If you are searching for a KEMROC rock cutters, you have probably already seen how many models are available. The catalog is big, and it can feel like a lot on the first pass. The good news is that most civil and site contractors can focus on three core cutters that cover almost every trench, pit, and mass rock situation.
These three models sit in the T&C Contracting fleet and at Rock Hard Solutions. They are used daily, tested on real jobs, and supported with parts and rentals in Kentucky.
In this guide, we will walk through each of the main KEMROC attachments, explain where they fit, and show how they compare to hydraulic breakers.
The Three Core KEMROC Rock Cutters Contractors Rely On
EKT Drum Cutter – For Mass Rock and Wide Trenches
The first model to understand is the EKT Series drum cutter, such as the EKT 150. This attachment has a drum on each side and a gap in the middle. It is designed for:
- Mass rock excavation
- Very wide trenching
- Situations where you want to swing side to side and open up a broad cut
On the excavator, the operator swings the head as they move through the cut. That motion keeps the center slug of rock from staying in place and helps clear the full profile.
Drum cutters are also the most affordable entry point into KEMROC cutting. They cost less than other models and give you a solid way to move away from hammers on big rock jobs.
KRC Bullhead Cutter – For Versatile Trenching and Rock Work
Next is the KRC Series bullhead cutter, such as the KRC 110. This is the attachment that many contractors remember because of its slanted drums.
Key details:
- The slanted drums bring the picks together at the bottom of the cut
- That motion takes out the center slug of rock
- It is built for trenching but can also handle mass rock work
You can swing a bullhead cutter side to side like a drum cutter in mass rock, then move to more focused trench work without swapping tools. It is a smart choice when you want one head to cover both scenarios.
The bullhead sits in the middle on price. It is more of an investment than a drum cutter, but it gives extra flexibility across different types of jobs.
EK Chain Cutter – For Fast, Clean Trenching
The third core tool is the EK Series chain cutter, such as the EK 100. This model looks different right away.
You will see:
- A chain running through the drums
- Sprockets in the console that drive the chain
- A narrow cutting profile designed for trenching
This cutter is built for one main purpose: trenching as fast and as clean as possible.
Because the chain runs between the drums, it removes the center material and leaves you with a trench that matches the width of the head. In many cases, you can get down to around 28 inches wide with the right model and setup, which is much tighter than a comparable hammer trench.
When you need to trench and you are not in highly abrasive rock, the EK chain cutter is usually the fastest option.
How These Cutters Compare To Hydraulic Hammers
At first glance, none of these attachments look like a hydraulic breaker. That is the point. They do not work like hammers and they do not leave you with the same problems.
Trench Width and Backfill
With a hammer, the deeper you go, the wider the trench gets at the top. If you need a 24 inch or 36 inch width at 20 feet deep, you might be 40 or 50 feet wide at grade to reach that depth.
With a chain cutter, the trench width follows the head. If the cutter is 28 inches wide, your trench stays very close to that width from top to bottom. That means:
- Less over-dig
- Less material to backfill
- Fewer truckloads to move
You are no longer backfilling the trench with money.
Spoil Quality and Reuse for KEMROC rock cutters
Drum cutters, bullheads, and chain cutters grind rock into a consistent, smaller spoil. That material can often go right back into the trench or be used as roadbed.
Instead of dealing with oversized boulders that must be hauled or crushed, you get usable spoil as part of the cutting process.
Wear, Chain Life, and the Bullhead Option
Chain cutters are fast, but that speed comes with chain wear, especially in very abrasive stone like sandstone. The chain has pins and bushings, similar to an undercarriage on a bulldozer. Over time, they wear.
In hard rock, chain life is strong. In highly abrasive material, some contractors found they were wearing out chains sooner than they liked. That is where the bullhead design came in.
KEMROC developed the bullhead cutter to:
- Give contractors a trenching option
- Reduce chain wear in abrasive conditions
- Keep production high without replacing chains as often
In some cases, clients moved from a chain cutter to a bullhead. The trench was a little wider, but the money saved on wear more than made up the difference.
Picking the Right KEMROC Rock Cutters for Your Project
When contractors call Rock Hard Solutions about a KEMROC attachment, the first two questions are simple and clear:
- What are you doing?
- Trenching
- Digging a pit
- Cutting mass rock
- What excavator are you putting it on?
- Size
- Flow
- Carrier weight
Those answers will guide which model makes sense and which size fits your machine.
- If you are focused on trenching and your rock is not highly abrasive, an EK chain cutter is often the best choice.
- If you want one tool that can trench and still handle mass cuts, a KRC bullhead is a strong middle ground.
- If you are tackling big mass rock and wider cuts, an EKT drum cutter is usually the starting point.
Proven Attachments With Real Field Support
These three models are not just catalog items. They are actively working in the T&C Contracting fleet and at Rock Hard Solutions.
- All three are in use on real projects
- The shop in Kentucky carries a strong inventory of parts
- Rental units are available for contractors who want to test or have a shorter term need
The team at Rock Hard Solutions runs these cutters every day, so the guidance comes from real experience, not just a spec sheet.
Bringing KEMROC Cutters to More Contractors
KEMROC cutting attachments were developed in Germany and have been used across Europe and Asia for many years. Over time, the lineup evolved:
- Drum cutters as the original design
- Chain cutters to solve trenching needs
- Bullhead cutters to handle abrasive rock without heavy chain wear
Rock Hard Solutions built a strong relationship with KEMROC and now helps bring this equipment to contractors across the United States. The goal is simple. Put better tools in the hands of crews that deal with rock every day and support them with parts, rentals, and real advice.
Talk Through Your Next Rock Project
If you are trying to decide between these three KEMROC rock cutters, or you are looking for an alternative to hydraulic hammers, we can help you sort it out.
Call us for a quote and model guidance: (502) 305 8480
Visit the website for attachment details and demos: www.rockhardsolutions.com
Email the team: scott@rockhardsolutions.com
Tell us what kind of cut you need, what machine you are running, and what the ground looks like. We will help you choose the KEMROC drum cutter, bullhead cutter, or chain cutter that fits your job.
