Guide

Mechanical vs Hydraulic Cutting

Side-by-side comparison using published ranges

Home/Guides/Mechanical vs hydraulic
FeatureMechanical (Bar/Vertical/Horizontal)Hydraulic (Cutting / Alligator)
Cutting capacityBar up to 50mm, Vertical 60mm, Horizontal 40mmHydraulic cutting adjustable, Alligator up to 60mm round / 40mm plate
Blade / forceHigh carbon / tool steel, high hydraulic forceAlligator 400-1200mm, 30-100 Ton
Motor5-10 HP (bar), 7.5-15 HP (vertical), 10-20 HP (horizontal)10-25 HP (hydraulic cutting), 7.5-25 HP (alligator)
OperationAutomatic / Semi-auto, continuous (horizontal)Semi-auto / PLC controlled
Best forBar scrap, TMT, sheet scrapPipes, channels, angles, structural, heavy scrap

Which to choose?

Choose mechanical bar/vertical for bar/TMT scrap where feeding is direct. Choose alligator for long stock, pipes and structural sections that need jaw action. Many yards run both. Hydraulic cutting with PLC is for precision variable jobs.

Not sure? Share a photo + bar dia or section size. We recommend from published ranges — no invented catalogue figure.

Get Recommendation