Tunneling Solutions for Precision Profiling, Excavation & Scaling
High-performance attachments for profiling tunnel walls, enlarging drifts, cross-passage excavation, and trenching—engineered for accuracy, safety, and low vibration.
- Cut tunnel profiles with approximately ±0.4 in accuracy.
- Reduce shotcrete volume by up to 25%.
- Excavate crown and bench sections without blasting.
- Lower vibration levels by more than 70%.
- Reduce overcutting in drifts by 40%.
- Excavate rock up to approximately 17,400 psi UCS with rotary power.
In modern tunnel construction, precision, safety, and adaptability are crucial—especially when working in constrained or geologically sensitive environments. KEMROC tunnelling attachments, including rotary drum cutters, chain cutters, and bullhead cutters, are engineered to handle tunnel profiling, drift expansion, and wall scaling with high accuracy and low vibration. These tools are also used in NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method): after blasting, KEMROC cutters help shape tunnel profiles, minimizing overbreak and reducing the volume of shotcrete needed. In fully mechanical tunnelling methods, our attachments are used to excavate both the crown and bench, offering a reliable alternative to drilling and blasting.
From urban infrastructure to underground rail, metro lines, and hydro tunnels, KEMROC solutions provide contractors with tools that optimize control, lower environmental impact, and ensure clean, profile-ready finishes without structural compromise.
Why Choose KEMROC Tunneling Attachments?
Built for Tunnel Profiling with Sub-Inch Precision
KEMROC Drum Cutters from the KR and KRD ranges, equipped with KRM Rotation Units, are purpose-built for accurately shaping tunnel profile walls, arches, and ceilings. Their precise cutting action is ideal for NATM applications, where post-blasting profiling minimizes shotcrete waste and enhances lining efficiency.
Low-Vibration Operation Enhances Safety in Confined Environments
Unlike breakers or impact tools, KEMROC attachments cut rock through high-torque rotation, helping minimize structural stress and reduce vibration-related impact on surrounding supports. This is essential in tunnels near active infrastructure, sensitive structures, or heritage zones.
Compatible with Mini to Heavy Excavators
From approximately 1,300 lb to 275,000 lb operating weight, KEMROC tunneling attachments are compatible with a wide range of excavator sizes, making them suitable for urban microtunnels, rail expansions, utility bores, and more.
Suitable for Soft to Medium-Hard Rock Profiles
With cutting strength optimized for rock up to approximately 17,400 psi UCS, these attachments perform in sedimentary and volcanic formations such as limestone, tuff, claystone, and marl, which are common in tunneling projects.
Ideal for Mechanical Excavation in Crown and Bench Zones
In tunnels where blasting is not permitted, KEMROC cutters are used to mechanically excavate crown and bench sections with precision, offering a cleaner, quieter solution for civil infrastructure projects.
Precision in Cross-Passage and Tunnel Connections
KEMROC attachments enable accurate cross-passage construction, especially where space is limited or excavation must occur near operational tunnels or sensitive areas.
Trenching Inside Tunnels for Utilities and Drainage
Chain Cutters and Bullhead Cutters can be deployed for in-tunnel trenching, creating space for pipelines, cable conduits, or drainage channels with tight control over depth and width.
Achieve clean tunnel cross-sections ready for support installation.
Built-in water jets and optional mist systems help reduce airborne particles during cutting, improving visibility and safety in confined tunnel spaces.
Supports safer work for tunnel crews and is well suited for night work in residential areas.
Integrated Rotation Units allow the attachments to be precisely positioned for profiling walls, ceilings, and inclined surfaces with minimal repositioning.
Fine-grained output helps reduce hauling costs and backfill needs.
Durable picks support extended uptime and easier maintenance.
Planers and cutters can operate in ceiling zones and vertical shafts.
Please select your area of application:
Watch Our Attachments in Action!
Main Tunnelling Applications
Tunnel Wall Profiling Including NATM Finishing
After blasting in NATM excavation, KEMROC cutters are used to profile the tunnel surface, smooth irregularities, and reduce the amount of shotcrete required. When mechanical methods are used, the same attachments can excavate both crown and bench sections directly.
Drift and Shaft Enlargement
Used for enlarging or reshaping existing shafts and drifts, especially in brownfield projects. KEMROC attachments allow accurate material removal with reduced overcutting.
Scaling of Loose Rock
KEMROC low-impact rotary cutters remove fractured or unstable rock from tunnel ceilings and walls with better control, especially in weak or layered strata.
More Tunnelling Applications
Pre-Lining Surface Preparation
Before tunnel lining or support structure installation, Rotary Drum Cutters provide a uniform substrate that helps improve adhesion and structural integrity.
Cross-Passage Excavation
In metro and highway tunnel systems, cross passages are critical. KEMROC low-vibration tools allow for accurate excavation between main tunnels, even in densely built or congested areas.
In-Tunnel Trenching
For cable routing, drainage systems, or utilities, KEMROC attachments provide clean trenching within tunnel corridors, minimizing disturbance to surrounding tunnel structures and reducing rework.
Compare KEMROC's Tunnelling Attachments
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EK Chain Cutters
Chain CuttersMeasure:Applications:-
Ideal for precision excavation in soft to medium-hard rock
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Suitable for drift enlargement, tunnel profiling, and trenching inside tunnels
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Produces fine-grained material and operates with low noise and vibration
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Performs exceptionally well in urban and confined tunnelling environments
9 modelsDetails -
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KR range
Drum CuttersMeasure:Applications:-
Designed for accurate wall and ceiling profiling
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Excels in civil tunnels, rail projects, and mechanical NATM excavation
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Low-vibration operation protects adjacent structures
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Compatible with side-shift and rotation units for hard-to-reach tunnel areas
28 modelsDetails -
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KRD range
Drum CuttersMeasure:Applications:-
Purpose-built for vertical excavation in shaft sinking and deep tunnel access points
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Delivers straight, clean cuts and high removal rates in soft to medium-hard rock
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Essential for drop structures, tunnel access, and ventilation shafts
11 modelsDetails -
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DMW Cutter Wheels / Rock Saws
Cutter WheelsMeasure:Applications:-
Designed for precise trenching inside tunnels, particularly for utilities and drainage
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Delivers consistent trench depth with minimal overcut
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Central chain increases material removal rate and trench cleanliness
12 modelsDetails -
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KDS Diamond Saws
Diamond SawsMeasure:Applications:-
Best suited for cutting reinforced concrete in tunnel linings or pre-cast segments
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High-speed, low-vibration sawing ensures clean separation without structural damage
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Ideal for cross passages, tunnel modifications, or demolition within tunnel structures
5 modelsDetails -
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KRM Hydraulic Rotation Units
Rotation Units (Support Tool)Measure:Applications:-
Used to adjust the position of cutting heads in curved tunnels or against walls.
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Boosts productivity by up to 50% during tunnel profiling and crown works.
8 modelsDetails -
- Profile tunnel walls with centimetre precision
- Cut soft rock formations without blasting
- Shape vertical shafts using rotary cutting
- Reduce spoil volume with fine-grained output
- Work safely near sensitive support installations
FAQs – Tunnelling Attachments
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What makes KEMROC attachments better for tunnel profiling than breakers?
Unlike impact tools, KEMROC cutters shape tunnel profiles with rotary precision, producing smooth surfaces and less overbreak, which is essential for lining efficiency and safety. Cutters also help reduce shotcrete volume.
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Can I use these attachments for metro or road tunnel development?
Yes. KEMROC tunneling attachments are widely used in infrastructure projects, especially for metro lines, highway tunnels, and underground passageways.
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Are KEMROC attachments suitable for use in confined tunnel environments?
Yes. Their low-vibration and low-noise design makes them well suited for operation near live infrastructure, inside ventilation-restricted zones, and during night shifts.
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What rock types can be cut with KEMROC attachments in tunneling?
They are optimized for soft to medium-hard formations up to approximately 17,400 psi UCS, such as limestone, claystone, tuff, marl, and mixed sedimentary layers.
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Do they work for shaft sinking or vertical tunnel development?
Yes. Vertical applications are supported, especially with KRD models, which are designed for shaft and drop structure excavation.
We are here to help! Fill out the form and our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or needs you have regarding our Tunnelling and Mining solutions. Whether you require detailed information, technical support, or a personalized quote, we're committed to providing the support you need to achieve success in your projects.
