Drum cutters are multifaceted tools that find extensive use in engineering and construction industries. They are indispensable for excavation and tunneling of tunnels and roadways, crushing road pavement, mining operations in open-pit coal mines, and contouring walls. Additionally, they are utilized across the steel, construction, forestry, and other diversified construction fields due to their adaptability and versatility. Drum cutters are highly sought-after tools for their ability to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in various construction projects.
Drum cutters are capable of excavating a variety of rock and soil layers. For rocks with medium and low hardness, such as weathered stone and tuff, the milling efficiency of the drum cutter can reach up to 25-40m³/h, taking into account the rock’s density and degree of fragmentation. In the case of concrete, the drum cutter can easily mill and excavate if there are no steel bars present, with an output of up to 40-50m³/h. Even if there are small amounts of steel bars with a diameter less than 30mm, a drum cutter can be mounted on an excavator of over 300 tons to achieve efficient milling and excavation.
The drum cutter offers several advantages such as low noise and vibration levels. This helps to prevent unfavorable situations like rock strength reduction, structural loosening, and local rupture caused by vibration during construction, which can lead to the collapse of structures. In tunnel construction, drum cutters can be used instead of expensive equipment like tunnel boring and shield machines, resulting in significant cost savings.
Drum cutters are highly effective in mining various types of rocks, including low hardness rock, weathered rock, and high hardness but structurally layered rock. Depending on the size and hardness of the rock, the milling volume of the drum cutter can reach up to 80-120 tons per hour. Moreover, the drum cutter can be used as a replacement for excavator construction while also ensuring environmental protection.
Drum cutters are broadly categorized into two types: transverse drum cutter and axial drum cutter. They also have two basic structural designs: gearbox transmission and hydraulic motor direct output. The transverse drum cutter has a horizontal direct output structure, with the motor directly installed in the rotating part. This design reduces the need for gear transmission links and requires minimal modifications, resulting in high strength and easy installation. Conversely, the axial drum cutter, also known as the tunnelling drille, has a horizontal proportional gear output, with the motor installed at the rear and driven by gears. It is less prone to oil leaks and requires less maintenance than other types of drum cutters.