Steelwrist prepares for major product launch at the Bauma exhibition

Story Highlights

• Steelwrist
• rotor basculant Steelwrist
• tiltrotator
• Steelwriste XTR15
• Steelwrist XTR23
• standardul Open-S

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At the upcoming Bauma exhibition Steelwrist is all set to show visitors several new products designed to enhance excavator efficiency and versatility. Celebrating 20 years in business, Steelwrist continues to focus on innovation and product development, and introduces the XTR15 and XTR23 tiltrotator models as well as the SQ40 automatic coupler technology.

Continued roll-out of Steelwrist third generation XTR tiltrotators
In 2024 the first model in the third generation of Steelwrist tiltrotators was presented with the launch of XTR20. At Bauma 2025, the XTR20 will be followed by two additional models, XTR15 for excavators between 12 and 15 tonnes, and XTR23 for excavators between 19 and 23 tonnes. The XTR15 comes with S/SQ60 interface, and XTR23 comes with S/SQ70 or S/SQ70/55 interface.

Both new models come with all the features that were presented when the XTR20 was launched, with best in class tilt geometry, OptiLube onboard lubrication system, and LockSense, a state-of-the-art sensor based system to indicate if the work tool is securely locked. Common for all XTR models is that they are easily upgradeable from S to SQ interface. Naturally, the XTR tiltrotators have the low building height that is typical for all Steelwrist tiltrotators.

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), 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.