18–30 Tonne Rotating Excavator Tree Shear – 450mm Cut

The 18–30 tonne rotating excavator tree shear is the largest rotating shear in the range. It cuts hardwood up to 440mm thick in one motion, opens to 1153mm and turns through 360°, so you can handle big timber at any angle from the cab.

Like the fixed version, it uses a single hydraulic ram with a grab-to-cut action and a bolt-on, replaceable Hardox® HB500 blade. The jaw keeps hold of each stem after the cut, and the rotator lets you lay it down exactly where you want it.

The shear is supplied to fit your quick hitch or to pin straight onto the dipper with removable pins. Because the rotator needs its own hydraulic supply, send us your machine, hitch and hydraulic details before ordering and we'll confirm the setup.

Key Features

• Built for 18–30 tonne excavators
• Bolt-on, radial, piston-driven 360° hydraulic rotator
• 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
• Turn the blade vertical to de-limb without remounting the shear
• Doubles as a hydraulic grab for timber, poles and fence posts
• Supplied to fit your quick hitch or pin-on with removable pins

18–30 Tonne Rotating Tree Shear Specifications

Why Choose a Rotating Tree Shear?

A fixed shear can only cut at the angle the dipper presents it. The rotator turns the whole shear through 360°, which pays off when you are:

• Cutting leaning or angled stems
• Working in tight spots between trees, fences or buildings
• De-limbing branches with the blade turned vertical
• Laying cut stems in line for stacking or collection
• Cutting along boundaries without constantly repositioning the machine

If most of your work is cutting at the base and you want to keep the cost down, the 18–30 tonne fixed tree shear uses the same shear without the rotator.

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

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's single ram runs off your excavator's existing double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum working pressure of 320 bar. The rotator also needs a hydraulic supply, and the way that is arranged depends on your machine and hitch. Send us details or photos of your hydraulic connections before ordering, and 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 Rotating Tree Shear FAQs

Why choose a rotating tree shear?

The rotator turns the shear through 360°, so you can match the blade to leaning or angled stems, cut in tight spots and de-limb without repositioning the machine or remounting the shear.

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.

What hydraulics does it need?

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 is arranged depends on your machine, so send us your hydraulic details and we'll confirm the setup before you order.

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.

Can I use it as a grab?

Yes. It doubles as a hydraulic grab for moving cut timber, positioning poles and placing fence posts, and the rotator makes it easy to lay timber in line for stacking.

Other Sizes

For a smaller machine, see the 10–22 tonne rotating 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.