Cutting Cables Using Portable Radio Controlled Hydraulic Cutting Units from Cembre
Published 06 Apr 2021

Portable Radio Controlled Hydraulic Cutting Units – B68RC3 Series
NEW Hydraulic Cutting Units – Radio Controlled B68RC3 Series
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of cable cutting and crimping tools from Cembre, including the new B68RC3 series of Hydraulic Cable Cutting Units.
Hydraulic Cutting Units
Portable Radio Controlled
Hydraulic cutting units, from the B68RC3 range, are fitted with a unique wireless sensor paired to the receiver integrated in the pump using European frequencies (868 MHz).
The sensor is maintenance-free as it is fully protected and has battery-free technology.
All RC heads are fitted with eyelets to hang the head for better support during operation, and grounding point is provided to facilitate the grounding of the head when cable cutting is required.
The Cembre B68RC3 range of hydraulic cutting units features 3 variations: the B68RC3-85, B68RC3-96 and B68RC3-120. Each variation of the radio controlled cutting units have different cutting diameter ranges.
Hydraulic Cutting Units
Cembre B68RC3-85

B68RC3-85 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
85 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
409 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
174 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
140 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
6.2kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm |
Cembre B68RC3-96

B68RC3-96 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
96 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
498 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
147 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
249 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
9.7kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm |
Cembre B68RC3-120

B68RC3-120 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
120 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
536 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
140 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
223 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
10.9kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm |
Radio Controlled hydraulic pump
The new portable pump B68M-P18-KV-RC3 is the core of every hydraulic cutting unit, which is battery operated for independent use.
The B68M-P18-KV-RC3 has the same inherent strength as the Cembre range of 18V tools – including the range of Hydraulic Cable Cutting Tools. The pump is a lightweight and of high capacity, equipped with an innovative radio remote control designed specifically for man-hole environments to allow operators to control and operate the pump out of the man-hole at a safe distance.

B68M P18 KV RC3 Portable Pump
New Li-Ion 18V 7Ah batteries used in the hydraulic pump provide high capacity while improved operating speed results from a revitalised hydraulic system with double speed action, and a maximum pressure sensor assures greater precision and repeatability of the pressure cycle, while a security valve doubles the provision for operator safety.
The unit is fitted with a patented unique system for stopping the pump when the cutting head sensor signals that its blades have travelled fully. At this point the LED indicator and buzzer notify the operator of the successful completion of the cutting operation.
For this reason, each pump is paired to its specific cutting head only and it must be considered as a complete unit.
A manual pressure release button is installed in case of emergency. Easy access to the oil reservoir is by means of an oil top-up inlet. The innovative remote control function is able to work in man-hole environment where radio communication is normally more complicated.

Cembre B68RC3 Cable Cutting Tools
The unit features an OLED display to provide essential real time tool operating information including:
- Operating mode selection (cutting or crimping)
- Release mode selection (Smart release, manual release)
- Minimum set pressure and momentary pressure reached in bar/psi to allow verification of correct operation
- Battery charge level
- Number of cycles performed
- Number of cycles before scheduled recommended maintenance
- Motor temperature
- Operating command (radio or manual)
The unit has a secondary operating trigger which can be selected through the OLED display in the case that it is needed – the unit is fitted by dielectric oil for operator protection in case of cutting cables that may be accidentally live.
Each radio remote control is paired to only its specific pump.
Designed with improved handling characteristics for convenience and manageability, the Cembre B68M-P18-KV-RC3 cutting unit has a fibreglass-plastic shell with high resistance to wear and damage.
Hydraulic Pump Operating features
- 20 meters radio control operating range
- Intelligent auto-return at the end of the cycle (Smart Release)
- OLED multifunctional display with touch button
- Electronic Pressure Sensor (EPS)
- SMARTOOL technology for viewing and downloading operational data
- Wireless blade sensor (no batteries)
- Double acting with radio control or manual intervention
- Pressure release button
- Audible and visual indication of operational progress, completion and alarms
- Anatomical shaping for more convenient and practical handling
- Li-Ion 18.0 V-7Ah rechargeable high capacity battery
- Automatic battery connection system with release button

Hydraulic Portable Pump Operating Instructions
Hydraulic Crimping Head
130kN RHC131LN-KV Hydraulic Cable Crimping Head
The 130kN hydraulic crimping head featuring a large (42mm) jaw opening; complete with quick automatic coupler for connection to a hydraulic pump with a working pressure of 700 bar. It is suitable for a wide range of connectors up to 400sqmm using die sets common to the Cembre 130kN range of cable cutting tools.
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For Cembre electrical connections, see Cable Crimps, Lugs & Connectors
Contact T&D to discuss crimping cables at MV-HV, including 11kV-33kV, to ensure correct Cembre tool, lug/splice and die set selection – visit battery crimping tools for repetitive crimping of cables without strain injury or worker fatigue.
Full range of battery cable cutting tools also available.
Further Reading
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B68RC3 Hydraulic Cutting Units Size: 1.28 MB
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Portable Battery Hydraulic Cutting Units B68RC3 Operation And Maintenance Manual Size: 2.96 MB