Hydraulic hammers are widely used tools used in the mining, construction, and landscaping industries. Rock breakers are a common alternative to explosive devices sometimes used to clear rock. Construction crews often prefer rock breakers as they provide more precision and less unpredictability than other methods. But, like most equipment, each has their own application where they perform better. Choosing the right tool for the job can be overwhelming, but not impossible. Here is everything you need to know about Hydraulic hammers.
A hydraulic hammer is a type of percussion hammer that is used to break up and demolish hard, rock-like structures like concrete. The term hydraulic comes from the auxiliary hydraulic system which powers this mighty tool. Hydraulic hammers come as an attachment fitted to an excavator. They are characterized by the narrow, pointed shape they hold for maximum precision. Depending on the application, they can vary in dimensions. Some are longer than others and the width is variable.
Hydraulic hammer usage areas
Hydraulic hammers, also known as hydraulic breakers, have become indispensable tools in numerous industries for their unmatched power and versatility. Designed to break through tough materials efficiently, these heavy-duty machines have revolutionized the way we handle demolition, construction, and excavation tasks.
Construction and Excavation:
The construction industry is one of the primary beneficiaries of hydraulic hammers. On construction sites, these hammers are used for a range of tasks, from breaking concrete and rocks to digging trenches and breaking frost in colder climates. Their versatility and power make them ideal for demolition and (excavation) renovation projects, where precision and speed are crucial.
Demolition Industry:
Hydraulic hammers have completely transformed the demolition industry, offering a safer, more portable, less expensive, and more efficient alternative to traditional methods like blasting, feather, and wedge rock splitting, chemical rock breaking, and rock splitting. Whether it’s demolishing buildings, bridge decks, or roads, these hammers can quickly break through reinforced concrete and other challenging materials, reducing labor and time requirements significantly.
Mining and Quarrying:
In the mining and quarrying sectors, hydraulic hammers play a vital role in the extraction of valuable resources. Their ability to break through dense rocks and ore formations is unparalleled, making them essential tools for extracting minerals and stones.
Road Construction and Tunneling:
Hydraulic hammers are widely used in road construction to remove old pavement, break up bridge decks, break up rocks, and remove other obstructions during the preparation phase. They help clear the way for new roads and infrastructure, enhancing transportation networks.
Tips for Efficient Hydraulic Hammer Operation
Selecting the appropriate hydraulic hammer for your specific task is critical to achieving optimal efficiency. Consider factors such as the material you’ll be breaking, the size of the job site, and the available carrier equipment. Galen Group offers a wide range of hydraulic breakers with varying sizes and capabilities, ensuring you find the perfect match for your requirements.
Make sure the hydraulic hammer is suitable:
Every hydraulic hammer has an optimal range for gallons per minute, operating pressure, hydraulic circuit relief, and back pressure set up by the manufacturer’s engineering team. Operating your hydraulic breaker outside of these ranges may void the warranty, can do damage from overspeeding, result in a lack of power and efficiency, and reduce the working life of your hoe ram.
Maintain Your Hydraulic Hammer Regularly:
Routine maintenance is essential to ensuring the efficiency, rock-breaking power, and longevity of your hydraulic hammer. Inspect the hydraulic hammer’s fasteners and look for leaks daily. Using only approved hammer lubricant, hammer grease, or chisel paste, lubricate your hoe ram every two hours of use with the hammer vertical. Always make sure the demolition tool length is within discard specs, make sure there is not too much play at the lower busing, and replace worn-out components promptly.
Use Proper Operator Technique:
The largest cause of hydraulic hammer and demolition tool breakage: is operator error.
Proper operator technique is a key factor in efficient hydraulic hammer operation. Operators should be trained in the correct usage and safety protocols to avoid unnecessary strain on the equipment and maximize productivity.