A drum cutter attachment for excavator is a hydraulic attachment that turns your excavator into a powerful cutting machine. It uses a rotating drum with carbide picks to grind through rock, concrete, and asphalt. Unlike breakers that pound and crack, this attachment mills with low vibration and high precision. If you need safer, more controlled cutting for your jobs, this tool is the answer.


Key Parameters: Choose the Right Model
Selecting the right drum cutter for excavator starts with matching specifications to your machine. Below are the exact parameters for YG models.
| Product Model | YG-X1 | YG-X2 | YG-Z1 | YG-Z2 | YG-D |
| Applicable Models | 6-9T | 10-18T | 20-27T | 30-40T | 45-60T |
| Machine Weight | 450kg | 550kg | 1100kg | 1250kg | 2450kg |
| Milling Width | 420mm | 650mm | 850mm | 950mm | 1150mm |
| Milling Head Diameter | 340mm | 450mm | 560mm | 660mm | 850mm |
| Number of Blade Heads | 40 | 56 | 64 | 64 | 60 |
| Recommended Speed | 95r/min | 85r/min | 78r/min | 75r/min | 55r/min |
| Recommended Flow Rate | 80L/min | 120L/min | 220L/min | 320L/min | 360L/min |
| Maximum Pressure | 35Mpa | 35Mpa | 35Mpa | 35Mpa | 35Mpa |
| Maximum Torque | 4700NM | 7000NM | 14300NM | 23300NM | 40300NM |
Always check your excavator’s hydraulic flow and pressure. The rotary drum cutter must match your machine to perform at its best. For example, the YG-X1 fits small 6-9 ton excavators, while the YG-D handles large 45-60 ton machines.


Main Components of a Drum Cutter
A drum cutter attachment for excavator is built tough. It has a few key parts that work together.
- Drum Body: Made from high-strength steel. It holds all the cutting tools and spins at high speed.
- Cutting Teeth (Picks): These are the “teeth” that bite into material. They are tipped with tungsten carbide for extra hardness.
- Hydraulic Motor: This drives the drum. It converts hydraulic power into torque. YG models deliver 4700NM to 40300NM of torque.
- Mounting Bracket: Connects the attachment to the excavator arm. Quick couplers make swapping attachments fast.
Applications in Different Industries
The rotary drum cutter is a versatile tool. Here are the main jobs it handles.
Tunneling and Mining
Excavators with drum cutters are perfect for tunnel profiling. They scale loose rock and shape the tunnel face. The YG-Z2 and YG-D models, with their high torque, are ideal for these heavy tasks.
Demolition
Use it to remove concrete floors, walls, and foundations. It cuts rebar easily without breaking the bars, making scrap sorting easier. The YG-X1 and YG-X2 are great for smaller demolition jobs.
Road Construction
Mill asphalt for repairs. Cut trenches for utilities like water and gas lines. The milling width (420mm to 1150mm) lets you match the job size perfectly.
Trenching
The drum cutter attachment for excavator is ideal for cutting narrow, deep trenches in hard ground. It is often used for laying cables or pipelines in urban areas where vibration control is critical.


Drum Cutter Machine International Customer Case
Contractors around the world trust YG drum cutters for their toughest projects. Here are their experiences.
Australia – Tunneling Project
A mining contractor in Western Australia needed to extend an underground tunnel through hard sandstone. The rock was tough, and they needed a clean profile for installing support systems. They mounted the YG-Z2 on a 35-ton excavator. The 23300NM torque cut through the rock with ease. The operator could control the cutting depth precisely, which reduced overbreak and saved time on cleanup.
“The YG-Z2 cut through sandstone like butter. We finished the profiling two weeks ahead of schedule, and the tunnel walls were smoother than we expected. The YG drum cutter was a game-changer for our underground work.”
Germany – Urban Demolition
A demolition company in Berlin was hired to remove a concrete wall inside an old hospital building. The hospital was still operating, so noise and vibration were major concerns. They needed a tool that could work quietly without disturbing patients or damaging sensitive equipment. They chose the YG-X2 for its low vibration and reduced noise levels. The 450mm milling head allowed them to cut precisely along the marked lines. They removed the wall section by section with minimal dust and debris.
“The city allowed us to work at night because of the low vibration. We completed the job without any complaints from the hospital staff or patients. The YG-X2 gave us the precision and quiet operation we needed for this sensitive site.”
Chile – Road Construction
A road contractor in the Chilean mountains was upgrading an old highway. The job involved milling old asphalt and cutting new trenches for drainage pipes. The ground was mixed with rocky soil that often wore down regular tools quickly. They used the YG-Z1 on a 25-ton excavator. The 850mm milling width covered more ground per pass, speeding up the trenching work. The carbide picks held up well against the abrasive material, reducing downtime for replacements.
“We cut our trenching time by 30% compared to using a breaker. The rotary drum cutter handled the rocky soil much better than any breaker we have used. It paid for itself in fuel and time savings within the first month.”
Inquire Now for Your Specific Pile Diameter
Drum Cutter Attachment for Excavator Supplier- YG Machinery
YG is a professional factory that makes high-quality attachments. We understand contractor needs. Our drum cutter attachment for excavator is designed for durability and power. We use strong materials and precise engineering. Each model is tested to ensure it can handle tough jobs. Whether you need the compact YG-X1 or the powerful YG-D, we have a solution for you.


FAQs
Q1: What is a drum cutter attachment used for?
A: A Drum Cutter Attachment for Excavator is used for cutting, grinding, and milling hard materials like rock, concrete, and asphalt in tunneling, demolition, and trenching.
Q2: Which YG model fits my 25-ton excavator?
A: The YG-Z1 fits 20-27 ton excavators. It offers 850mm milling width and 14300NM torque. Check the full table above for all specs.
Q3: How often do I need to change the teeth?
A: It depends on the material. For hard rock, you may need daily changes. In softer ground, they last longer. Check them regularly for wear.
Q4: Is a drum cutter better than a hydraulic breaker?
A: It depends on the job. A drum cutter offers more precision and less vibration. A breaker is better for primary demolition of large structures.
Q5: Can I use a drum cutter underwater?
A: Yes, many models can operate underwater with the right sealing. Contact us to confirm if your chosen model supports this.
Q6: What is the maximum torque of the YG-D model?
A: The YG-D model delivers a maximum torque of 40300NM, making it suitable for 45-60 ton excavators in heavy rock cutting applications.