Rotating Excavator Tree Shears

Rotating excavator tree shears turn through a full 360°, so you can set the blade to match each stem instead of repositioning the machine. A bolt-on, radial, piston-driven hydraulic rotator lets you cut leaning trees, work in tight spots and lay timber in neat lines, all from the cab.

The shear is the same as in our fixed range, with a bolt-on Hardox® HB500 blade and a single ram that runs off a double-acting hammer circuit. The rotator needs a hydraulic supply as well, so send us your machine details and we'll confirm the setup.

Rotating tree shear Excavator size Max cut diameter Hardwood in one motion Max jaw opening
2–3.5 tonne rotating tree shear 2–3.5 tonnes 170mm Ask us 565mm
4–8 tonne rotating tree shear 4–8 tonnes 250mm 230mm 530mm
10–22 tonne rotating tree shear 10–22 tonnes 350mm 330mm 820mm
18–30 tonne rotating tree shear 18–30 tonnes 450mm 440mm 1,153mm

Cutting mostly at the base of straight stems? A fixed excavator tree shear does the job for considerably less. Compare every size and type in our excavator tree shears range, or send us your excavator, hitch and hydraulic details for a quote.
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Why Choose a Rotating Tree Shear?

A fixed shear can only cut at the angle the dipper presents it. A rotating shear turns through a full 360° on a bolt-on, radial, piston-driven hydraulic rotator, so you can set the blade to suit each stem. That pays off when:

  • Stems are leaning or growing at awkward angles
  • You're working in tight spots between trees, fences or buildings
  • You want to lay cut timber in neat lines for stacking or collection
  • You're de-limbing, with the shear turned so the blade runs vertically

If most of your cutting is at the base of straight stems, a fixed excavator tree shear does the job for considerably less.

Choosing the Right Size

Match the shear to your excavator's operating weight, then check the stems you'll be cutting against its capacity:

Allow for the rotator when matching a shear to your machine. It adds to the fixed shear's weight, which runs from 193kg on the 2–3.5 tonne model to 1,520kg on the 18–30 tonne model, so ask us for the exact figure for your size.

Hydraulics and Fitment

The shear runs off a double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum working pressure of 320 bar. The rotator also needs a hydraulic supply, and how that's arranged depends on your machine and hitch. To confirm fitment, send us:

  • Your excavator make, model and operating weight
  • Your quick hitch make and model, if fitted
  • Details or photos of your auxiliary hydraulic circuits
  • Pin diameter, pin centres and dipper width

Our guide on how to measure an excavator for a new bucket shows how to take the pin measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a rotating tree shear worth the extra cost?

If you're cutting leaning stems, working around obstacles or de-limbing a lot, the rotator saves a lot of repositioning. For cutting straight stems at the base, a fixed shear does the same job for considerably less.

How far does the rotator turn?

A full 360°. It's a bolt-on, radial, piston-driven hydraulic rotator that lets you set the blade to any angle.

What hydraulics does a rotating tree shear need?

The shear needs a double-acting hammer circuit at up to 320 bar, and the rotator needs a hydraulic supply too. Send us your hydraulic details and we'll confirm what your machine needs.

Can a rotating tree shear de-limb?

Yes. Turn the shear so the blade runs vertically and work from the butt of the stem towards the top.

How do I use a tree shear safely?

Our guide on how to use an excavator tree shear covers sizing, felling rules, site set-up and cutting technique.