18–30 Tonne Excavator Tree Shear – 450mm Cut

The 18–30 tonne excavator tree shear is the largest in the range, built for heavy clearance with big crawler excavators. It cuts hardwood up to 440mm thick in one motion, with a 450mm maximum cut diameter and a jaw that opens to 1153mm.

It works with a single hydraulic ram and a simple grab-to-cut action, so lining up the blade is quick and forgiving and each cut takes seconds. The bolt-on Hardox® HB500 blade gives a sharp, long-lasting cut and can be removed and replaced when it wears. With few moving parts, there is little to maintain.

The shear is supplied to fit your quick hitch or to pin straight onto the dipper with removable pins. If you're not sure what your machine needs, send us your machine, hitch and hydraulic details before ordering.

Key Features

• Built for 18–30 tonne excavators
• Cuts hardwood up to 440mm in one motion, 450mm maximum cut diameter
• Bolt-on, replaceable Hardox® HB500 blade with a 25mm cutting edge
• Single hydraulic ram with a quick, forgiving grab-to-cut action
• Single-service attachment that runs off a double-acting hammer circuit
• Doubles as a hydraulic grab for timber, poles and fence posts
• Optional side brackets for mounting the blade vertically to de-limb branches
• Supplied to fit your quick hitch or pin-on with removable pins

18–30 Tonne Tree Shear Specifications

Headstock and Side Bracket Options

Choose the mounting option when you order:

• Headstock only: the standard setup, with the blade running horizontally for cutting stems at the base.
• Headstock + single or double side bracket: adds welded-on side brackets so the shear can also be mounted with the blade running vertically rather than horizontally. Ideal for de-limbing branches. Ask us which suits your machine and work.

Where It Works Best

This size is built for large machines and heavy timber:

• Large-scale land and site clearance
• Felling larger trees within the shear's rated capacity
• Clearing heavy timber ahead of major earthworks
• Woodland and forestry clearance
• Moving and stacking heavy timber and poles

Fixed or Rotating Tree Shear?

This fixed shear cuts with the blade running horizontally, which is all most clearance work needs, and it costs considerably less than the rotating version. With a side bracket fitted, it can also be mounted with the blade vertical for de-limbing. If you'll be cutting leaning stems, working in tight spots or changing the blade angle all day, the 18–30 tonne rotating tree shear adds a 360° hydraulic rotator.

Before You Cut

Check whether the trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order or sit in a conservation area, whether you need a felling licence, and that there are no active birds' nests before you start. Keep everyone well clear of the working area and watch for overhead lines. Our guide on how to use an excavator tree shear covers the checks and the cutting technique.

Excavator and Quick-Hitch Compatibility

Machine weight is only a starting point. Excavators in the same weight class can use different pin sizes, linkage widths and quick hitches, so please send us the following when you order:

• Excavator make and model
• Machine operating weight
• Quick hitch make and model, if you run one
• Pin diameter and pin centres
• Dipper width
• Details or photos of your hammer circuit connections

Our guide on how to measure an excavator for a new bucket shows how to take the pin measurements, which are the same for a shear. If you can't measure, send us photos of your hitch and we'll help.

Hydraulic Requirements

The shear is a single-service attachment: its one ram runs off your excavator's existing double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum working pressure of 320 bar. Connections vary between machines and quick hitches, so send us details or photos of yours before ordering. Don't assume hoses, couplings or installation parts are included unless they are listed on your quote.

Delivery and Ordering

Each shear is supplied to suit your confirmed quick hitch or pins. Delivery is usually within 7 to 10 working days, although factory lead times can change this. If you need the shear for a fixed date, contact us before ordering so we can confirm the current lead time.

18–30 Tonne Tree Shear FAQs

What is the maximum cut diameter?

The maximum cut diameter is 450mm, and it cuts hardwood up to 440mm thick in one motion. For anything bigger, use a qualified tree surgeon.

Will it fit my 18–30 tonne excavator?

Machine weight is the starting point, but excavators in the same class can use different pins, linkage widths and quick hitches. Send us your machine model, hitch details and pin measurements and we'll confirm fitment before the shear is supplied.

What hydraulics does it need?

It is a single-service attachment that runs off your machine's existing double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum working pressure of 320 bar. Send us details or photos of your hydraulic connections, and don't assume hoses or couplings are included unless they are listed on your quote.

Can I use it as a grab?

Yes. It doubles as a hydraulic grab for moving cut timber, positioning poles and placing fence posts.

Do I need the side bracket?

Only if you want to mount the shear with the blade running vertically, which is ideal for de-limbing branches. For cutting stems at the base, the headstock-only version is all you need.

Other Sizes

For a smaller machine, see the 10–22 tonne tree shear. Compare every size, fixed and rotating, in our excavator tree shears range. Clearing the ground afterwards? A root rake pulls out the roots and scrub once the stems are cut.