Demolition Shears

What are demolition shears?

Demolition shears cut steel sections, plate, pipe and mixed structural metal. Their performance depends on jaw geometry, blade condition, hydraulic power and the size and shape of the material being cut.

This guide is intended as a practical starting point for comparing attachment types. Final compatibility always depends on the exact carrier, mounting interface, hydraulic setup, operating weight and the manufacturer limits for the complete configuration.

Common types and configurations

• Mobile demolition shears are mounted on excavators for structural dismantling and scrap reduction.
• Rotating shears allow the jaw to be aligned with beams, columns and plate from different machine positions.
• Scrap-processing versions emphasise repeated cutting cycles and wear protection in recycling yards.

Names vary between markets and manufacturers. Compare the working principle and rated limits rather than assuming two products with the same general name are interchangeable.

Selection criteria

Material profile

I-beams, plate, rebar bundles and pipe place different demands on jaw shape and piercing tip geometry.

Blade length and opening

The material must fit into the productive cutting zone rather than only inside the maximum opening.

Hydraulic supply

Check required flow and pressure, plus return and rotation circuits where fitted.

Carrier stability

Long-reach demolition work can make attachment mass more critical than ground-level scrap processing.

Serviceability

Replaceable blades, piercing tips and protected cylinders reduce downtime in abrasive work.

Working setup

• Position the material deep into the jaw where the manufacturer specifies the effective cutting zone.
• Avoid using the shear as a pry bar or hammer.
• Support loose sections so cut material cannot swing unpredictably toward the carrier.

Plan the work area, machine position and material movement before starting. Attachment productivity depends on a stable carrier, correct operator technique and a setup that keeps hoses, couplers and structures away from avoidable impact.

Carrier and hydraulic compatibility

Check the carrier operating weight, lifting chart or rated capacity, approved mounting interface, auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure, return-line requirements and electrical controls where applicable. Include the attachment, coupler, rotator, adapter and carried material when assessing the complete working load.

A physical connection does not prove compatibility. Use the attachment and carrier documentation for the exact models and configuration.

Maintenance and wear checks

• Check blade gaps, fasteners, piercing tip wear and jaw alignment frequently.
• Inspect hoses and the rotator after contact with sharp steel edges.
• Follow the specified procedure for blade turning, shimming and replacement.

Short daily inspections are particularly valuable on attachments because pins, wear edges, hoses and working tools are exposed directly to impact, contamination and abrasive material.

Questions before choosing

Can one shear cut every type of steel?

No. Capacity varies with profile, thickness, steel grade and where the material sits in the jaw.

Why are blades adjustable?

Correct blade clearance supports efficient cutting and limits damaging side loads.

Is a rotating shear always heavier?

Rotation adds components and usually some weight, so carrier checks remain important.

Before ordering

Ask for the dimensional drawing, attachment weight, rated capacities, hydraulic requirements, mounting information, wear-part list and service intervals. Confirm how the attachment changes the carrier working envelope and whether additional guarding, case drain, electrical control, pressure limitation or hose routing is required.

The related machine, application and category guides shown with this page can be used to compare alternative attachment families for the same job.