Identifying and Understanding Hydraulic Hammers

[MikePhua]

Hydraulic hammers, also known as hydraulic breakers, are widely used in the construction, demolition, and mining industries for breaking concrete, rocks, asphalt, and other materials. They are a crucial attachment for heavy equipment like excavators, backhoes, and skid-steers. These hammers deliver powerful, repetitive blows to break materials apart, which can make them indispensable for tasks like trenching, foundation preparation, and road demolition. This article will guide you through identifying and understanding hydraulic hammers, their components, and how to ensure they meet the demands of your projects.
Understanding Hydraulic Hammer Functionality
A hydraulic hammer operates by using hydraulic pressure from an excavator or loader's hydraulic system to drive a piston inside the hammer. This piston strikes a chisel, which applies concentrated force onto the material, breaking it apart. The hammer’s efficiency depends on several factors, including the size of the piston, the flow of hydraulic fluid, and the energy produced by the piston’s impact.
There are two primary types of hydraulic hammers: single-acting and double-acting. Single-acting hammers use hydraulic fluid to drive the piston in one direction, while the return stroke is powered by a spring or nitrogen gas. Double-acting hammers, on the other hand, use hydraulic pressure for both the forward and return strokes, providing more consistent and powerful impacts.
Key Components of Hydraulic Hammers

1. Piston: The piston is the heart of the hammer and is responsible for generating the impact force. It moves inside the hammer’s housing, striking the tool or chisel attached at the bottom.
   
2. Tool or Chisel: The tool or chisel is the part that makes contact with the material being broken. Depending on the job, different shapes of tools are used, such as pointed tips for hard materials and flat chisels for softer ones.
   
3. Accumulator: In some hydraulic hammers, an accumulator is used to store hydraulic fluid under pressure. This fluid helps the piston move and can absorb some of the shock loads, ensuring smoother operation.
   
4. Valves: Control valves regulate the hydraulic fluid flow to the hammer. They manage the impact cycle, controlling when the piston strikes and returns, which affects the energy and frequency of the blows.
   
5. Housing: The housing encases the internal components of the hammer, providing protection and structural support.
   
6. Nitrogen Chamber: In double-acting hammers, nitrogen gas is used to assist the return stroke and provide additional force.
   

How to Identify Hydraulic Hammers
Identifying a hydraulic hammer can be crucial when buying, selling, or maintaining equipment. Here are some tips on identifying hydraulic hammers based on specific characteristics:

1. Manufacturer and Model Numbers: Most hydraulic hammers will have a nameplate or stamped serial number on the housing. This will include the manufacturer’s name, model number, and other relevant specifications. Major manufacturers include Atlas Copco, Epiroc, Furukawa, NPK, and Soosan.
   
2. Size and Weight: Hydraulic hammers come in various sizes, from small hammers designed for mini-excavators to massive hammers used in large-scale mining operations. The weight of the hammer usually correlates with the type of equipment it is intended to be used with, as well as the size of the piston and tool.
   
3. Mounting Type: Hammers are designed to be mounted on different types of machinery. For example, some are designed to be attached to excavators, while others are used with backhoes or skid-steers. The mounting system (whether a pin, quick-coupler, or custom bracket) can help identify the appropriate equipment compatibility.
   
4. Tool Compatibility: The type of tool or chisel used with the hammer can offer insight into its model and application. For example, a chisel for roadwork might have a flat tip, while a pointed tool is commonly used for rock breaking.
   

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Hammer for Your Needs
When selecting a hydraulic hammer for your project, several factors must be taken into account:

1. Machine Size: The size of the equipment that will be using the hammer is one of the most important factors. It’s essential to choose a hammer that is properly matched to the size of the excavator, loader, or other machinery. A hammer that is too large for the machine can cause damage to the equipment and be inefficient, while one that is too small may not provide the necessary impact force for the job.
   
2. Material Type: Consider the type of material you will be working with. Harder materials like granite or reinforced concrete require hammers with more impact energy, while softer materials like asphalt can be broken with a lighter, lower-powered hammer.
   
3. Operating Weight and Frequency: Hydraulic hammers are rated by their impact energy (measured in joules or foot-pounds). For tough applications, a high-impact hammer is needed, while lower impact energy is sufficient for softer tasks. Additionally, the hammer's frequency (or blows per minute) is important for matching it to the pace of the work.
   
4. Hydraulic Flow and Pressure: Check the hydraulic system specifications of the equipment to ensure it is compatible with the hammer. Some hammers require a specific range of hydraulic flow and pressure to function optimally. Too much or too little flow can affect performance and cause premature wear.
   
5. Durability and Maintenance: Like any other piece of heavy machinery, hydraulic hammers need regular maintenance to ensure long-term functionality. Look for a hammer with a reputation for durability and reliability, and choose models that are supported by easy-to-source replacement parts and service.
   

Common Issues with Hydraulic Hammers and Their Solutions

1. Hammer Not Firing Properly: This could be due to issues with the hydraulic system, such as low oil levels, contaminated fluid, or a malfunctioning control valve. Ensuring the hydraulic system is in good condition and that the hammer is properly lubricated can prevent this issue.
   
2. Excessive Wear on Tools: Tools and chisels can wear out more quickly if they are not matched to the right material. Choosing the correct tool for the material type and regularly inspecting the tool’s condition can reduce excessive wear.
   
3. Hydraulic Leaks: Leaks are a common problem with hydraulic breakers and can occur from worn seals or fittings. Regular inspections, including checking for leaks around the hammer’s housing and hydraulic connections, can help catch issues early.
   
4. Vibration and Noise: Hydraulic hammers can be noisy and cause vibration in the equipment. Using a hammer with proper damping features can help reduce noise, and periodic maintenance can help minimize vibration damage.
   

Conclusion
Hydraulic hammers are powerful tools that increase efficiency and effectiveness on construction and demolition sites. Identifying the right hydraulic hammer, maintaining it properly, and understanding the key components that influence its performance are critical for getting the best out of these machines. When purchasing or operating a hydraulic breaker, always ensure it’s matched to your machine and the tasks at hand. With proper care and attention, a well-maintained hydraulic hammer can significantly improve your project outcomes and extend the life of your equipment.