality to meet the demand, and with or without rams, they’re increasing in popularity and becoming an accepted part of the industry landscape.
“We may still be a long way from seeing a tilty on every machine compared to our Scandinavian neighbours, but it feels like it’s going that way.
“A clear driving force is the cost of ownership of the unit. While it may seem a significant financial outlay, and we’re very much aware these attachments come with a price tag, the performance advantages and the savings made over time, consistently prove their worth in the long run.
“I think operators have well and truly cottoned on to the fact that they get through a lot more work, they can take on a wider variety of work, and they certainly do represent the future.
“And it seems a lot of people are trying to take advantage of these benefits right now.
“We’re seeing a bit of a peak, which understandably, we want to capitalise on.
“Kinshofer is undoubtedly the manufacturer with the largest range of attachments specifically designed for tiltrotators, and can offer more variety and value when it comes to grabs, grading beams, compactor plates, hydraulic fork sets and Scandinavian-designed buckets for example.
“Taking into account the younger generation of operators, it’s just a natural and progressive step forward. There’s an awful lot of pride in the way individuals do their work – the speed, skill and accuracy of operators working with these particular products never ceases to amaze. We find as the younger generation really kick-in and take hold of the concept, and control systems and technological advancements continue apace, the opportunities for the NOX to play its part will get stronger still.”
