Demolition and scrap recycling operations need powerful tools to cut through thick metal. Traditional cutting methods like torches are slow and pose fire risks on busy sites. A hydraulic attachment that mounts directly to an excavator arm offers a safer, faster alternative. A metal shear for excavators delivers high cutting force for steel, rebar, and structural metal work. The attachment uses hydraulic power from the host machine to drive sharp cutting blades. Demolition contractors and scrap yards use these shears to process metal waste efficiently. YG Machinery manufactures excavator shears for 5- to 50-ton machines across five models.
| Weight (kg) | 620 | 1413 | 2200 | 2977 | 4052 |
| Max. Open Size (mm) | 334.4 | 540 | 500 | 660 | 801 |
| Width (mm) | 864 | 1175 | 1370 | 1600 | 1700 |
| Height (mm) | 1521 | 2050 | 2380 | 2600 | 2700 |
| Effective Shear Depth (mm) | 286 | 348 | 486 | 578 | 736 |
| Rotating Way | 360° Collision | 360° Hydraulic | 360° Hydraulic | 360° Hydraulic | 360° Hydraulic |
| Working Pressure (Bar) | 235 | 300 | 320 | 320 | 320 |
| Bottom Shear Force (T) | 81.2 | 138.2 | 171.2 | 330.2 | 387.2 |
| Medium Shear Force (T) | 50.2 | 80.2 | 100.2 | 189.2 | 218.2 |
| Tip Shear Force (T) | 32.2 | 53.2 | 75.2 | 127.2 | 147.2 |
| Applied Excavator Weight (T) | 5-9 | 10-19 | 20-25 | 28-35 | 38-50 |
Get Factory Quote | WhatsApp/Tel: +86 183 3715 2861
How Does a Metal Shear for Excavator Cut Through Thick Steel?
Hydraulic Cutting Mechanism
The shear attachment uses two sharp steel blades that close like a powerful pair of scissors. Hydraulic cylinders generate enormous force to drive the moving blade against the fixed jaw. Material placed between the blades gets cut cleanly with minimal deformation. The bottom section of the jaw delivers the highest cutting force for thick metal sections. Operators position the material in the right jaw zone for each cut.
360-Degree Rotation System
All models feature full 360-degree rotation for precise positioning around the work area. Smaller YG-620 uses collision-type rotation, while larger models use hydraulic rotation. The rotation allows the operator to align the blades with the material without repositioning the excavator. This feature speeds up work on demolition sites with mixed material orientations. Rotation speed and direction are controlled from the excavator cabin.
Mounting and Power Source
The shear mounts to the excavator arm using standard quick hitch or pin connection points. It draws hydraulic power from the existing auxiliary circuit on the host machine. Working pressure ranges from 235 bar on small models to 320 bar on the largest unit. Installation typically takes a few hours with basic mechanical tools on site. Most modern excavators already have the required auxiliary hydraulic connections.
Top Features That Make Our Metal Shear for Excavator Stand Out
Five Models for All Excavator Sizes
YG offers five shear models covering excavators from 5 tons to 50 tons in weight.
- YG-620 fits mini excavators for light scrap and small structure work.
- YG-1413 and YG-2200 serve general demolition and medium scrap processing.
- YG-2977 and YG-4052 handle heavy industrial demolition and large scrap yards.
- Bottom shear force ranges from 81.2 tons to 387.2 tons across the model range.
- Each model is weight-balanced for stable operation on its matching excavator class.
High Cutting Force and Precision
These shears deliver powerful cutting performance with three force measurement zones on each jaw.
- Bottom zone produces maximum force for cutting the thickest steel beams and columns.
- Medium zone handles general cutting of pipes, angles, and medium structural steel.
- Tip zone provides precise cutting for thinner sheet metal and rebar sections.
- The sharp blades produce clean cuts with minimal burr or deformation on cut surfaces.
- Effective shear depth reaches 736mm on the largest YG-4052 model.
Durable Construction for Heavy Use
The shear body is built from high-strength wear-resistant steel for long service life.
- The jaw uses hardened steel blades that can be reversed or replaced when worn.
- Pivot pins are heat-treated and precision-ground for smooth, long-lasting operation.
- Hydraulic cylinders have robust piston rods and seals rated for high pressure.
- Protective guards shield hydraulic hoses from flying debris during demolition work.
- All wear parts are standard sizes and available from stock for fast replacement.
Real-World Metal Shear for Excavator Applications
Building Demolition
Excavator demolition shears are essential tools for tearing down steel-framed buildings.
- They cut through steel beams, columns, and rebar during building teardown projects.
- The shear can reduce large steel sections into manageable pieces for easier removal.
- It works well on mixed demolition sites with both concrete and steel components.
- The 360-degree rotation lets operators reach metal at awkward angles from one position.
- Cutting produces less noise and vibration than hydraulic breaker impact methods.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap yards and metal recycling facilities use these shears to process large metal pieces.
- They cut heavy steel scrap, car bodies, and industrial machinery into furnace-ready sizes.
- Sheared metal commands higher prices because it melts more efficiently in furnaces.
- The attachment processes mixed scrap by separating steel from other materials on site.
- High production speed helps yards process incoming scrap faster for resale.
- Different jaw sizes match the typical material sizes at each recycling operation.
Industrial Dismantling Work
Large industrial facilities use heavy shears for plant dismantling and equipment removal.
- Plant decommissioning projects cut through pipes, tanks, and structural steel frames.
- The shear handles high-strength steel used in bridges and heavy industrial equipment.
- On-site cutting reduces transport costs by reducing scrap volume before hauling.
- Excavator-mounted shears reach elevated work areas that ground tools cannot access.
How to Choose the Right Excavator Demolition Shears for Your Job
Selecting the correct shear size ensures optimal performance and machine longevity.
Match Shear to Excavator Weight
The most important rule is to match the shear weight to your excavator size class.
- A shear that is too heavy will overload the excavator arm and reduce stability.
- An undersized shear will not deliver enough cutting force for your material.
- YG models are precisely calibrated for specific excavator weight ranges.
- Our technical team reviews your machine specifications before recommending a model.
- We also check hydraulic flow and pressure compatibility for your equipment.
Consider Your Primary Application
The type of work you do most often influences which shear features matter most.
- General demolition needs a balance of cutting force and jaw opening size.
- Scrap processing benefits from faster cycle times and larger jaw openings.
- Heavy structural work requires the highest bottom shear force available.
- Rebar and thin metal cutting works well with precise tip cutting performance.
- Rotation type depends on the daily usage intensity of your operation.
Total Cost of Ownership
Beyond purchase price, consider operating costs and maintenance requirements.
- Blade replacement is the main consumable cost for shear attachments.
- Reversible blades double their service life before replacement is needed.
- Quality hydraulic seals prevent oil leakage and reduce downtime on site.
- A reliable hydraulic shear factory provides genuine spare parts at fair prices.
- Proper maintenance extends shear service life to many thousands of hours.
Hydraulic Shear for Sale: Quito Factory Demolition Case Study
In 2025, a demolition contractor in Quito, Ecuador, won an old factory teardown contract. The site included several steel-frame buildings plus large storage tanks and pipework. The company owned a 22-ton excavator but lacked a dedicated metal cutting attachment. Their previous method using oxy-fuel torches was slow and created fire safety concerns.
The project manager searched online for a hydraulic shear for sale and contacted YG Machinery. After reviewing the excavator specifications and project requirements, our team recommended the YG-2200 model. This shear matched their 22-ton machine perfectly and delivered 171.2 tons of bottom shear force. The unit was shipped from China to Guayaquil port and transported by truck to Quito.
Project Execution
- Installation took half a day using the excavator’s existing quick hitch connection.
- The operator learned basic shear controls within two hours of hands-on training.
- The shear cut through 25mm thick steel beams and 100mm diameter pipes easily.
- 360-degree hydraulic rotation allowed precise positioning on each metal section.
- The crew processed steel scrap directly on site for loading onto recycling trucks.
Project Results
- Metal cutting speed increased by 400 percent compared to torch cutting methods.
- The demolition phase finished 12 days ahead of the original project schedule.
- No fire incidents occurred because the shear uses cold cutting technology.
- The contractor ordered a second shear for their 35-ton excavator fleet.
The company now uses the shear for all their steel demolition and scrap processing work. They estimate the attachment paid for itself within the first five months of operation.
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FAQ About Excavator Demolition Shears
A1: The required excavator size depends on the shear model and its weight. YG-620 fits 5 to 9 ton mini excavators for light work. YG-2200 needs a 20 to 25 ton machine for balanced operation. Our largest YG-4052 requires a 38 to 50 ton excavator for stability. Our team can match the right shear model to your existing excavator fleet.
A2: Blade life depends on the type of material cut and daily operating hours. Cutting soft scrap steel gives the longest blade service life. Hardened steel and abrasive materials cause faster blade edge wear. On average, blades last 600 to 1500 hours of cutting operation. Most YG shear blades are reversible, effectively doubling their total service life.
A3: Yes, the shear runs on standard excavator auxiliary hydraulic circuits. Each model requires a specific oil flow and working pressure range. Most modern excavators already have suitable auxiliary line installations. Our team provides flow and pressure specifications before you place an order. We can also supply additional valve kits if your machine needs modification.
A4: Regular maintenance includes checking hydraulic oil levels and inspecting blade condition. Pivot pins need greasing every 40 to 50 hours of cutting operation. The hydraulic filter should be replaced according to your excavator service schedule. Blade bolts and jaw alignment should be checked weekly for proper tension. We provide a detailed maintenance manual with every shear we sell.
Get Factory Quote | WhatsApp/Tel: +86 183 3715 2861
YG Machinery: Your Trusted Metal Shear for Excavator Supplier
Manufacturing Quality
YG Machinery manufactures construction equipment attachments for customers worldwide. We build every metal shear with high-grade steel and strict quality control. Each unit passes full hydraulic testing before leaving our production facility. We use only reputable brand hydraulic motors and cylinder components. Our blades are made from hardened wear-resistant steel for maximum service life.
Service and Support
Our technical team provides installation guidance and operator training by video call.
- We keep a full stock of spare parts and replacement blades for fast shipping.
- Customers get factory-direct pricing without middleman markup on any model.
- Custom jaw sizes and mounting configurations are available on request.
- We offer blade sharpening and replacement services for all our shear models.
- Remote video support helps troubleshoot any operating issues quickly.
Request Your Free Quotation
Looking for reliable excavator demolition shears for your next project? Contact YG Machinery today for a free quotation and model recommendation. Tell us about your excavator size and typical cutting applications. We will match you with the right shear model and blade configuration. Email us at admin@yugongheavy.com or message us on WhatsApp at +86 183 3715 2861. Our team responds within 8 hours with pricing, delivery times, and full technical specifications.
