Abstract
The intensification of earthwork operations is closely linked to the expanding use of continuous-action excavation systems, where rotary excavators play a key role. This study addresses the need for higher productivity in hard and frozen soils by introducing an innovative high-speed working body: a bottom-discharge inertial rotor using a “top-down” digging method. Experimental results for a 1540 mm diameter rotor at cutting speeds of 2-9 m/s in Category III-IV soils demonstrate that at a speed of 4.4 m/s, productivity reaches 256 m 3 /h. This is 4.5 times higher than that of traditional gravity-based rotors, while energy consumption is reduced by 15-40 %. By optimizing the rotor’s design, this technology ensures increased operational efficiency, improved soil transport, and a significant reduction in the machine’s overall weight. These findings provide a scalable engineering framework for developing next-generation, energy-efficient excavation machinery.