Hydraulic Hammer Tips: Getting the Most from Your Attachment.

Hydraulic hammers and breakers are an essential tools for many concrete demolition and rock excavation contracting companies, and can increase the earth moving productivity on the job site significantly when used properly. Our hydraulic excavator attachment experts weighed in on how to get the most out of your hydraulic hammers and breakers for your excavators, backhoes, and skid steers so you can stop breaking chisel points and start breaking ground. At Tecman, we carry excavator attachments for sale in Gauteng and Durban.

Most Frequent Causes of Hydraulic Hammer Tool Bit Damage

Hydraulic breaker tool bit damage typically occurs due to the high heat and pressure forces that are created when using the demolition tools for long periods of time. Damage, including fractures and eventual breakage, starts at the edge of the tool bit and gradually work towards the center of the bit. Limiting bending of the tool bit and ensuring the guide bushing has little to no give are the two best ways to prevent tool bit damage during use. Beyond those elements, there is also a possibility of vibration failure. This occurs when the tool bit produces elastic upending, in other words, when the tool bit is shortened and there is an elastic jump back to the original position. This can be caused by factors including excessive tension on the edge areas of the tool bit or surface damage to the tool bit shank due to insufficient lubrication.

Blank-Firing: the piston is able to strike the tool bit, but does so just as the tool breaks through the material.
Idle-Firing: the piston is able to cycle without striking the tool. Idle-firing for some hammers is used as a warm-up procedure, without harming the breaker components

Getting the Most from your Hydraulic Hammer: Do’s and Don’ts

Limit bending the tool bit during operation. Don’t use the tool bit to pry the material. Do use the correct working angle (90º) when breaking material. Don’t attempt to break material using the pulling force of the machine. Do ensure the working end of the tool bit is making proper contact with the work piece before operating the hammer to prevent blank firing. Do warm the tool bit prior to operating the hammer in extremely cold temperatures with some light warm-up breaking action. Avoid scratches or gouges to the surface of the tool bit to limit the potential for fatigue failure. Do ensure the tool bit is well lubricated at all points before operating the hammer. We recommend auto-grease systems that bolt on to the side of the hammer’s housing and provide continuous lubrication during the working shift when available. Do keep spare tool bits in clean and dry storage locations to prevent corrosion, which can lead to premature breaks.

Hydraulic Hammer Service you deserve, whenever you need it.

Our excavator attachment service team is here to minimize your downtime and get you back to work as quickly as possible. Whether you need spare parts including tool bits and hammer chisels, maintenance or service, or just some friendly advice, our team is here to support your excavator equipment.