Author Archives: breakerbreaker

a yellow hydraulic tool in front of a lot of bricks

Understanding Power-to-Weight Ratio

There are many advantages of hydraulic systems that make them enticing construction site tools. However, many of their strengths lie in their great power-to-weight ratio. This mathematical concept is used to measure the performance of many machines and engines, and hydraulic breakers are no exception. To learn more about what this ratio is and how it affects the performance of hydraulic systems and countless other tools and equipment, here’s an overview of what you need to know.

Read More
heavy equipment operator

4 Qualities of a Good Heavy Equipment Operator

If you’re in the process of looking for someone new to operate heavy machinery on your worksite, you shouldn’t hire just anyone. But what makes a good heavy equipment operator? Contrary to what you may believe, there’s more to being a dependable heavy equipment operator than just large muscles and boundless stamina — though those traits are certainly helpful. Here’s a look at four qualities of a good heavy equipment operator.

The Best Heavy Equipment Operators Prioritize Safety

One of the most important qualities of a good heavy equipment operator is that they know how to use it safely. While understanding the basics of operating a heavy piece of machinery is essential for any operator, the ones who prioritize safety will help ensure no harm befalls your work site. Not only will an ideal operator be committed to protecting themselves and their coworkers from any injuries, but the heavy machinery itself. Knowing situations when they should and shouldn’t use it — such as poor weather conditions — will reduce the possibility of damage. In turn, a good machine operator will help reduce the costs of repairing or replacing components.

Reliable heavy equipment operators will promote safety in other ways. For example, you won’t have to tell them to follow safety protocols. Instead, they’ll recognize the importance of proper heavy equipment safety and follow it independently.

Concentration Is a Must for Operating Heavy Equipment

When it comes to environments where heavy machinery is used, there’s no room for complacency. Despite how repetitive handling equipment can be, maintaining one’s composure and focus is of utmost importance. For those reasons and more, some of the best qualities of a good heavy equipment operator include concentration, patience, and attention to detail.

Retaining focus for long periods of time will prevent any potential problems from going unnoticed. However, their patience will also ensure that they won’t push your heavy equipment beyond its limits in an attempt to get the job done faster. Otherwise, they might break the components of the operating equipment and cost you more in the long run.

Dependable Heavy Equipment Operators Are Proactive

Fast thinking is among the top qualities of a good heavy equipment operator for several reasons. For example, they’ll know how to recognize a problem and find a solution quickly. This can mean using their problem-solving skills to use their equipment more efficiently and improve productivity. However, fast-thinking operators will also be valuable for preventing any serious damage. By detecting any odd sounds or smells that indicate a problem with their heavy equipment or the material they’re working with, they’ll be able to have their machinery maintained sooner before any mechanical issues worsen.

What Makes a Good Heavy Equipment Operator? Cooperation!

Although machine operators work on their own when using heavy equipment, they’re far from the only ones on their construction site. Great communication and cooperation with other workers are qualities of a good heavy equipment operator that will help your operations run more smoothly. Not only will your team benefit from the leadership and supportive attitude of a good operator, but they can also share their knowledge of safety protocol and promote a culture of safety at your workplace.

If you ever require professional breaker repair services, you can always rely on us for assistance. Hydraulic Breaker Services, LLC offers a wide range of heavy equipment assistance and high-quality products, including our rammer breaker. Contact us today for more information and to schedule one of our services.

hydraulic hammer

What Is a Hydraulic Hammer?

At some point, you may have asked, “What is a hydraulic hammer?” Initially debuting in 1967, the hydraulic hammer has surged in popularity ever since. It is estimated that immediately after Krupp Berco Bautechnik’s hydraulic hammer was introduced, over 2,000 units were ordered by eager customers. It wasn’t long before tool companies worldwide introduced their own versions of a hydraulic hammer, changing how the construction and quarrying industries worked forever.

Hydraulic hammers are typically attached to excavators and powered by hydraulics. They are most commonly used in circumstances where traditional blasting methods and jackhammering are not possible. Hydraulic hammers have both increased safety and efficiency when breaking down large concrete structures. They’ve become an integral part of most demolition processes.

How Does a Hydraulic Hammer Work?

Hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of all hydraulic hammers. Utilizing an auxiliary hydraulic system when attached to an excavator, hydraulic hammers use stored pressure from a canister to create force. In turn, this energy is then used to push the hammer. The power of a hydraulic hammer far exceeds that of conventional hammering systems, allowing those in the demolition and construction industries to speed up work and reduce overall operating costs.

There are two different types of hammers utilized on job sites. The key difference between these two types of hydraulic hammers is the valve. One version of the hammer uses an internal valve, while the other uses an external valve. Most other components remain the same between the two versions. They include the front cap for impact protection, side rods to support the breaker, nitrogen chamber for power supply, main valve to assist the hammer, and the piston. Additionally, hydraulic hammer size varies according to the application it’s needed for.

How Is Force Generated For the Hammer?

Pascal’s law is the reason hydraulic hammers work so well. This principle in fluid mechanics states that when pressure is applied to one part of a confined fluid, that force is transferred to the entirety of the fluid and multiplied.

During operation, hydraulic oil is supplied through a valve. When the piston moves upward, the upper chamber pressure is released via the main valve through the outlet. Then the high pressure in the lower chamber pushes the piston upward. As the piston returns to the highest point of the stroke, the main valve directs the flow to the high-pressure chamber. The piston then travels down due to the force applied from the gas chamber. Following the impact, the process repeats, creating the repetitive action of hammering.

How Is a Hydraulic Hammer Used?

After their development and release, hydraulic hammers quickly become a mainstay in multiple industries. Their ability to accomplish tasks, increase worker safety and productivity, and reduce operating costs led to widespread adoption. Hydraulic hammers are most commonly used in:

• Construction
• Demolition
• Quarrying

If you’re interested in purchasing a certified rebuilt breaker or need hydraulic breaker & hammer parts, contact our team today. We offer a wide range of hydraulic hammers from the industry’s leading manufacturers. We also provide full service to keep your tools running strong. Call now to learn more about Hydraulic Breaker Services LLC.

A hydraulic breaker arm at work during sunset.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hydraulic Breakers

Atlas hydraulic breakers are an incredibly powerful tool to use in construction projects. However, like all other hydraulic breakers, their strength can cause a lot of damage if operators aren’t careful with them. As a result, there are many rules operators must follow when it comes to operating hydraulic hammers and similar equipment. Here are the many do’s and don’ts of hydraulic breakers so you can ensure your project is safe for everyone involved.

What to Do When Operating a Hydraulic Breaker

• Always match the hydraulic flow of the breaker with the pressure requirements of the carrier.
• While operating a hydraulic breaker, reposition it every 15-30 seconds until the material breaks. As this happens, maintain a downwards pressure on the breaker.
• You should only run the breaker while you are in the operator’s seat, as you have complete control over it there.
• The head should be capable of moving freely during operations.
• Flow test the excavator, mini-excavator, or skid steer beforehand because if you don’t, then their lifespan will not be as long as expected.
• Routinely lubricate the breaker to protect the tool brushings from damage.
• Remove the bit of the breaker on a weekly basis and check for wear on the tool shank. Galling, a form of wear caused by the friction of materials pressing against one another may appear there if it does not receive proper lubrication.
• Perform visual inspections of hydraulic hammers daily, as the regular stress and vibrations can lead to performance issues.
• Make certain that the person who is operating a hydraulic breaker understands how it functions and the signs they should look out for during routine visual inspections.

What Not to Do When Operating a Hydraulic Breaker

• When using your hydraulic breaker, do not operate it while it is suspended in the air. This error is known as blank firing; instead, keep it planted firmly against the material you intend to break.
• While operating hydraulic hammers, never leave it in the same spot for a long period of time. By doing so, you would create an excessive amount of heat that can lead to tool breakage.
• Do not use a hydraulic breaker underwater because if you do, it will contaminate the hydraulic system. Using hydraulic hammers underwater is possible, but only if you attached their air compressor kit exactly as instructed.
• If you ever use a hydraulic breaker in a trench, do not ever let the breaker touch the trench walls.
• Never try to break down large objects from the center, as it will significantly increase the breakout force and cause it to stress the breaker out and overheat the demolition tool. To circumvent this issue, approach large objects from the outer edges and gradually work your way inward.
• Only use a hydraulic breaker for its intended purpose. While operating a hydraulic breaker, do not use it to lift, move, or pry objects. There are other tools designed to handle those functions.

Don’t fail to report any signs of wear or breakage so that they can be properly addressed.

If you’re searching the market for hydraulic hammer components, Hydraulic Breaker Services LLC has the parts you’re looking for to repair your tools!

A hydraulic cement breaker lies on the ground at a job site.

Why You Need to Grease a Hydraulic Hammer

Whether you have a Stanley, Tramac, or CAT 130 hydraulic hammer, it’s important to know how to maintain it properly. Hydraulic Breaker Services, LLC can help you keep your equipment in good working order. We also like to provide helpful tips that prolong the useful life of your hydraulic breaker. Follow the tips and instructions below to grease the hydraulic hammer and improve performance.

Why It’s Important to Grease a Hydraulic Hammer

You may wonder why it’s vital to grab the grease gun and lubricate the hydraulic breaker. It receives significant wear and tear where it meets the bushings. Failing to lubricate at proper intervals increases wear rates and causes more frequent tool replacement.

In order to continue dispersing heat properly and prevent debris from accumulating in the breaker, it’s imperative to perform regular hydraulic hammer maintenance.

How To Grease Your Hydraulic Rock Breaker

When you grease the hydraulic hammer, firmly press the tool inside the rock breaker to control the amount of grease entering the chamber. If you used too much grease, it could cause the moving parts inside the chamber to freeze up. It could also cause a seal failure or allow grease to get into the system when you start a hydraulic hammer.
When conducting hydraulic hammer maintenance, place the hammer in a vertical position. This provides enough downward pressure to move the tool up into the housing. Continue greasing until clean grease slides down around the tool and retainer pins.

Grease the hydraulic hammer every two hours for optimal results. You should also grease the tool whenever it appears shiny inside the front head. Make sure to use the grease recommended by the manufacturer. For example, BTI chisel paste works great as a lubricant for BTI’s hydraulic rock breakers. If you use general EP purpose grease, it can run down the tool and melt without properly lubricating the demolition equipment.

Tips for Hydraulic Hammer Maintenance

Hydraulic hammer maintenance can reduce wear and tear on the equipment. Adequate lubrication can protect the sensitive moving parts in a rock breaker. Here are a few tips to follow when you grease the hydraulic hammer.

Complete a Visual Inspection

When conducting hydraulic hammer maintenance, start with a visual inspection period, this only takes a few minutes, but many operators forget to do it. With a visual inspection, you can identify warm parts and prevent downtime. The graphite and copper material used to construct the hammer build up heat and require frequent lubrication.

Check the Bushing

Every time you perform hydraulic hammer maintenance, check the tool bushing. If you can place the tall flat inside and turn it, you may need to replace the bushing.

Examine Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses decrease wear and tear when they are the correct length. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the hoses provide the required extension. On the other hand, long hoses can become disengaged on rebar and other items.
Contact Hydraulic Breaker Services for maintenance, sales, and service of hydraulic hammers. We also sell Kent hydraulic hammers for sale. Reach out today for more exclusive offers!