Tire Cutting and Recycling by excavator

Large tires are difficult to handle. They take up valuable space, are heavy to move, and can be challenging to transport in one piece. Cutting them into smaller sections with an excavator-mounted hydraulic shear makes them easier to handle, transport, store, and prepare for recycling.

A hydraulic shear brings powerful cutting performance directly to where the tires are located. Whether you work at a recycling facility, construction site, mine, or industrial site, an excavator-mounted attachment allows you to process tires on-site without transporting them to a separate cutting line.

Why Cut Tires for Recycling?

End-of-life tires contain materials that can be recovered and reused when properly processed. Cutting is often an important first step in the recycling process. Once a tire has been cut into smaller sections, the material becomes easier to:

• Handle and transport
• Store in a smaller space
• Feed into further processing and material separation
• Prepare for downstream recycling operations

The larger the tire, the greater the potential benefits of mechanical cutting. Mining tires and tires used on heavy machinery can be particularly difficult to handle with conventional tools, making suitable hydraulic cutting equipment a practical solution.

Applications: Where Are Tires Cut?

Tire Recycling Facilities

Cutting end-of-life tires into smaller sections is a common part of tire recycling operations. An excavator equipped with a suitable hydraulic shear provides an efficient way to handle tires before further processing.

Mining and Industrial Sites

Large tires used on mining equipment and industrial machinery require powerful equipment and durable attachments. A hydraulic shear allows tires to be cut where they are located, reducing the need to move oversized tires to a separate processing area.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Service

When large tires are removed from heavy machinery, they must be handled and transported safely. With a properly prepared work area and suitable cutting equipment, tire sections can be processed in a controlled manner.

Demolition and Recycling Sites

For contractors, a versatile attachment can offer advantages over equipment used for a single task. In addition to suitable tire-cutting applications, the same hydraulic shear can be used to cut steel structures, pipes, profiles, and scrap metal, depending on the material and model.

Yellow S Hydraulic Shears for Tire Cutting

Green Attachments' Yellow S series hydraulic shears are designed for demanding metal cutting, demolition, and recycling applications. They can also be used for cutting tires and other rubber materials when the specific tire type, construction, and operating conditions are suitable.

Key Benefits of the Yellow S Series

• High cutting force. Designed to handle demanding cutting applications and tough materials.
• Durable construction. Wear-prone components are made from Hardox 400 steel for demanding working conditions.
• Replaceable cutting blades. The bolted, reversible blades simplify maintenance and help reduce downtime.
• Long cutting blades. Provide a practical cutting solution for handling larger workpieces.
• Replaceable mounting bracket. Allows the attachment to be configured for different excavators.
• Speed valve on selected models. Helps increase working speed where this feature is available.
• Models for 2–130 tonne excavators. A range of sizes helps you find a suitable attachment for your machine and application.

The right model depends on the excavator, tire dimensions, tire construction, and the intended cutting application. Contact Green Attachments to discuss your requirements.

One Hydraulic Shear, Multiple Applications

A hydraulic shear is not limited to tire processing. Depending on the model and material, the same attachment can also be used for cutting:

• Steel structures during demolition
• Steel pipes and profiles
• Metal sheets
• Scrap metal
• Other recyclable materials before further processing

For contractors and recycling operators, a versatile attachment can provide more value throughout the year than equipment used for tire cutting alone.

How to Choose the Right Excavator Tire Cutter

The excavator's operating weight is only one factor to consider when selecting a hydraulic shear. The following points are also important.

1. Tire size and type. Passenger car tires, heavy vehicle tires, and large industrial tires require different levels of cutting capacity.

2. Tire construction. Steel reinforcement and other structural features affect the cutting requirements.

3. Excavator size. The attachment's weight and dimensions must be compatible with the excavator.

4. Hydraulic capacity. The excavator's oil flow and operating pressure must meet the attachment's requirements.

5. Working conditions. Consider available space, material handling, and safe working practices.

6. Further processing requirements. The cutting method should be appropriate for the next stage of the recycling process.

Always confirm that the selected shear is suitable for the specific tire type and application. Not every model is suitable for every tire.

For more advice, read our blog article: How to Choose the Right Excavator Attachment?

Safety First When Cutting Tires

Cutting heavy tires requires careful risk assessment and appropriate working procedures. Tires may move unexpectedly, and their construction can contain tensioned components and steel reinforcement.

Always remember to:

• Confirm that the shear is suitable for the specific tire and cutting application.
• Check compatibility between the shear, mounting bracket, excavator, and hydraulic system.
• Secure and support the tire to prevent unexpected movement.
• Establish a restricted work zone and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Follow the manufacturer's operating and maintenance instructions and the site's safety requirements.
• Ensure that the operator is properly trained for the task.

Frequently Asked Questions About Excavator Tire Cutting

Can you cut tires with an excavator?

Yes. An excavator-mounted hydraulic shear can be used to cut tires into smaller sections at a recycling facility or on-site, provided the attachment is suitable for the tire's size and construction and the work is carried out using appropriate safety procedures.

Which excavators are compatible with Yellow S hydraulic shears?

The Yellow S series includes models for excavators in the approximately 2–130 tonne range. Compatibility depends on the excavator's specifications, hydraulic capacity, mounting arrangement, and intended application. Tell us your excavator's make and model, and we can help identify a suitable option.

Can the same hydraulic shear cut metal as well as tires?

Yes. Depending on the model and material, Yellow S shears can be used to cut steel pipes, profiles, sheets, structures, and scrap metal. Suitability for tire cutting and other materials should always be confirmed for the specific application.

How do I choose the right hydraulic tire cutter?

Consider the tire's dimensions and construction, the excavator's operating weight, hydraulic flow and pressure, attachment weight, and working conditions. The required cutting capacity and the intended recycling process should also influence the selection.

Tell Us About Your Tire Cutting Requirements

Looking for a hydraulic shear for tire cutting and recycling? Tell us what types of tires you process and which excavator you use. The Green Attachments team will help you identify a suitable Yellow S model for your application.

Green Attachments Oy

Phone: +358 45 697 1644

Email: sales@greenattachments.com

Explore our Yellow S hydraulic shears or contact our team to discuss your requirements.