KEMROC EK Chain Cutter, the Smart Solution: Clean Cuts. Zero Waste. Total Control
Wacker Neuson ET90 with KEMROC EK 40 | Trenching in Sandstone Rock in Italy
In the scenic region of Agrigento, Italy, a major trench excavation project for pipeline construction called for a reliable and efficient solution for trenching and excavation in sandstone rock. The project utilized the KEMROC EK 40 chain cutter mounted on a Wacker Neuson ET90 excavator, an ideal match for this kind of medium-scale excavation of a trench.
Site Performance & Excavation Results
The EK 40 chain cutter was deployed on-site in Agrigento to dig trenches for a pipeline project stretching across a variety of mixed stone conditions, predominantly sandstone with an approximate compressive strength of up to 40 MPa. Over several months of operation, the attachment demonstrated exceptional cutting consistency and material handling.
Beyond its low operating costs, the KEMROC chain cutter delivered superior trench quality. According to the Sales Manager – Stefano Leban, “With the KEMROC cutter, the material is reusable. That’s the most important thing. With the hydraulic breaker, you break it into uneven chunks, big and small, and most of it is waste. But with KEMROC, we grind the rock cleanly and we can use it right back in the trench. The cut is smooth, and the level and sides are done in one pass while excavating.”. The material produced was fine and consistent, allowing for immediate reuse as backfill, eliminating the need for imported material, and streamlining the entire trenching and excavation process.
KEMROC EK 40 Chain Cutter Specifications
The KEMROC EK 40 chain cutter is engineered specifically for high-performance trenching in medium-hard rock types. It features a robust 44 kW hydraulic motor, generating a maximum torque of 5,700 Nm, and delivers a cutting force of up to 24 kN. With a cutter width of 500 mm, the EK 40 is ideally suited for narrow trench excavation, enabling precise and controlled cutting even in tough geological conditions.
Designed as a rock cutting machine, the EK 40 is mounted centrally on a rigid frame and operates using a continuous cutting chain system. This configuration allows it to dig narrow deep trenches deeper and straighter than conventional tools, reducing side forces and vibration on the carrier machine. With minimal wear, low fuel consumption, and optimized pick layout, this rock cutter excels as an innovative and lower operation cost alternative to both hydraulic breakers and traditional drum cutters.
Why KEMROC Chain Cutter is the Smart Choice for Trenching?
The decision to adopt the KEMROC EK 40 chain cutter was based on its clear advantages over traditional hammer and breaker methods, with key advantage of eliminating over excavation and saving overall costs of the trenching project. The EK 40 delivered higher productivity per linear meter, reduced downtime, and cleaner trench profiles, all critical benefits in urban or infrastructure settings. Unlike typical stone cutting machines or drum cutters that rely on swinging motion, the EK 40 chain cutter provides a straight-line cut with minimal vibration, protecting both the excavator and surrounding environment.
Its chain-driven system offers unparalleled precision in pipeline construction, particularly where trench dimensions and cut quality are non-negotiable. As a trenching equipment solution, the EK 40 reduces noise and vibration, which is vital for work in residential or sensitive zones. The combination of low-maintenance operation, and the ability to use it on compact carriers makes it a highly versatile and economical excavator attachment.
With this successful application in Agrigento, KEMROC has once again demonstrated its expertise in developing innovative excavator attachments that redefine industry standards. For contractors seeking smarter ways to approach trench excavation, especially in soft to medium-hard rock formations, the EK 40 stands as a benchmark in performance, efficiency, and return on investment
Performance Highlights
This KEMROC chain cutter exceeded expectations in every performance metric:
- High Performance per linear meter: no over excavation, ideal for excavating deep, narrow trenches with precise profiles, minimizing trench width, reducing transport costs, and making the material produced suitable for reuse as backfill material.
- Efficient Trench Excavation: The EK 40 chain cutter delivered precision cutting at controlled depths and widths, producing clean trench walls ideal for pipeline construction and utility installations.
- Reusable Material: Unlike hydraulic breakers, which tend to pulverize stone into unusable chunks, the EK40 excavator attachment generated fine-grained material. This allowed contractors to backfill the trench using the same excavated material, dramatically reducing transportation and dumping costs.
- Smooth Operation: Compared to conventional stone cutting machines and backhoe attachments, the EK 40 offered a quieter, lower-vibration operation, ideal for urban and noise-sensitive environments.
Conclusion
KEMROC’s EK 40 chain cutter has proven to be an essential excavator attachment for contractors seeking an efficient, precise, and sustainable alternative to conventional trenching and excavation methods. Its ability to dig trenches in sandstone with minimal wear, reduced vibration, and high-quality output positions it as a leader in innovative and lower operation cost trenching equipment. Whether you’re dealing with pipeline installation, urban utility projects, or hard rock trenching, KEMROC’s EK 40 delivers the results you need, cutting costs, boosting productivity, and redefining what’s possible on site.