In Saudi Arabia, scrap steel processing projects in demolition, industrial decommissioning, and urban renewal often struggle with slow and hazardous torch cutting, inefficient manual sorting, limited working space, and increasingly strict safety and environmental standards. Harsh desert conditions also push contractors to choose equipment with strong durability and a fast return on investment.
Hydraulic demolition shears mounted on excavators offer a more efficient solution. They deliver powerful cutting force, fast cycle times, precise operation, and safer flame-free performance. The YG Series metal shear for excavators handles demanding recycling and demolition tasks with stable, heavy-duty performance.
With extensive project experience across the Middle East, YG Machinery has earned recognition for reliable quality and dependable scrap processing solutions.
The Excavator Shear is characterised by its “high force, high speed, and high precision.” Compared to manual torch cutting, it increases efficiency by more than 85%, requires only a single operator, and can process tons of scrap steel per hour. The modular mounting system allows quick attachment changes, enabling one excavator to perform multiple tasks. With zero open flame, it fully complies with Saudi safety and environmental regulations, eliminating fire risks and simplifying site approvals. The 360° hydraulic rotation models offer unmatched precision for urban demolition projects, allowing operators to position the shear exactly where it’s needed—even in tight spaces. If you are interested, please contact us now for more product information.
YG Machinery Series Excavator Hydraulic Shear Parameters
| Item | YG-620 | YG-1413 | YG-2200 | YG-2977 | YG-4052 |
| 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 |
Interested in the equipment used in this project? View the product details here.
Case Study: YG-2200 and YG-4052 Hydraulic Shear for Excavator Used for Industrial Plant Demolition in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Client Background
A well-established demolition and recycling company based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The company specialises in industrial plant decommissioning and scrap steel processing for the Eastern Province’s oil and gas sector. Recently, it secured a major contract to demolish a decommissioned petrochemical facility in Jubail Industrial City—a project involving over 3,000 tons of mixed steel scrap, including structural steel beams, pipes, pressure vessels, and tons of tangled rebar from reinforced concrete foundations.
Previously, the company relied on a combination of torch cutting and a few older hydraulic shears. For this large-scale project, they needed equipment capable of handling the volume efficiently while meeting strict Saudi Aramco safety standards that prohibit open flames in certain areas. After evaluating multiple suppliers, it contracted with YG Machinery to purchase one YG-4052 Excavator Hydraulic Shear for heavy structural cutting and two YG-2200 Excavator Shear attachments for rebar processing and secondary sorting.
Problems Faced
- Extreme volume of mixed steel scrap: The decommissioned facility contained a wide variety of steel types—from heavy I-beams (over 30cm thick) to fine, tangled rebar. Processing this mix efficiently required equipment with both high shear force and versatility.
- Strict safety and environmental regulations: As a Saudi Aramco-affiliated site, open flame cutting was restricted in several zones. Any equipment used had to comply with strict safety protocols, including zero fire risk and minimal dust generation.
- High temperatures and harsh conditions: The project ran through the summer months, with temperatures exceeding 45°C. Equipment had to maintain consistent hydraulic performance without overheating or suffering seal failure.
- Tight project timeline: The demolition window was only 90 days. If any downtime were to occur, it might result in considerable penalties.
- Limited on-site space: The facility had congested areas with overhead piping and closely spaced structures, requiring attachments with precise control and compact operating profiles.
- Cost pressure: Al-Mutairi needed equipment that would deliver fast ROI while maintaining low operating costs, including minimal wear part replacement.
Solution: YG Series Excavator Demolition Shear Customised for Saudi Conditions
Based on this company’s specific needs, YG Machinery recommended a combination solution:
Primary heavy cutting: One YG-4052 Excavator Hydraulic Shear mounted on a 45-ton excavator. With a Max Open Size of 801mm and Bottom Shear Force of 387.2T, this unit handled all primary structural steel cutting—I-beams, columns, pressure vessel shells, and thick-walled pipes. The 360 hydraulic rotation allowed the operator to precisely position the shear for clean cuts, even in congested areas with overhead obstructions. The Effective Shear Depth of 736mm enabled single-bite cutting of large structural members, dramatically accelerating the demolition pace.
Rebar and secondary processing: Two YG-2200 Excavator Shear units mounted on 22-ton excavators handled the rebar processing and secondary sorting. With a Max Open Size of 500mm and a Medium Shear Force of 100.2T, these shears efficiently cut through bundles of tangled rebar that had been extracted from concrete foundations. The Effective Shear Depth of 486mm allowed operators to grab and sever multiple rebar strands simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual sorting and secondary torch cutting.
Climate optimisation: Recognising the extreme summer conditions in Jubail, YG Machinery customised all three units with:
- High-temperature hydraulic seals rated for continuous operation above 50°C
- Enhanced cylinder rod coatings for sand and dust resistance
- Upgraded hydraulic fluid recommendations for desert conditions
- Reinforced pivot pins with improved dust seals to prevent premature wear
Rapid deployment and training: YG Machinery provided on-site installation support and operator training. All three shears were delivered, mounted, and operational within 10 days. The training program covered proper cutting techniques, daily maintenance procedures, and safety protocols specific to the YG Series.
Comprehensive after-sales support: Throughout the 90-day project, YG Machinery maintained remote technical support availability and ensured rapid spare parts delivery to Dammam, minimising any potential downtime.
Usage Results
The Jubail demolition project was completed in 82 days—8 days ahead of schedule. Key results included:
- Processing volume: Over 3,200 tons of steel scrap processed, exceeding the original target by 6%.
- Efficiency improvement: Compared to torch cutting and previous shears, the YG Series units increased overall cutting efficiency by approximately 85%, with the YG-4052 capable of cutting through a 30cm I-beam in under 55 seconds.
- Zero safety incidents: With no open flames required, the project recorded zero fire incidents and fully complied with Saudi Aramco safety requirements.
- Operational uptime: Despite the extreme summer heat, all three shears maintained over 95% operational uptime, with no hydraulic system failures.
- Cost savings: This company reported labour cost reductions of approximately 60% due to reduced manual handling, and consumable costs (torch tips, oxygen, propane) were eliminated.
- Wear parts longevity: The high-grade wear-resistant steel used in YG shears performed exceptionally well. Blade replacement was only required after approximately 800 hours of operation—significantly longer than the client’s previous experience with other brands.
Customer Review
*“The YG Series Excavator Hydraulic Shear completely transformed how we approach large-scale demolition projects. The YG-4052 handled our heaviest structural steel with ease—cuts that used to take 10 minutes with a torch are now done in under a minute. The two YG-2200 units processed rebar so efficiently that we eliminated an entire sorting crew. Most importantly, they performed flawlessly in Jubail’s summer heat—no hydraulic issues, no downtime. The 360 hydraulic rotation on the YG-4052 gave us precision we never had before, especially in tight areas. YG Machinery’s support team was responsive and knowledgeable. We’ve already ordered two more units for our next project in Riyadh. I highly recommend these shears to any contractor serious about demolition efficiency and safety.”*
—Fahad, Operations Director, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Why Are More and More Saudi Customers Choosing YG Machinery Excavator Demolition Shear?
1. Unmatched Cutting Power for Saudi Demolition Demands
The YG Series Excavator Shear delivers industry-leading shear force across the blade—from tip to bottom. With Bottom Shear Force ranging from 81.2T to 387.2T, our shears handle everything from light rebar to heavy structural steel in a single bite. The optimised jaw geometry ensures secure material grip, preventing slippage that is common with round rebar or irregular scrap.
2. Zero Open Flame, Full Regulatory Compliance
Saudi Arabia’s safety and environmental regulations are increasingly restricting torch cutting on job sites. YG Excavator Shear attachments use purely mechanical force—no open flames, no smoke, no fire hazards. This simplifies site approvals, reduces insurance costs, and eliminates the risk of fire-related incidents.
3. Rapid ROI and Low Operating Costs
Compared to torch cutting, the YG Series reduces labour costs by up to 60% and eliminates consumable costs (oxygen, propane, torch tips). The high-durability design minimises wear parts replacement, with blades typically lasting 800–1,200 hours depending on application. Factory-direct pricing ensures competitive upfront investment, while the productivity gains deliver rapid payback.
4. Universal Compatibility with Major Excavator Brands
YG shears are designed with universal mounting brackets compatible with other major excavator brands widely used across Saudi Arabia and most countries. Custom adapter plates are available for seamless integration with your existing fleet.
5. Comprehensive After-Sales Support for Saudi Customers
With over 20 years of experience, YG Machinery provides:
- Technical consultation and application guidance
- On-site or remote installation support
- Operator training programs
- Genuine spare parts supply with fast delivery to Saudi Arabia
- Warranty coverage and responsive technical support
YG Series Metal Shear for Excavator Assembly and Maintenance Guidelines
Pre-Installation: Carrier Compatibility Check
Before mounting any Excavator Hydraulic Shear, confirm that your excavator meets the following requirements:
- Carrier weight: Must fall within the “Applied Excavator Weight” range specified for the shear model. Overloading or underloading compromises safety and performance.
- Hydraulic flow and pressure: Verify that the excavator’s auxiliary hydraulic system meets the shear’s Working Pressure requirement (up to 320 Bar). Insufficient flow will reduce cycle speed; excessive pressure may damage seals.
- Mounting bracket compatibility: Confirm that the universal bracket matches your excavator’s stick configuration. YG Machinery provides custom adapters if needed.
Mounting Process
- Position the excavator: Park on level ground with the stick fully extended. Ensure the work area is clear of personnel.
- Align the shear: Using lifting equipment rated for the shear’s weight, position the shear near the stick end.
- Insert and secure pins: Install the main pivot pin and link pin. Use high-strength bolts to secure all connections. Torque to manufacturer specifications.
- Connect hydraulics: Attach auxiliary hydraulic lines to the excavator’s auxiliary circuit. Ensure quick couplers are clean and free of debris before connection.
- Test operation: With the excavator at low idle, cycle the shear through open/close and rotation (if equipped) functions to verify smooth operation and check for leaks.
Daily Maintenance for Saudi Conditions
| Component | Daily Action |
| Pivot pins | Lubricate with high-quality lithium grease at all grease points. In dusty conditions, grease twice daily to flush out abrasive particles. |
| Blades | Inspect for wear or damage. Rotate or replace blades when cutting edges become rounded or chipped to maintain cutting efficiency. |
| Hydraulic hoses | Check for leaks, abrasion, or bulging. Replace immediately if damage is found. |
| Cylinder rods | Wipe clean of dust and inspect for scoring or pitting. Rod damage can lead to seal failure. |
| Rotation system | For hydraulic rotation models, check rotation gearbox oil level weekly. Listen for unusual noises during rotation. |
| Mounting bolts | Verify all mounting bolts and pins are secure. Vibration can loosen connections over time. |
Blade Replacement Guidelines
Blade life varies based on material type, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. Typical signs that blades need replacement include:
- Increased cycle times
- Excessive material deformation rather than clean cuts
- Visible rounding or chipping of cutting edges
- Gaps between blades when closed
YG Machinery stocks genuine replacement blades for all YG Series models. Using non-genuine blades may compromise cutting performance and shear structural integrity.
FAQs about Hydraulic Shear for Excavator
Q1: What maintenance is required for an Excavator Shear operating in Saudi Arabia’s high-dust and high-heat conditions?
Daily lubrication of pivot pins is essential to flush out abrasive dust. Hydraulic hoses should be inspected daily for leaks or abrasion. Use high-quality hydraulic oil with appropriate viscosity for desert conditions (consult YG Machinery for specific recommendations). Cylinder rods should be kept clean to prevent seal damage. With proper maintenance, YG shears deliver reliable performance even in extreme conditions.
Q2: Are these Excavator Hydraulic Shear models compatible with excavators commonly available in the Saudi market, such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Hitachi?
The YG Series shears are designed with universal mounting brackets that fit major excavator brands widely used across Saudi Arabia. YG Machinery’s engineering team can also provide custom adaptor plates to ensure seamless attachment integration with your specific carrier model.
Q3: How does the cost of using an Excavator Shear compare to traditional torch cutting?
While the initial investment in a hydraulic shear is higher than that of torch equipment, the operating cost savings are substantial. Torch cutting requires ongoing consumable costs (oxygen, propane, tips), multiple operators, and carries fire risk. A YG shear eliminates consumable costs, reduces labour by up to 60%, and dramatically increases processing speed. Most contractors report ROI within 3–6 months of regular use.
