Kocurek Excavators Ltd chooses igus energy chains and heavy-duty bearings

Industry leaders of bespoke excavator equipment and modifications uses e-chains® and igutex® bearings

Kocurek Excavators Ltd. is a UK-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) serving the construction and demolition industries. Founded in 1983 and based in Suffolk, the company has built a global reputation as a leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke excavator front-end equipment and base machine modifications. Though a modestly sized, family-run business, Kocurek’s equipment operates worldwide across nearly every continent, dedicated to a full-service approach from concept and design through to manufacturing and delivery. They have leveraged decades of expertise to push the boundaries of excavator modification, particularly in the high-reach demolition sector.

Requirement, challenge and solution for application

Requirement

To safely route hydraulic circuits from the base of a telescopic boom to the tool at the tip. Unlike standard excavators, where rigid steel pipes can be fixed along static arm sections, telescopic arms extend and retract, creating a dynamic system where hoses must move freely while remaining protected.

Agricultural machinery bearings installed on Sumo equipment

Challenges

Supporting over 35 metres of hose length across a telescopic extension of up to 25 metres
Managing 12+ hydraulic hoses simultaneously

Preventing hose tangling, rubbing, and mechanical damage

Maintaining system integrity under pressure fluctuations and repeated motion cycles

Without an effective solution, this complexity risked equipment failure, increased maintenance, and compromised operational safety.

Solution

Kocurek Excavators implemented igus® energy chain systems across more than 120 telescopic boom installations worldwide. The energy chains provide a controlled environment for routing hoses and electrical looms, ensuring consistent movement during extension and retraction. Over time, Kocurek have refined the system, developing a robust and repeatable configuration.

The most critical application remains the E4.80 triple-strap energy chain. These enable machines to achieve significant working heights, from 34 metres on a 50-tonne base machine up to 76 metres on a 200-tonne excavator while operating heavy demolition tools.

Focusing on the product and our dealings with the igus team, we are always impressed by the lightweight, high strength product we are now using. We have tried multiple competitors of the igus energy-chain but have always returned to work with igus. Over the many years, we have had good, strong technical support, and have been well assisted at every turn, and we hope to keep using their product for many years to come.