The hydraulic breaker, often called a hammer or hoe ram, is an essential attachment for excavators and backhoes. Designed to deliver high-impact energy in a concentrated area, it excels at breaking hard materials like concrete, rock, and asphalt.
How It Works
Powered by the host machine’s hydraulic system, the breaker converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical strikes. Inside the unit, a piston moves back and forth rapidly, hitting a chisel-like tool called a moil point or chisel. Each blow can generate thousands of foot-pounds of force, with impact rates ranging from 300 to over 1,000 blows per minute.
Key Applications
Demolition: Breaking building foundations, roadways, and bridge decks.
Mining and Quarrying: Secondary breaking of oversized boulders after blasting.
Trenching: Cutting through frozen ground or bedrock for utility lines.
Recycling: Reducing concrete rubble into manageable pieces for crushing plants.
Types and Selection
Breakers are classified by weight and impact energy, from light-duty models (200–500 kg) for small excavators to heavy-duty ones (over 3,000 kg) for 50-ton carriers. Choosing the right breaker depends on the material hardness, carrier size, and job site requirements. Features such as sound suppression casings, automatic lubrication, and variable frequency control enhance efficiency and operator comfort.
Maintenance Tips
Regularly grease the tool shank to prevent wear.
Check nitrogen gas pressure in the accumulator (typically 10–15 bar).
Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks or cracks.
Avoid running the breaker without a material target (“blank firing”), as this damages internal components.
In summary, the hydraulic breaker is indispensable for modern construction and demolition. When matched correctly to the task and maintained properly, it offers years of reliable, high-performance breaking power.
