The EC233 has a break torque of 340 kNm (240,771 lbf-ft), making it the market's most powerful tiltrotator built for excavators up to 36 ton (33 t), according to the manufacturer.

Engcon's new EC233 series tiltrotator is now in production. Engcon is a leading manufacturer of tiltrotators — a kind of tilting and rotating quick coupler for excavators.

The EC233 has a break torque of 340 kNm (240,771 lbf-ft), making it the market's most powerful tiltrotator built for excavators up to 36 ton (33 t), according to the manufacturer. The EC233 replaces Engcon's EC30, which has been serving Engcon's customers since the mid-1990s.

Engcon Development Manager Fredrik Jonsson said, "The EC233 tiltrotator for excavators in the 24-33 metric ton range is a fantastic product. Combined with our quick hitch QS70 and QS80, now fitted as standard with Engcon's automatic hydraulic and electrical coupling, EC-Oil, we have started taking orders on the EC233 already. We're expecting this 'tilty' to be very well received."

"Everything from first prototype to full series production has gone very well," said Jonsson.

The product development cycle was focused on destructive tests in which both stubs and fasteners were exposed to extreme overload in laboratory environments. Testing then continued on large machines.

"We always start by tensioning our test products in a powerful hydraulic rig where we control the overloaded forces with controlled forces. It gives us a clear picture of where any structural flaws may exist."

When the laboratory tests are complete, a number of prototypes are fitted to big excavators to enable further testing of how the tiltrotator operates in real life environments.

"Even though we have subjected the equipment to some serious pressure in a laboratory environment, things happen in real life that you can't always anticipate in the lab. It's everything from changing temperatures to an infinite number of torques that can't be simulated easily, but the EC233 has sailed through development," said Jonsson.

EC233 Quick Facts

• For excavators sized 26 to 36 ton (24 to 33 t)
• Tilt angle +/- 45 degrees
• Max. break torque: 340 kNm (240,771 lbf-ft
• Standard quick hitch QS70 and QS80
• Standard equipped with central lubrication, load valves on tilt cylinders
• Prepared for EC-Oil automatic oil coupling, with or without gripper

Engcon, has been manufacturing and selling its tiltrotators, quick couplers, control systems and tools for excavators throughout Europe and Australia for 28 years, and in North America for 11 years through dealers.

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