Fatique Technology | BB30 Big Brute Puller Unit

FTI Big Brute Puller Unit 2720-008

The FTI Big Brute Puller Unit 2720-008 is a heavy-duty hydraulic cold expansion tool designed for aerospace manufacturing, assembly and structural repair applications. Air Tool Services supplies, services and repairs FTI tooling, providing expert support for customers using Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ systems throughout the UK and worldwide.

Engineered for reliability and ease of use, the Big Brute is trusted across aerospace manufacturing and maintenance for high-load cold expansion applications in aluminium, steel and titanium.

Key Features

Maximum pull force of 38,000 lbf (169,032 N) at 10,000 psi
Designed for Split Sleeve Cold Expansion™ (SsCx™) applications
Compatible with additional FTI systems including ForceMate® and FleXmate®
Capable of expanding holes up to:
2-1/2″ (63.5 mm) diameter in aluminium
1-1/4″ (31.7 mm) diameter in steel and titanium
Up to 10″ (254 mm) material stack capacity
Fail-safe air control system for safe operation
Supplied with hose assembly, tooling and protective case (model dependent)
Proven design with minimal maintenance requirements

Built for Demanding Applications

The Big Brute puller is specifically developed to pull mandrels through pre-lubricated stainless steel split sleeves, delivering controlled cold expansion in high-strength materials. Its robust construction and high pulling force make it ideal for critical aerospace structures where precision and repeatability are essential. With multiple model configurations available, the Big Brute can be tailored to suit different material stack-ups, hose lengths and tooling requirements.

Specifications

Maximum Pull Force: 38,000 lbf (169,032 N)
Hydraulic Pressure: 10,000 psi (689.5 bar)
Actuation: Pneumatic / Hydraulic
Stack Capacity: Up to 10″ (254 mm)
Hydraulic Fluid: MIL-Spec #5606
Compatible Power Units: FT-200D, FT-200C (also compatible with FT-200B, IW100MF, IW10MF)
Noise Level: 83.1 dB(A)
Vibration Level: <2.5 m/s²
Seal Kit: BB-SK

FTI Puller Comparison Guide

Choosing the correct FTI puller depends on hole size, material type, stack thickness and application requirements. Below is a general comparison of the most widely used FTI puller systems to help identify the right tooling for your cold expansion process.

FTI Puller Comparison Guide
Model	Typical Applications	Maximum Pull Force	Hole Capacity	“Stack Capacity”	“Best For”
Little Brute (LB)	Light-duty cold expansion	8,000 lbf	Up to 1/2″ aluminium / mild steel	Up to 3.5″	Smaller diameter holes and portable applications
Medium Brute (MB)	General aerospace cold expansion	24,000 lbf	Up to 15/16″ aluminium / mild steel	Up to 7″	Medium-duty structural work
Big Brute (BB)	Light-duty cold expansion	38,000 lbf	Up to 2-1/2″ aluminium / mild steel	Up to 10″	Large diameter holes and thick stack-ups