What is a hydraulic breaker on an excavator | Huilian Guide
- What is a Hydraulic Breaker on an Excavator – Essential Guide for Professionals
- What is a Hydraulic Breaker on an Excavator?
- Overview
- How Does a Hydraulic Breaker Work?
- Primary Applications
- Key Parts of a Hydraulic Breaker
- Main Benefits
- Selecting the Right Hydraulic Breaker
- Maintenance Essentials
- Safety Considerations
- References
What is a Hydraulic Breaker on an Excavator – Essential Guide for Professionals
A hydraulic breaker is an essential attachment for excavators, used to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt efficiently. This article explains what a hydraulic breaker is, how it works, its applications, maintenance requirements, and key selection factors for professionals seeking reliable, high-performance excavator components.
What is a Hydraulic Breaker on an Excavator?
Overview
- Function: Hydraulic breakers (also known as hydraulic hammers) use hydraulic power from the excavator to deliver strong percussive force.
- Purpose: Designed for breaking, demolishing, or fracturing hard surfaces like concrete, rock, or pavements.
- Attachment Type: Most breakers mount directly to the excavator boom or arm via a dedicated coupler.
How Does a Hydraulic Breaker Work?
- Hydraulic Supply: Powered by the excavator’s hydraulic pump, which transmits pressurized fluid through hoses.
- Percussive Motion: Internal pistons rapidly strike a tool (chisel or blunt rod) against the surface.
- Energy Control: Work intensity is managed through frequency and pressure controls.
- Source: (https://www.aem.org/)
Primary Applications
- Demolition: Breaking concrete structures, foundations, and slabs.
- Trenching: Excavating hard ground, frozen earth, or asphalt pavements.
- Mining: Fragmenting rocks, boulders, and ore deposits.
- Roadwork: Removing or repairing roads, sidewalks, and bridges.
- Quarrying: Reducing stone size for easier handling.
Key Parts of a Hydraulic Breaker
- Piston: Creates the striking force.
- Tool (Chisel, Moil, or Blunt Rod): Direct point of impact.
- Hydraulic Cylinder: Contains hydraulic fluid and transfers energy.
- Accumulator: Reduces pressure spikes and increases efficiency.
- Mounting Bracket: Connects the breaker securely to the excavator.
Main Benefits
- Increased Productivity: Faster, safer concrete and rock breaking than manual methods.
- Reduced Labor Cost: Higher output with fewer operators.
- Versatile Utility: Wide suitability for construction, demolition, and mining.
- Precision Work: Allows controlled breaking without excessive vibration.
Selecting the Right Hydraulic Breaker
- Match Tool to Carrier: Ensure breaker weight and hydraulic requirements suit the excavator size.
- Operating Pressure & Flow: Select a breaker with compatible hydraulic parameters.
- Tool Type: Choose chisel, moil, or blunt rod based on the material being broken.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Select from trusted brands with robust service support.
- Source: (https://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/attachments/breakers.html)
Maintenance Essentials
- Daily Inspection: Check hoses, tool wear, mounting, and hydraulic fluid levels.
- Lubrication: Regularly lubricate tool bushings and points.
- Routine Servicing: Replace worn seals, check accumulator charge, and monitor hydraulic pressure.
- Operator Training: Ensure correct usage to avoid premature wear or damage.
- Source: (https://www.komatsu.jp/en/)
Safety Considerations
- Proper Mounting: Prevent accidents with correct attachment procedures.
- Hydraulic Precautions: Monitor pressures and avoid overloading.
- Protective Gear: Operators must use safety equipment to avoid debris injury.
Summary Table
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Main Use | Demolition, mining, trenching, roadwork |
Power Source | Excavator hydraulic system |
Key Parts | Piston, Tool, Hydraulic Cylinder, Accumulator |
Maintenance | Inspection, lubrication, seal replacement |
Selection Criteria | Carrier match, pressure/flow, manufacturer |
References


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What types of excavator parts do you offer?
We provide a wide range of high-quality excavator parts, including hydraulic breakers, chisels, seal kits, diaphragms, pistons, wear bushes, retainer bars, through bolts, side bolts, valves, and liners.
Are your parts compatible with all excavator brands?
Yes, our parts are designed to be compatible with major brands like Komatsu, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Hyundai, Doosan, JCB, Kobelco, Sany, and many more.
Do you offer OEM and aftermarket parts?
Yes, we manufacture high-quality OEM parts and supply aftermarket parts from top brands such as NOK, Parker, SKF, and Hallite to ensure optimal performance.
What is your shipping and delivery time?
We offer fast and reliable global shipping. Delivery times vary depending on location and order size, but we strive to process and ship orders as quickly as possible.

Side type hydraulic breaker : Easy to control, convenient positioning, durable, high working efficiency, strong striking force, long service life, stable operating performance, convenient after-sales service.
Top type hydraulic breaker : Strong impact power; excellent environmental performance; exquisite manufacturing technology; easy maintenance,fast after-sales service
Box type hydraulic breaker :leading heat treatment technology, enhance heat resistance, wear resistance. Under the condition of keeping the oil pressure constant, the cylinder volumeis reduced and the fuel consumption is reduced.The self-developed core is adopted to make the piston cylinder body moredurable and the service life longer.Exposed decks are made of high-strength steel plates to reduce wear.The best efficiency matching with excavator and loader is realized



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