Volvo EC380DL + KEMROC KRD 165 Rotary Drum Cutter | Shaft Excavation Cutting Hard Rock | 50-70 MPa Rock Strength
In a landmark infrastructure project in India, a contractor has chosen the KEMROC KRD 165 drum cutter for the shaft excavation phase of a twin tunnel road project in India. Mounted on a Volvo EC380DL excavator configured with double pump flow, this heavy-duty excavator attachment was selected to tackle exceptionally hard rock formations, rated between 50 and 70 MPa, with precision and efficiency.
Application & Equipment Performance
The primary task involved the vertical excavation of a deep shaft as a preparatory stage for a tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation. Given the geological conditions of the region, the project called for a robust and reliable hard rock cutting excavator attachment. The KEMROC KRD 165 drum cutter excavator proved to be the ideal solution.
Within days of deployment, the KEMROC KRD rotary drum cutter attachment achieved exceptional productivity rates of 20–30 cubic meters per hour, impressive numbers for hard rock excavation. The KEMROC rock cutter not only ensured continuous production but also provided a significant cost advantage by minimizing wear and tear on the excavator and eliminating the need for blasting or hammer-based backhoe attachments.
Why KEMROC KRD 165 Was Chosen?
KEMROC has established a reputation as a leader in the field of excavator attachments, offering smart cutting solutions for a variety of excavation, trenching, and tunnelling tasks. The KRD 165 is a high-performance drum cutter specifically designed for rock cutting and profiling.
Its dual-drum configuration, combined with a powerful hydraulic motor, allows for aggressive penetration and efficient material removal, even in extremely hard geological formations. By pairing this rock cutter with a 38-ton Volvo excavator, the contractor ensured maximum torque, stability, and depth control, key elements in excavation and shaft construction.
What truly sets KEMROC drum cutter apart is its versatility. It not only excels in shaft excavation but will also be redeployed in the next stage of the project to perform precision tunnel profiling for the escape passage. This ability to serve multiple functions with the same excavator attachment significantly reduces capital expenditure and increases return on investment.
On-Site Support and Installation
KEMROC and Dozco India Pvt Ltd (a JV of KEMROC Germany & Dozco India) commitment to customer success goes far beyond equipment delivery. In this case, the drum cutter was delivered, inspected, and installed within a short timeframe. A certified service engineer ensured optimal machine setup, verifying hydraulic pressure at 350 bar and a flow rate of 340 LPM. Detailed operator guidance was provided to ensure proper pick rotation, hose cleaning, and cutter maintenance for sustained performance.
This customer-first approach is what continues to distinguish KEMROC and DOZCO from competitors in India. The team doesn’t just sell smart rock cutting tools, they partner with contractors, offering full technical support and on-site training to optimize application results.
Conclusion: Precision, Power, and ROI
The KEMROC KRD 165 drum cutter is redefining what contractors can expect from a drum cutter excavator. Designed for hard rock excavation, shaft excavation, and tunnel profiling, it operates with surgical precision while maintaining high levels of productivity.
As India accelerates infrastructure development, KEMROC attachments are increasingly being recognized as essential construction site excavator attachment for projects demanding reliability, efficiency, and innovation. From stone cutting machines to specialized excavator mining tools, KEMROC delivers smart solutions that turn complex excavation and rock cutting challenges into competitive advantages.