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.
- 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.
Achieve clean tunnel cross-sections ready for immediate support installation
Built-in water jets and mist systems (Optional) reduce airborne particles during cutting, improving visibility and safety in confined tunnel spaces.
Safe for tunnel crews and ideal for night work in residential areas
Integrated rotation units allow the attachments to be precisely positioned for profiling walls, ceilings, and inclined surfaces with minimal repositioning.
Fine-grained output reduces transport costs and backfill needs
Durable picks offer extended uptime, easy maintenance
Planers and cutters function in ceiling zones and vertical shafts
Please select your area of application:
Watch Our Attachments in Action!
Main Tunnelling Applications
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
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
Chain CuttersMeasure: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 modelsDetails
KR range
Drum CuttersMeasure: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 modelsDetails
KRD range
Drum CuttersMeasure: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 modelsDetails
DMW Cutter Wheels
Cutter WheelsMeasure: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 modelsDetails
KDS Diamond Saws
Diamond SawsMeasure: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 modelsDetails
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 modelsDetails
- 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
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.
We are here to help! Fill out the form and our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or needs you have regarding our Tunnelling and Mining solutions. Whether you require detailed information, technical support, or a personalized quote, we're committed to providing the support you need to achieve success in your projects.
