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Crocodile and alligator shears are machines used to cut metal objects in fabrication and scrap metal plants. Alligator shears are powered by hydraulic rams and come in various sizes, while crocodile shears have a hinged upper blade that moves vertically past a static lower blade. Modern versions have a hydraulic piston for safe single-cycle operation. Both types have operational limitations and safety considerations.
Crocodile shears are powered machines designed to shear or cut metal objects using a hinged movable blade that passes vertically past a second static blade. The static blade generally forms or is attached to a flat plane on which the metal object rests during cutting. Alligator shears are typically powered by a hydraulic ram that makes a single cut per cycle. The older models were, however, driven by electric motors and belts, meaning that the shears ran continuously while the motor was turned on. Alligator shears are commonly used in metal fabrication and scrap metal plants to cut a wide range of metal items including pipe, rod and even profiled steel such as I-beams.
Cutting metal objects during fabrication operations or scrap preparation is usually accomplished using an oxyacetylene torch or alligator shears. Gas cutting is usually employed on very large or tempered items and shears used for smaller, softer items. Crocodile shears have been a standard feature in this type of installation for many years and offer a quick and effective solution to cutting metal.
Composed of a hinged upper blade that moves vertically past a static lower blade, the machine is definitely reminiscent of its reptile namesake. The lower blade is usually part of a large flat table on which the metal work piece is laid before cutting. When the machine is operated, the upper blade lowers providing a scissor cutting action. The piece is then advanced for each consecutive cut. In most cases, a guard descends to enclose the cutting area, preventing accidental amputations or injury from throwing workpieces off the table.
In modern versions of the machine the upper blade is driven by a powerful hydraulic piston which allows safe single cycle operation. The older machines ran on large belt-driven flywheels and ran continuously as long as the drive motor ran. This was not the safest option, as the guard protecting the operator usually lifted to allow insertion or movement of the metal being cut. Single cycle operation allows the alligator’s “jaws” to close only once to make a cut, a much safer option.
These shears come in many different sizes, ranging from small tabletop versions to huge variants capable of exerting several hundred tons of cutting pressure. All have operational limitations regarding the maximum dimensions of the workpiece and the types of material that can be cut. In general, very hard and tempered materials such as springs and axles should never be cut with an alligator shear as the blades could be damaged or the objects could break causing serious injury.
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