Tunnelling Solutions for Precision Profiling, Excavation & Scaling

High-performance attachments for profiling tunnel walls, enlarging drifts, cross passage excavation, and trenching—engineered for accuracy, safety, and low vibration.

Tunnelling and Mining
  • Cut Tunnel Profiles with ±10 mm Accuracy
  • Reduce Shotcrete Volume by Up to 25%
  • Excavate Crown and Bench Without Blasting
  • Lower Vibration Levels by More Than 70%
  • Reduce Overcutting in Drifts by 40%
  • Excavate 120 MPa Rock with Rotary Power

In modern tunnel construction, precision, safety, and adaptability are crucial—especially when working in constrained or geologically sensitive environments. KEMROC tunnelling attachments, including rotary drum cutters, chain cutters, and bullhead cutters, are engineered to handle tunnel profiling, drift expansion, and wall scaling with high accuracy and low vibration. These tools are also used in NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method): after blasting, KEMROC cutters help shape tunnel profiles, minimizing overbreak and reducing the volume of shotcrete needed. In fully mechanical tunnelling methods, our attachments are used to excavate both the crown and bench, offering a reliable alternative to drilling and blasting.
From urban infrastructure to underground rail, metro lines, and hydro tunnels, KEMROC solutions provide contractors with tools that optimize control, lower environmental impact, and ensure clean, profile-ready finishes without structural compromise.

Why Choose KEMROC Tunnelling Attachments?

Built for Tunnel Profiling with centimetre Precision

KEMROC drum cutters (KR, and KRD ranges) equipped with KRM Rotation units are purpose-built for accurately shaping tunnel profiles walls, arches, and ceilings. Their precise cutting action is ideal for NATM applications, where post-blasting profiling minimizes shotcrete waste and enhances lining efficiency.

Vibration-Free Operation Enhances Safety in Confined Environments

Unlike breakers or impact tools, KEMROC attachments cut rock via high-torque rotation, minimizing structural stress and preventing vibration damage to surrounding supports. This is essential in tunnels near active infrastructure or heritage zones.

Compatible with Mini to Heavy Excavators

From 0.6 to 125-ton carriers, KEMROC tunnelling attachments are compatible with nearly every excavator size—making them ideal for urban microtunnels, rail expansions, utility bores, and more.

Suitable for Soft to Medium-Hard Rock Profiles

With cutting strength optimized for rocks up to 120 MPa UCS, these attachments excel in sedimentary and volcanic formations, such as limestone, tuff, claystone, and marl—common in tunnelling across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Ideal for Mechanical Excavation in Crown and Bench Zones

In tunnels where blasting is not permitted, KEMROC cutters are used to mechanically excavate the crown and bench with precision—offering a cleaner, quieter solution for civil infrastructure projects.

Precision in Cross Passage and Tunnel Connections

KEMROC attachments enable accurate cross passage construction, especially where space is limited or excavation must occur near operational tunnels or sensitive areas.

Trenching Inside Tunnels for Utilities and Drainage

Chain cutters and bullhead cutters can be deployed for in-tunnel trenching, creating space for pipelines, cable conduits, or drainage channels with tight control over depth and width.

Key Features and Benefits
Tunnelling with KEMROC KDS Diamond Saw
01
centimetre-Accurate Profiling

Achieve clean tunnel cross-sections ready for immediate support installation

02
Dust Suppression

Built-in water jets and mist systems (Optional) reduce airborne particles during cutting, improving visibility and safety in confined tunnel spaces.

03
Low-Noise, Low-Vibration

Safe for tunnel crews and ideal for night work in residential areas

04
Rotational Units for Versatile Cutting Angles

Integrated rotation units allow the attachments to be precisely positioned for profiling walls, ceilings, and inclined surfaces with minimal repositioning.

05
Reduced Excavated Volume

Fine-grained output reduces transport costs and backfill needs

06
Replaceable Cutter Picks

Durable picks offer extended uptime, easy maintenance

07
Overhead & Vertical Cutting

Planers and cutters function in ceiling zones and vertical shafts

Watch Our Attachments in Action!

Main Tunnelling Applications

Tunnel Excavation
Tunnel Excavation by KEMROC Attachment

Tunnel Wall Profiling (Including NATM Finishing)

After blasting in NATM excavation, KEMROC cutters are used to profile the tunnel surface, smoothing irregularities and reducing the amount of shotcrete required. When mechanical methods are used, the same attachments excavate both the crown and bench directly.

Drift and Shaft Enlargement

Used for enlarging or reshaping existing shafts and drifts, especially in brownfield projects. KEMROC attachments allow accurate material removal without overcutting

Scaling of Loose Rock

Remove fractured or unstable rock from tunnel ceilings and walls safely with low-impact rotary cutters. Especially vital in weak or layered strata.

More Tunnelling Applications

In Tunnel Trenching by KEMROC EK Chain Cutter
Tunnelling By KEMROC DWM Cutter Wheel

Pre-Lining Surface Preparation

Before tunnel lining or support structure installation, rotary drum cutters provide a uniform substrate that improves adhesion and structural integrity.

Cross Passage Excavation

In metro and highway tunnel systems, cross passages are critical. KEMROC’s vibration-free tools allow for safe, accurate excavation between main tunnels—even in densely built or congested areas.

In-Tunnel Trenching

For cable routing, drainage systems, or utilities, KEMROC attachments provide clean trenching within tunnel corridors, minimizing disturbance to surrounding tunnel structures and reducing rework.

Compare KEMROC's Tunnelling Attachments

  • EK Chain Cutters - EK Kettenfräsen
    EK Chain Cutters
    Chain Cutters
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Ideal for precision excavation in soft to medium-hard rock

    • Suitable for drift enlargement, tunnel profiling, and trenching inside tunnels

    • Produces fine-grained material and operates with low noise and vibration

    • Performs exceptionally well in urban and confined tunnelling environments

    9 models
    Details
  • KR Drum Cutters - Querschneidkopffräsen
    KR range
    Drum Cutters
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Designed for accurate wall and ceiling profiling

    • Excels in civil tunnels, rail projects, and mechanical NATM excavation

    • Low-vibration operation protects adjacent structures

    • Compatible with side-shift and rotation units for hard-to-reach tunnel areas

    30 models
    Details
  • KRD Range Drum Cutters -
    KRD range
    Drum Cutters
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Purpose-built for vertical excavation in shaft sinking and deep tunnel access points

    • Delivers straight, clean cuts and high removal rates in soft to medium-hard rock

    • Essential for drop structures, tunnel access, and ventilation shafts

    9 models
    Details
  • DMW Cutter Wheels - DMW Schneidräder
    DMW Cutter Wheels
    Cutter Wheels
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Designed for precise trenching inside tunnels, particularly for utilities and drainage

    • Delivers consistent trench depth with minimal overcut

    • Central chain increases material removal rate and trench cleanliness

    12 models
    Details
  • KDS Diamond Saws - KDS Diamantsägen
    KDS Diamond Saws
    Diamond Saws
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Best suited for cutting reinforced concrete in tunnel linings or pre-cast segments

    • High-speed, low-vibration sawing ensures clean separation without structural damage

    • Ideal for cross passages, tunnel modifications, or demolition within tunnel structures

    5 models
    Details
  • KRM Rotation Units - KRM Rotationsmodule
    KRM Rotation Units
    Rotation Units (Support Tool)
    Measure:
    Applications:
    • Used to adjust the position of cutting heads in curved tunnels or against walls.

    • Boosts productivity by up to 50% during tunnel profiling and crown works.

    8 models
    Details
Reduce Overcut and Waste with KEMROC Tunnel Milling Solutions
  • Profile tunnel walls with centimetre precision
  • Cut soft rock formations without blasting
  • Shape vertical shafts using rotary cutting
  • Reduce spoil volume with fine-grained output
  • Work safely near sensitive support installations
Tunnelling

FAQs – Tunnelling Attachments

  • What makes KEMROC attachments better for tunnel profiling than breakers?

    Unlike impact tools, KEMROC cutters shape tunnel profiles with rotary precision, producing smooth surfaces and less overbreak, which is essential for lining efficiency and safety. Also, cutters help saving shotcrete.

  • Can I use these attachments for metro or road tunnel development?

    Yes. KEMROC tunnelling attachments are widely used in infrastructure projects, especially for metro lines, highway tunnels, and underground passageways.

  • Are KEMROC attachments safe for use in confined tunnel environments?

    Absolutely. The low vibration and low noise design makes them ideal for safe operation near live infrastructure, inside ventilation-restricted zones, and during night shifts.

  • What rock types can be cut with KEMROC attachments in Tunnelling?

    They’re optimized for soft to medium-hard formations (up to 120 MPa UCS), such as limestone, claystone, tuff, marl, and mixed sedimentary layers.

  • Do they work for shaft sinking or vertical tunnel development?

    Yes. Vertical applications are supported, especially with KRD models, which are designed for shaft and drop structure excavation.

Peter-Nashaat
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