How does an excavator hydraulic rock hammer work?

If you need to break rocks, concrete, asphalt or any other hard surface, you will probably require a rock breaker. In this article, we’ll explore what rock breakers do, how to choose the right one for your needs and, most importantly, how to maintain your rock breaker.

What is a excavator rock breaker?

A hydraulic rock breaker, also known as a rock hammer or breaker hammer, is an excavator attachment used for breaking rocks and other dense structures. Powered by the excavator’s hydraulic system, the rock breaker works in a percussive motion to break large rocks and structures into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Attaching the rock breaker to the extension arm of your excavator enables you to reach further and approach the rocks you need to demolish with greater flexibility. Rock breakers are used in many different industries, including mining, construction, civil engineering and agriculture.

Choosing the right hydraulic rock breaker for your project

With so many different rock breakers on the market, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Ideally, the rock breaker should be matched to your excavator. For example, Earthmoving Equipment Australia offers rock breakers for excavators ranging in size from 1t to 55t.

To make the right choice, you need to know the size and type of rock you need to break, and most importantly, the size and capacity of your excavator. Make sure your equipment is strong enough to handle the job. However, if you’re not an earthmoving equipment expert, there’s no need to worry because our team can provide expert advice to help you choose the perfect rock breaker for your project.

Excavator Rock breaker maintenance

Selecting the right rock breaker for your needs is only half the battle; it won't be effective if you don't maintain it properly. Bear in mind that, as they are hydraulic devices, rock breakers require a little more maintenance than standard manual equipment. Read on for some useful tips on keeping your rock breaker in good working order.

Checking nitrogen levels

Nitrogen provides the pressure used in your hydraulic device, so it’s crucial to check the levels before use. Nitrogen pressure levels can change depending on the temperature of your work site, so you should check them every time. In addition, different tasks require different pressure levels.

For instance, the pressure needed to break rocks is likely to be very different from that required for breaking asphalt. Therefore, it is important to understand your job, the temperature in the area and the required pressure.  This will make it much easier to adjust your nitrogen levels accordingly.

Checking hydraulic hoses and couplings for damage

Aside from nitrogen levels, hydraulic hoses are the main component in rock breaker operation.  They should be made from strong, durable materials to withstand the power they need to handle.  However, they must also be flexible and the correct length.  The length of the hoses depends on the rock breaker, but they should be long enough to avoid being stretched to their limit during use, yet short enough to prevent them from catching on anything during operation.

In terms of maintenance, you need to regularly check the hoses and couplings for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear.  If a hose breaks during use, it will severely compromise your system, so visual checks are extremely important.

Servicing regularly

Needless to say, regular servicing of your machinery is essential. This is true not only for vehicles and machinery, but also for attachments such as rock breakers. Even if your breaker appears to be functioning correctly, it is important to maintain a regular servicing schedule. This allows you to identify abnormal wear and tear or other signs of minor issues before they escalate into more costly problems. The cost of servicing a rock breaker is far lower than the cost of replacing it completely due to neglect.

Greasing the excavator breaker

Operating a rock breaker involves a lot of moving parts, particularly within the breaker itself.  While modern rock breakers often come fitted with an automatic lubrication function, many attachments require manual intervention.

To reduce friction between metal parts, maintain a proper working temperature and clear the bushing area of debris that can damage components, you should grease your breaker regularly.

Ensuring the hydraulic breaker isn’t leaking oil

The best way to determine if your rock breaker is leaking oil is to check the oil seals.  Oil typically leaks from the piston rod if there is an issue with the seal, so these should be checked regularly.  First, you’ll need to determine whether your breaker is leaking oil; this can usually be done with a visual inspection.  Remember that oil leaks could occur during operation, so you may need to stop the excavator safely and check for leaks.  You can also do this when you first start the machine.

If your rock hammer is leaking oil, it’s time to change the oil seals, making sure you get the right size for your attachment. For more tips on rock breaker maintenance and selection, contact the team at Earthmoving Equipment Australia. We have the expertise, knowledge and range to provide you with high-quality rock breakers that are fit for purpose.

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