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The Ultimate Guide To Hydraulic Breakers For Excavators: How They Work And Which Type Is Best For Your Project

Ultimate Guide To Hydraulic Breakers For Excavators

Published on November 11th, 2023

Are you gearing up for an excavation project and wondering which tools to use for breaking rigid materials? Hydraulic breakers for excavators might be your answer!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into hydraulic concrete breakers. We’ll explain how they work and help you choose the best type for your job. So, let’s get started!

What Are Hydraulic Breakers For Excavators?

Hydraulic breakers are powerful equipment for breaking through rigid concrete, bricks, and asphalt

. They can also do demolition work, such as removing debris from building sites or tearing down old buildings.

Having high impact force and hydraulic power, these machines can quickly break up extensive material into small, manageable chunks. Plus, they don’t produce loud noises or dust, making them very safe for operators.

How Do Hydraulic Breakers Work?

The fundamental principles behind powerful hydraulic equipment are crucial to understand.

Hydraulic breakers, also known as hydraulic hammers, operate based on the concept of pressurized hydraulic systems. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how they work:

Pressurized Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic breakers harness the power of hydraulic fluid to deliver immense force to a chisel or bit at the tool’s tip. This force is what allows them to break through solid materials effectively.

The pressurized system includes a hydraulic pump, fluid, a control valve, and a gas-filled accumulator.

The compressed gas from the accumulator forces the pump to push the hydraulic fluid. The fluid then moves the breaker’s piston.

Impact Energy

The hydraulic fluid entering the piston’s chamber causes the piston to strike the chisel. The impact energy enables the hydraulic breaker to fracture rocks, concrete, or other hard materials.

Frequency And Power Adjustment

Most hydraulic breakers allow adjustments of both the frequency (number of impacts per minute) and the power of the blows.

This extends their flexibility for various excavation tasks. Handling delicate concrete removal or heavy-duty rock breaking won’t be a problem.

What Are The Different Types Of Hydraulic Breakers?

We now have a grasp of how hydraulic breakers work. Let’s explore the various types available and determine which one is best suited for your project.

Standard Hydraulic Breakers

Standard hydraulic breakers are the most common type, suitable for various applications.

They offer a good balance of power, impact energy, and versatility. These features make them a popular choice for general construction and demolition tasks.

Silenced Hydraulic Breakers

If noise pollution is a concern on your project site, silenced hydraulic breakers are an excellent option.

These concrete breakers have noise-reduction features, ensuring a quieter operation without compromising performance. They are ideal for urban areas and locations where noise restrictions exist.

Extended Hydraulic Breakers

When you need to reach deeper or work in tight spaces, the extended hydraulic type comes in handy.

These breakers can extend working length, allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas. While doing so, they can maintain their power and precision.

Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Breakers

For the most rigid materials like large rocks and solid concrete, heavy-duty hydraulic breakers are the go-to choice.

They deliver maximum impact energy and can handle demanding excavation tasks. Heavy-duty hydraulic hammers are good for quarrying and mining.

Vibratory Hydraulic Breakers

Vibratory hydraulic breakers provide a unique approach to breaking concrete. They use high-frequency vibrations instead of direct blows to disintegrate materials.

These hammers are suitable for sensitive tasks like bridge construction and precision excavation.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Hydraulic Breaker?

To determine the best hydraulic breaker for your project, consider the following factors:

Material Type

Different materials require different breaker types. Consider the hardness and density of the material you’ll be working with.

These breakers come in various sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect one to meet your needs.

You can also choose from tips for specific materials like rocks, soil, or asphalt.

Application Purpose

Consider the job you need to do and select a concrete breaker accordingly. For example, if you’ll be working on concrete projects, then a large hammer with an appropriate tip is ideal.

However, if your project involves delicate tasks like precision excavation or bridge construction, you should opt for a smaller model with high-frequency vibrations.

Excavator Size

The size and power of your excavator play a crucial role in selecting the correct breaker. Ensure that the hydraulic breaker is compatible with your machine.

Look for a breaker with the proper power-to-weight ratio to optimize performance and minimize fatigue. Also, consider its size when it comes to tight access areas.

You can visit your nearest dealer locations or go online to find suppliers like RJB Hydraulic Hammers. It will make your task easier.

Noise Restrictions

Check if there are noise restrictions in your work area. If so, opt for a silenced hydraulic breaker to maintain a peaceful environment. It can reduce the sound level of your machine by up to 40dB(A).

Impact Energy

The impact energy is critical to compare different hydraulic breakers’ performance. The higher the joules rating, the more powerful and efficient it will be.

Check for the recommended rating for your specific application before choosing your pressurized hydraulic breaker.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a priority when using a hydraulic breaker. Look for models with basic protective features like the following:

  • Shock Absorption
  • Noise Reduction
  • Dust Suppression
  • Safety Interlocks
  • Emergency Shut-Off
  • Anti-Blank Firing

These features will reduce the risk of injury or accident while using the equipment. It can also help avoid liabilities and delays, saving time and money.

Size Of Working Area

Consider the accessibility of your work area. If it’s cramped or requires extended reach, choose an appropriate breaker type. Determine the scale and scope of your project.

Are you working on a small construction site, or is it a large-scale mining operation? The scope will influence your choice.

Go And Break New Grounds

Choose hydraulic breakers for excavators as your versatile and powerful tools. Their potential energy is ready to take on any challenges your projects face.

Understanding the design and your project’s specific requirements is crucial. By these, you can confidently choose the perfect hydraulic breaker for your job.

Whether you’re breaking concrete or quarrying rocks, hydraulic breakers are your reliable companions.

Happy excavating!

If you want to learn more about excavators, read our other blogs.

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