What Is a Hydraulic breaker and How Does It Work?

Introduction

A hydraulic breaker (also called a hydraulic breaker) is a powerful demolition tool used in construction, mining, and excavation. It delivers high-impact blows to break through hard materials like concrete, rock, and asphalt efficiently.

What Is a Hydraulic breaker?

A hydraulic breaker is a heavy-duty attachment mounted on excavators, skid steers, or backhoes. It uses hydraulic power to generate forceful strikes, making it ideal for:

·        Demolition (buildings, bridges)

·        Mining & Quarrying (breaking large rocks)

·        Trenching & Roadwork (pavement removal)

·        Construction (foundation digging)

Unlike traditional pneumatic hammers, hydraulic breakers are more efficient, quieter, and easier to control.

How Does a Hydraulic breaker Work?

1. Hydraulic Power Supply

·        The hammer connects to the excavator’s hydraulic system.

·        Hydraulic oil flows into the hammer at high pressure (100-350 bar / 1,450-5,075 psi).

2. Impact Mechanism

·        A piston inside the hammer is pushed forward by hydraulic pressure.

·        When the piston reaches maximum speed, it strikes the tool (chisel or moil point).

3. High-Force Blows

·        The impact transfers energy to the material (e.g., concrete).

·        Impact force ranges from 500 to 5,000+ joules, depending on hammer size.

4. Return Stroke

·        The piston retracts, and the cycle repeats 400-1,500 times per minute (BPM).

5. Nitrogen Gas Cushion

·        A nitrogen gas chamber absorbs recoil, reducing vibration and protecting the machine.

Key Components of a Hydraulic breaker

Types of Hydraulic breakers

1. Standard Hydraulic breakers

·        Most common type

·        Used for general demolition & construction

2. Silent (Low-Noise) Hammers

·        <85 dB noise level (for urban areas)

·        Example: Sandvik BR Silent Series

3. Heavy-Duty Hammers

·        3,000+ joules impact energy

·        For mining & large-scale demolition

4. Side-Type Hammers

·        Mounted on the side of excavators

·        Ideal for tight spaces & precision work

Hydraulic breaker vs. Pneumatic Hammer

Common Hydraulic breaker Applications

1. Building Demolition

·        Breaks concrete walls, floors, pillars

2. Road & Pavement Removal

·        Cracks asphalt & reinforced concrete

3. Mining & Quarrying

·        Splits large rocks & boulders

4. Trenching & Excavation

·        Digs through hard soil & frozen ground

5. Industrial Maintenance

·        Removes steel slag & furnace buildup

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic breaker?

1. Match Excavator Size

·        Mini excavators (1-6 tons) → 100-500 J hammers

·        Mid-size (10-30 tons) → 1,000-3,000 J hammers

·        Large (30+ tons) → 3,000+ J hammers

2. Consider Material Hardness

·        Soft concrete → 500-1,500 J

·        Reinforced concrete → 1,500-3,000 J

·        Granite/basalt → 3,000+ J

3. Check Hydraulic Flow

·        Ensure your machine provides enough GPM (gallons per minute).

4. Noise & Vibration Needs

·        For cities, choose silent models.

Conclusion

A hydraulic breaker is essential for demolition, mining, and construction. It works by converting hydraulic power into high-impact blows, making it faster and more efficient than traditional methods.

Need help selecting the best hammer? Contact us for expert advice!