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What is a hydraulic shear? Unlock the "steel blade" for engineering demolition and scrap metal recycling

Release time: 2026-01-04 14:06

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Introduction: In scenarios such as building demolition, dismantling of old vehicles, and scrap material processing in steel mills, have you ever seen a powerful equipment that can easily "cut through" steel beams, columns, and vehicle frame steel plates like scissors cutting paper? This is the hydraulic shear, the "king of cutting" in the modern heavy industry sector. This article will guide you through a comprehensive understanding of the working principle, types, and applications of hydraulic shears, helping you grasp the core knowledge of this high-performance tool.


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I. Hydraulic Shear: Definition and Core Advantages

The hydraulic shear, also known as the hydraulic shearing machine, is a hydraulic tool that can be installed on construction machinery (such as excavators and building demolition machines) or used as an independent workstation. It utilizes a massive hydraulic cylinder to drive two sets of high-strength blades to perform a closing motion, generating a shear force ranging from hundreds to thousands of tons, enabling cold cutting of metal structures or materials.

Compared to traditional cutting methods (such as flame cutting and blasting), the core advantage of hydraulic shears lies in:

High efficiency and strong force: The shearing process is rapid, with concentrated force, making it suitable for processing high-strength steel.

Safe and clean: Free from sparks, open flames, and dust explosion risks, with relatively controllable noise and vibration, making it especially suitable for complex or sensitive environments.

One machine, multiple functions: In addition to shearing, most hydraulic shears also have the functions of grasping, handling, and stripping, reducing equipment switching and enhancing operational continuity.

Precise and controllable: Operators can precisely control the cutting position and process, facilitating classified recycling and controlled demolition.


II. Main Types and Application Scenarios

According to the installation method and usage, hydraulic shears are mainly divided into the following categories:

Special hydraulic shear for excavators: the most common type, installed at the end of the excavator arm via a quick coupler.

Applications: Demolition of concrete structures and cutting of steel bars in buildings and bridges; dismantling and recycling of used cars and home appliances; pre-treatment and classification of scrap steel materials in steel plants.

Gantry/Crocodile hydraulic shear: Fixed or mobile standalone equipment, featuring a crocodile-like jaw for cutting.

Application: Professional scrap steel recycling station, used for cutting long strip steel materials (such as section steel, rebar) to regular lengths; fixed-length shearing after the scrapped car body is flattened.

Rotating hydraulic shear: The shear body can rotate 360 degrees, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments to the posture of the main machine.

Application: It excels in complex demolition projects where space is limited or precise multi-angle cutting is required, demonstrating exceptional flexibility.


III. How to choose a suitable hydraulic shear? Key considerations

Choosing a hydraulic shear is essentially about finding the best match for your "work task" and "main equipment".

Matching host (for machine-mounted shears):

Excavator weight and power: These are decisive factors. A hydraulic shear with excessive shear force can cause the main machine to move slowly and damage the structure; if it is too small, it cannot exert its efficiency. Usually, suppliers provide detailed model matching tables.

Hydraulic system flow and pressure: Ensure that the output of the excavator's standby valve can meet the needs of the hydraulic shear. If necessary, a booster pump should be installed.


Clarify work tasks:

Shearing object: Is it mainly steel bars, steel plates, profiles, or concrete structures? This determines the required shearing force (tonnage) and blade design (such as reinforced concrete cutting teeth).

Operating environment: Is the space spacious? Is multi-angle operation required? This determines whether to choose a standard type or a rotary type.

Pay attention to the quality of core components:

Blade material and craftsmanship: Made of special alloy steel (such as Swedish Handa steel) and heat-treated to ensure high wear resistance and impact toughness. The replaceable blade holder and blade design significantly reduce long-term usage costs.

Oil cylinder and sealing: High-quality oil cylinders and imported sealing components are crucial for ensuring continuous high-pressure output, effectively preventing internal leakage and external leakage.

Structural design: The robust box-type structure and optimized mechanical design can evenly distribute stress, avoiding cracking caused by stress concentration.


Conclusion: A hydraulic shear with precise matching and excellent quality can not only greatly enhance operational efficiency and safety levels, but also create additional value for recycling through efficient material sorting. It is not just a consumable, but also an important investment in productivity.