A Hydraulic Hammer, commonly called a Rock Breaker, is a heavy-duty attachment commonly used to break hard materials such as concrete, rocks, and asphalt with accuracy and with great force. It does this by converting the hydraulic power of the host machine into mechanical power to deliver high-impact blows. A hydraulic hammer is typically attached to host machines, such as excavators, backhoe loaders, Skid Steer loaders, and other machines. This attachment is very necessary in modern-day construction, demolition, and mining sectors.
In this blog, we will discuss how a rock breaker works, the types, and expert tips on how to choose the right model.
Understanding the Mechanism of a Rock Breaker
A rock breaker is mostly based on a hydraulic principle. The mechanism of a rock breaker can be simply understood by the following:
- Hydraulic oil pressure is applied to the piston.
- This means that, as soon as the flow gets into the hammer, the piston starts to move down.
- Piston hit the tool / Chisel. The Kinetic energy of the piston is converted into hammering energy after hitting the tool.
- Impact creates a stress wave that goes through the tool to the material. Traveling reflection of stress breaks the material.
A Tools / Chisel can have various tip shapes, such as Moil Point (for sharp impact), Blunt Point (for full power impact), Wedge Point (for cutting through), and Conical Point tools (for deep impact) to shatter boulders and concrete slabs, or even to trench hard ground. The operators control the operations of the rock breaker with pedals. The foot pedals are part of the hydraulic system and activate the flow of hydraulic fluid to the breaker, thus controlling the force and frequency of the hammer’s blows.
What is Anti-Blank Firing (ABF) in a Rock Breaker?
Function:
- With this feature, the breaker only works when it touches something hard, like a rock or concrete.
- If it’s just hanging in the air or not pressing against anything, it stops automatically.
Benefits:
- Reduces idle blows
- Lowers wear and tear on the breaker by avoiding useless hammering in the air.
- Increases the life span of the breaker and tools / Chisel.
Types of Hydraulic Hammers
Hydraulic hammers are categorized into three classes based on the machine’s weight and compatibility. The best choice ensures maximum safety and performance in applications.
- Compact Range (operating weight 100-700 kgs)
This category is ideal for smaller machines such as mini-excavators and backhoe loaders. Compact rock breakers are not heavy but are strong enough for minor jobs. The rock breakers of this category use an operating pressure of 90 – 160 bar.
- Ideal for: Mini-excavators of 0.5 – 9 tons.
- Applications: Demolition work, trenching, breaking concrete and asphalt.
- Medium Range (operating weight 900-2000 kgs)
Medium-range breakers are designed for mid-sized excavators and are typically used in moderately high-demand operations. They offer a balance between power and accuracy, making them suitable for structural breaking and tunneling. The rock breakers of this category use an operating pressure of 140 – 190 bar.
- Ideal for: Medium-sized excavators of 10 – 26 tons.
- Applications: Primary and secondary breaking, tunneling, and breaking of reinforced concrete.
Heavy Range (2200 – 7000 kgs)
These are industrial hydraulic hammers used for heavy construction and heavy industry work. These are made for maximum power and are used in heavy demolition and quarrying. The rock breakers of this category use an operating pressure of 160 – 190 bar.
- Ideal for: Large-scale excavators of 30 – 100 tons.
- Applications: Demolition, quarry, mining work.
Real-World Applications of Hydraulic Hammers
Hydraulic hammers are extremely versatile and are used in a very wide range of industries. Their ability to deliver extremely powerful, controlled blows makes them critical to a very wide range of highly demanding applications.
- Demolition: Used extensively to demolish structures, shatter concrete, and disassemble old foundations effectively.
- Trenching: Essential for digging accurate and deep trenches for irrigation, pipes, and electric conduits.
- Breaking Asphalt & Concrete: Used extensively in road construction to break pavements and old concrete slabs.
- Primary / Secondary Breaking: Used widely in mining and quarrying industries for breaking of big size boulders.
- Tunneling: Facilitates breaking of rock under controlled conditions to help in tunneling.
- Reinforced Concrete Breaking: Effective in breaking reinforced concrete, especially in building demolition and bridge demolition.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Hydraulic Breaker
- Match the Hammer to the Carrier: Always select a hydraulic hammer compatible with your excavator size and class.
- Understand Your Application: Choose a compact model for trenching or tunneling and a medium/heavy model for reinforced concrete or tunneling.
- Focus on BPM and Pressure: Higher BPM is better for softer materials, while lower BPM with high pressure suits tough materials.
- Evaluate Tool Diameter: Tool size plays a big role in determining breaking needs.
- Check Maintenance Needs: Select models that are easy to service and come with durable components.
Final Thoughts
A hydraulic hammer is a vital attachment for modern excavation and demolition operations. Whether you’re breaking up concrete, digging trenches, or working in the construction industry, the right model can significantly boost productivity with reduced downtime. DOZCO hydraulic breakers have improved features like BPM adjusters, ABF, greater durability, and lower maintenance, ensuring unmatched performance in any real-world operation.
If you want to become more efficient as well as get more from your machine, purchase a good hydraulic hammer that is suitable for your needs from DOZCO.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a hydraulic hammer used for?
Hydraulic hammers are used for breaking concrete, rocks, and asphalt in applications like demolition, trenching, mining, and tunneling.
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How does a hydraulic hammer work?
It converts hydraulic energy from the host machine into mechanical energy to deliver powerful, repetitive blows for breaking hard materials.
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Which excavator size is suitable for a hydraulic hammer?
The suitable size depends on the breaker type: compact breakers for 0.5–9 ton machines, medium for 10–26 ton, and heavy-duty for above 26 ton excavators.
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Which is the best rock breaker in the market?
While there are many reputed brands in the market, DOZCO’s rock breaker stays ahead in terms of Productivity, low operating cost and high efficiency.
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What are the advantages of DOZCO rock breakers?
A “make-in-India” product with features like BPM adjusters, ABF, enhanced durability, low maintenance, and optimized productivity makes DOZCO breakers stand out.
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Is maintenance required frequently for rock breakers?
DOZCO rock breakers are designed for low maintenance with easily accessible components.
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How do I choose the right hydraulic hammer for my job?
Consider the host machine’s size, application type, BPM, pressure, and tool diameter to choose the most compatible model.