Steelwrist ready to launch and demonstrate new products at Bauma on April 7-13, 2025

• Steelwrist will launch and demonstrate new products at Bauma 2025, including the XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotators and the SQ40 automatic coupler for compact excavators.

• The SQ40 automatic coupler allows quick and safe changes of hydraulic work tools on smaller excavators up to 6 tonnes, enhancing efficiency.

• Steelwrist's interactive stand at Bauma will feature live demo shows with three different excavators showcasing the new SQ40 and third-generation tiltrotators.

• The new TSX6 tree shear for excavators up to 6 tonnes will be introduced, offering efficient and safe tree-cutting capabilities.

• The third-generation Steelwrist tiltrotators feature advanced technology such as a LockSense safety system, OptiLube lubrication, and high-resolution sensors for enhanced performance and reliability.

• Steelwrist products now comply with the global Open-S industry standard for automatic couplers, with the Open-S standard a registered trademark (OS®).

As the Bauma week in Munich takes off, Steelwrist stands prepared to launch and demonstrate the company’s latest product developments. Two new models are added to the third generation tiltrotators, the XTR15 and XTR23, and there are big news for compact excavators in the shape of the SQ40 automatic coupler solution. The SQ technology makes changing hydraulic work tools easy and safe, and it is now made available also for smaller excavators, up to 6 tonnes. Steelwrist welcomes visitors to an interactive stand at Bauma, to experience the versatility and efficiency of the new products together with a wide range of excavator work tools.

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Stand: FN 1016/2.

Steelwrist participates at Bauma for the fifth time in the company’s history and welcomes visitors to a 620 sqm interactive stand. The stand, three times the size of the company’s 2022 appearance at Bauma, reflects the impressive range of product news that the company will launch at the exhibition. Located in the North-East outdoor area, Steelwrist is ideally located in the heart of the vast Bauma fair ground, surrounded by several major excavator OEM’s.

In the stand visitors can interact with Steelwrist team members from all over the world, see static products on display and experience the live demo show. The demo show features the third generation Steelwrist XTR tiltrotators in action, as well as the new SQ40 automatic coupler that brings SQ technology to compact excavators. Together with the machines, a wide range of work tools will be demonstrated, showing the versatility and efficiency of the Steelwrist product portfolio.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Steelwrist tiltrotators and efficient coupler systems in other exhibitor stands at Bauma. Several major OEM:s are showing their excavators equipped with different products from Steelwrist.

Eight daily interactive demo shows demonstrating efficiency for excavators

A highlight in the Steelwrist stand at Bauma will be the demo show featuring three different excavators equipped with solutions that improve the efficiency and versatility. Two compact excavators have the new automatic quick coupler solution, SQ40, on an X07 tiltrotator and an XR7 rotor coupler, that will share the same set of work tools. This will demonstrate the advantages of the Steelwrist SQ technology, now available also for compact excavators up to 6 tonnes. The SQ technology allows the operator to change between hydraulic powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab. The third excavator is a 15-ton machine with a Steelwrist third generation tiltrotator, the XTR20, that also features the SQ technology, and with LockSense safety solution on both the machine coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler.

During the 15 minute demo show a real job situation will be simulated by the excavators and the skilled operators will demonstrate the efficiency that can be achieved with Steelwrist solutions!

“Our demo show at Bauma is truly a must see as you will be able to experience how our Steelwrist developed solutions add value and transform the excavator into a true tool carrier. I am proud of all the hard work done by our team to prepare our impressive stand at Bauma 2025”, says Karl Serneberg, Steelwrist VP OEM Sales & Marketing.

Extending the SQ automatic oil connection technology with SQ40

Steelwrist extends its SQ technology to include the SQ40 automatic coupler (patent pending) for compact excavators. SQ40 allows for quick changes of high flow-powered work tools also on smaller excavators, providing the same efficiency as larger SQ couplers. This makes changing powered work tools easier and safer, as it can be done without leaving the cab.

Innovative couplings with high flow capabilities and a modular design

Significant development efforts have gone into the design of the new SQ40 automatic coupler and one very critical criteria was to ensure the flow required to power demanding hydraulic work tools. The SQ40 coupler is optimized to achieve a flow of 70 l/min thanks to a new and innovative coupling that provides 40 percent more flow area compared to a standard 3/8” coupling.

Thanks to a modular design, with significantly reduced number of components, it is easy to upgrade machine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from S to SQ. The male SQ couplings on the work tool are integrated in the shaft, and by replacing the shaft the upgrade can be done in a very easy way. This also means that hose routing is very flexible, and can be adapted to a wide range of hydraulic work tools.

SQ40 follows the symmetrical standard for S40, which means existing work tools with this interface are compatible and the customer can use these directly without any expensive adaptations.

“I have myself been running the SQ40 size for over a year on my own excavator and I am really looking forward to presenting the SQ40 solution which will bring efficiency to new levels also for the smaller excavators. I welcome everyone to come to the Steelwrist stand at Bauma and see first hand our innovative Steelwrist SQ40 technology in action”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.

Extensive range of powered work tools

SQ40 is accompanied by a complete range of work tools resulting in increased efficiency and versatility which convert also the smallest excavators into true tool carriers. The existing range of powered work tools with S40 are available also with the SQ interface. The Steelwrist HCX hydraulic compactors, MGX multi grapples, SGX sorting grapples, and other relevant powered work tools, are available with SQ40.

A new multi grapple, MGX4, is introduced, for excavators between 2 and 4 tonnes. It comes in between the smaller MGX2 and the slightly larger MGX6, which means that the Steelwrist range of multi grapples now consists of six different sizes. The multi grapple is excellent for use in general construction, heavy lifting, stone laying, sorting, timber loading, waste wood handling and light demolition. It is light in weight but still strong, and has a compact design.

Introduction of TSX6 tree shear for efficient and safe cutting

Adding to the range of powered work tools, Steelwrist is introducing a new product category, the tree shear. A tree shear on the excavator is a powerful work tool for cutting trees, branches, brush, and energy wood, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual cutting. It can be used in applications such as forestry, and to clear trees from power lines, roadsides, railways and canals. Using the tree shear is safer, faster and often more cost-effective.

At Bauma Steelwrist will present its first model, the TSX6, for excavators up to 6 tonnes, with both S40 and SQ40 interface. The Steelwrist TSX6 tree shear has a fixed blade and a powerful cylinder for the best cutting power and to ensure safe cutting. The two grapple arms are designed to give the best grip around the tree trunk. Thanks to the use of high quality steel the grapples are durable yet light in weight, minimizing wear on the excavator. The knife is located at the bottom of the shear to get as low to the stump as possible.

The excavator operator can cut and hold the tree safely using the tree shear, compared to the risks associated with chainsaw operations. The need for workers to be near dangerous cutting zones is eliminated. Installation and maintenance is easy, and learning to work with the tree shear is relatively straightforward. The TSX6 has the capacity to cut round wood up to 180 millimeters depending on the tree species.

“I welcome everyone to see the tree shear live at the demo show. It is an amazing work tool, with a simple yet effective design that makes tree cutting effortless. With the introduction of SQ40 we have made sure it will be possible to easily upgrade their Steelwrist existing powered work tools from S to SQ interface, without any welding required”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO.

Steelwrist XTR tiltrotators with advanced technology

The third-generation Steelwrist tiltrotators feature steel cast components, including the upper coupler, gearbox, and quick coupler below the tiltrotator. This design ensures maximum durability while maintaining a compact build and low overall height. The advanced tilt geometry, with optimized off-center cylinder brackets, reduces cylinder spread and enables high-torque, fluid movement, providing operators with precision and control.

All main joints in the XTR series feature triple-sealed, lubrication-free bearings, protecting against dust and dirt penetration. To further enhance durability, the OptiLube onboard lubrication system ensures automatic and optimized greasing, preventing wear caused by insufficient or inconsistent lubrication. Integrated into the tiltrotator control system, OptiLube provides continuous monitoring and notifies operators when it is time to replace the lubricant cartridge, eliminating guesswork and manual maintenance.

Steelwrist continues to lead safety innovation with LockSense, a patented, next-generation sensor system for indicating secure work tool locking. LockSense aligns with upcoming safety regulations and introduces a wireless design, removing delicate exposed cables. Operators receive both visual and auditory confirmations, guaranteeing safe work tool changes and enhancing job site safety.

The optional three-finger gripper, redesigned with a downward-angled position, extends the excavator’s reach and precision. Featuring a wide opening and near-complete closure, it ensures secure handling of objects across various applications. The robust design, including durable cylinder covers, guarantees long-lasting performance in demanding environments.

The XTR tiltrotators also come equipped with high-resolution tilt and rotation sensors as standard, providing precise positioning data to Machine Control Systems (MCS) for enhanced accuracy and productivity.

Modular design for upgrade to the Open-S compliant SQ

The new tiltrotators, as well as all other Steelwrist products, are available with interfaces following the symmetrical standard (S standard)/Open-S standard, which is the fastest growing standard internationally. Thanks to the modular design it is possible to upgrade the tiltrotator from S-type to SQ-type. Steelwrist SQ technology allows the operator to change between hydraulic powered work tools in only seconds – all without leaving the cab.

On the new XTR series, the upgrade from S to SQ is possible on both the upper coupler and the tiltrotator quick coupler without having to change the structural parts, as was the case on the previous models. A simple change of components will allow for the upgrade from S to SQ. This is both less time consuming and more economical for the customer.

All Steelwrist SQ products follow the global Open-S industry standard for automatic couplers for excavators. The ambition with the global Open-S industry standard is to give machine operators and contractors the freedom to combine machine couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from different manufacturers that follow the standard.

“Our XTR generation of tiltrotators represents a leap forward in performance and reliability and with features like LockSense, OptiLube, more tilt and rotation torque and easy upgradeability, we show our continued commitment to improving excavator efficiency. All the experience we gained over our first 20 years in business has gone into the development of our XTR tiltrotators, and I am extremely proud of what the team has accomplished”, says Markus Nilsson, Steelwrist CTO.

Open-S – now a registered trademark, OS®

As a founding member of the Open-S Alliance organization, Steelwrist is also presenting several Open-S compliant product combinations in the stand at Bauma. The Open-S Alliance is an independent organization that develops and promotes the global Open-S industry standard for automatic couplers for excavators. The Open-S standard is now a registered trademark (OS®). This means that you from now on will see Steelwrist product names include the trademark in the model name, for example an SQ coupler: SQ60-5 (OS®60-5), for products that comply with the Open-S standard.