What is Hydraulic Breaker and How Does It Work?

Hydraulic breakers, also known as percussion hammers, play a crucial role in demolishing concrete, asphalt, or stone structures. These heavy-duty tools are commonly used in road construction due to their high performance. This blog will explore the essential aspects of hydraulic breakers, including their characteristics, applications, advantages over pneumatic hammers, operational mechanisms, and key do’s and don’ts for optimal usage.

(Reading Time: 3-5 Minutes)

 

Understanding Hydraulic Breakers: Characteristics and Innovations

In the construction industry, hydraulic hammers are indispensable for various phases, including demolition, site preparation, and road surface excavation. The development of these tools was prompted by the limitations of manual demolition hammers, which were noisy, labor-intensive, and technologically outdated.

The innovation in hydraulic breakers was fueled by the widespread use of hydraulic excavators on construction sites, the versatility of hydraulic hammer attachment drive systems, the need for specialized tasks, and the imperative to reduce manual labor. Assemblies like pile driving equipment and plow lowering devices were developed to replace or complement specialized machinery, demonstrating the commitment to meeting evolving market standards.

 

How Does a Hydraulic Breaker Work?

Typically, the piston is positioned at the bottom dead center, allowing the mandrel to move freely. As high-pressure oil acts on the lower working surface of the piston head, it elevates the striking piston, ascending until it seals the outlet gap in the upper position.

 

The high-pressure oil within the piston head compresses the energy storage (nitrogen gas in the tank). Upon opening the exhaust valve, the stored energy in the converter is unleashed, propelling the percussion piston downward with substantial force.

 

Advantages Over Pneumatic Hammers: Efficiency and Sustainability

Excavator hydraulic breaker offer several advantages over their pneumatic counterparts. They contribute to increased excavator utilization, reduce human workforce requirements, eliminate the need for compressors, and exhibit significantly higher work output. With up to 30-40 times higher impact force, reduced noise, and enhanced safety, hydraulic breakers emerge as a superior choice in the construction industry.

The Intricacies of Hydraulic Breaker Operation

The operational mechanism of hydraulic breakers involves a piston set at the bottom dead center, driven by high-pressure oil. The striking piston, propelled by compressed energy storage, delivers a powerful downward force during the impact phase. The use of replaceable tools, including demolition spikes and flat point tools, enhances the versatility of these breakers for various tasks.

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Breaker: Selection Criteria and Best Practices

Selecting the ideal hydraulic breaker for excavators involves meticulous consideration of factors such as attachment weight, hydraulic oil pressure, and flow rate. Thorough calculations, considering the materials to be demolished and the terrain characteristics, guide experts in determining the most suitable device for each job.

Unmatched Durability and Compatibility

The development of AHM aims to meet the exacting standards of the contemporary market. The design of our attachments seamlessly integrates the demand for high durability and low maintenance costs in hydraulic equipment. 

 

Constructed from high-strength Q235 and 40Cr steel, modern concrete breakers, such as the AHM model, feature robust structures with fewer moving parts, ensuring durability and low maintenance in challenging environments. With a robust 500-1200 impact rate, these excavator hydraulic hammers can effortlessly handle surfaces like rocks and concrete, promising efficiency across diverse tasks.

Moreover, hydraulic breakers boast wide compatibility, seamlessly integrating with mini excavators up to 2 tons, delivering versatile and efficient performance on any construction project. This adaptability underscores their significance in various applications, such as the demolition of concrete road bases, quarrying, and compaction tasks.

 

Do’s and Don’ts for Hydraulic Breaker Usage

Do’s

  1. Ensure your equipment is flow tested to meet hydraulic breaker specifications.
  2. Perform daily visual inspections to check for grease distribution, loose fasteners, and leaking hoses.
  3. Grease the hydraulic breaker every two hours to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal performance.

Don’ts

  1. Avoid cycling the breaker for longer than 20 seconds to prevent overheating and stress on the tool.
  2. Begin breaking large pieces from the edges, not the middle, to reduce stress on the breaker.
  3. Never blank fire the hydraulic breaker, and refrain from using it in water without proper guidelines.

 

Empowering Construction with Hydraulic Breakers

In conclusion, hydraulic breakers have revolutionized the construction industry, offering power, speed, and reliability. By understanding their characteristics, applications, and best practices, operators can maximize the efficiency and longevity of these essential tools. As the construction landscape continues to evolve, hydraulic breakers remain at the forefront, promising continued innovation and advancements.

View more: How to Install a Hydraulic Breaker on a Mini Excavator?

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