When working on tunnels, roads, foundations, demolition projects, or rock excavation, choosing the right attachment can directly affect construction efficiency and precision.
Rock drum cutter is a hydraulic attachment designed for controlled milling and cutting of hard materials. Compared with traditional excavation methods, it provides a more precise working method for projects that require rock shaping, surface correction, or material removal.
However, selecting the correct drum cutter is not only about cutter size. Operators also need to consider excavator weight, hydraulic flow, pressure requirements, torque output, and the specific working environment.
This guide explains how a drum cutter works, what specifications matter, and how to choose the right model for different excavator applications.
Before selecting a rock drum cutter, understanding the technical specifications is essential.
Different projects require different cutting capacities. The YGM series provides multiple models designed for excavators from small machines to large heavy-duty equipment. Hydraulic drum cutters can be mounted on various excavators and are commonly divided into horizontal and vertical types.
Model Range
Excavator Class
Weight Range
YGM 140
3-8T
200 KG
YGM 160-YGM 210S
10-25T
600 KG
YGM 240-YGM 280
20-30T
1600-1650 KG
YGM 350-YGM 400
30-60T
1700-2600 KG
YGM 800-YGM 1250
80-160T
5100-6000 KG
The product range covers different construction requirements, from compact excavators to large mining equipment.
Hydraulic flow determines whether the excavator can provide enough power for the attachment.
The YGM series covers different flow requirements, from 40L/min to 2700L/min depending on the model. Rated pressure ranges from 25MPa to 35MPa, while maximum pressure can reach up to 45MPa on larger models.
2. Torque Output
Torque affects the cutting ability when working with hard materials.
Different models provide maximum torque from 3000 N · m to 121400 Nm, allowing users to select equipment according to excavation difficulty and excavator size.
3. Cutter Head Design
The cutter head quantity varies depending on the model.
The available configurations range from 22 cutter heads on smaller models to 84 cutter heads on larger models.
Rock drum cutter works by using hydraulic power from an excavator to drive rotating cutter drums equipped with cutting tools.
The hydraulic motor transfers power to the drum head, creating rotary cutting movement. As the drum rotates, the cutters gradually remove material from the working surface.
Compared with impact-based excavation methods, drum cutting provides a controlled milling process.
The main working steps include:
The excavator supplies hydraulic power.
The hydraulic motor drives the rotating cutter head.
The cutter teeth contact the rock or material surface.
The attachment removes material through continuous milling.
This makes drum cutters suitable for applications where accuracy and surface control are important.
Choosing the right rock drum cutter requires balancing excavator compatibility, hydraulic requirements, torque, cutter configuration, and application conditions.
The YGM series provides multiple options for excavators ranging from 3-8 tons to 120-160 tons, with different flow rates, pressure levels, torque outputs, and cutter head configurations.
Whether the project involves tunnel construction, road milling, mining exploration, foundation work, or demolition, selecting the correct attachment model is the key to achieving efficient and precise cutting performance.
Contact our engineering team to choose the suitable drum cutter model for your excavator and project requirements.
