Legacy and Maintenance of Allied Hydraulic Breakers

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Allied and Its Impact on Demolition Tools
Allied Construction Products, originally founded in the mid-20th century, became a respected name in hydraulic attachments, particularly breakers used in demolition, trenching, and quarry work. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Allied built its reputation on rugged simplicity and field-serviceable designs. Their hydraulic breakers—often branded under names like Rammer, Ho-Pac, and eventually Allied-branded models—were widely adopted across North America and beyond.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Allied’s breakers were standard equipment on excavators and skid steers, especially in municipal fleets and mid-sized contractors. Though newer brands have since taken market share, many of these older Allied units are still in use today, a testament to their durability and rebuildability.
Terminology Notes

• Hydraulic Breaker: A percussion tool powered by hydraulic pressure, used to fracture concrete, rock, or asphalt.
  
• Accumulator: A pressurized chamber that stores hydraulic energy and dampens shock loads.
  
• Tool Retainer: A mechanical system that holds the chisel or moil point in place during operation.
  
• Nitrogen Charge: Compressed nitrogen used in the upper chamber to assist piston recoil and energy transfer.
  

Common Models and Their Characteristics
Older Allied breakers were often categorized by carrier weight class and impact energy. Popular models included:

• Allied 750: Suited for 8–12 ton excavators, with moderate impact force
  
• Allied 1000: Designed for 12–18 ton carriers, used in roadwork and foundation removal
  
• Allied 1500: Heavy-duty unit for quarry and demolition work, compatible with 20+ ton machines
  

These breakers typically featured:

• Simple piston-driven design with few electronic components
  
• Replaceable bushings and tool retainers
  
• External accumulator for easy nitrogen service
  
• Bolt-on side plates for frame reinforcement
  

A contractor in Alberta used an Allied 1000 for over a decade on a Case 160 excavator. After three seal rebuilds and one piston replacement, the breaker still performed reliably on concrete pads and frost rock.
Maintenance Challenges and Solutions
As these units age, several issues may arise:

• Seal Leakage: Hydraulic fluid escaping from the piston or accumulator. Solution: Rebuild with OEM or aftermarket seal kits, ensuring proper torque and alignment.
  
• Nitrogen Loss: Accumulator loses pressure over time. Solution: Recharge with nitrogen using a certified kit and gauge, maintaining factory specs (typically 150–200 psi).
  
• Tool Retainer Wear: Chisel becomes loose or misaligned. Solution: Replace retainer pins and bushings, inspect for frame distortion.
  
• Piston Scoring: Caused by contamination or dry operation. Solution: Hone cylinder bore and replace piston, flush hydraulic lines thoroughly.
  

A technician in Georgia rebuilt an Allied 750 after discovering the nitrogen chamber had ruptured internally. The repair involved machining a new accumulator shell and retrofitting a pressure relief valve to prevent future overcharge.
Parts Availability and Retrofit Options
While Allied no longer produces many of these older models, parts support remains viable through:

• Aftermarket suppliers specializing in legacy breakers
  
• Salvage yards and equipment dismantlers
  
• Custom fabrication for bushings, retainers, and wear plates
  

Recommended upgrades include:

• Installing quick coupler-compatible brackets for faster attachment changes
  
• Retrofitting sound suppression kits for urban work
  
• Adding tool grease ports to reduce wear during extended operation
  
• Using synthetic hydraulic oil for better thermal stability and seal longevity
  

A municipal crew in Maine added a custom bracket to their Allied 1000 to fit a newer Volvo carrier. The retrofit allowed continued use of the breaker without modifying the excavator’s boom geometry.
Operational Tips and Best Practices
To maximize performance and longevity:

• Always warm up hydraulic oil before engaging the breaker
  
• Avoid dry firing—ensure tool contact before activation
  
• Grease tool shank every 2–4 hours of operation
  
• Monitor nitrogen pressure monthly
  
• Inspect bushings and tool wear weekly
  

Upgrade options:

• Add a flow control valve to prevent over-speeding
  
• Use vibration-dampening mounts for operator comfort
  
• Install a pressure gauge inline to monitor hydraulic input
  
• Retrofit auto-lube systems for high-duty cycles
  

A contractor in Texas added a flow restrictor to his Allied 1500 after noticing excessive recoil. The adjustment reduced wear and improved control during rock trenching.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania restored an Allied 1000 found in a scrapyard. The breaker had sat unused for years, but the frame was intact. After replacing seals, recharging the accumulator, and fabricating a new bracket, the unit was mounted on a Komatsu PC160 and used to break up a concrete barn foundation. The operator noted that while it lacked the finesse of newer models, the raw impact force was still impressive.
Conclusion
Old Allied hydraulic breakers remain valuable tools when properly maintained and adapted. Their mechanical simplicity, rebuildable design, and robust construction make them ideal for contractors who value reliability over electronics. With thoughtful upgrades and disciplined service, these legacy breakers continue to deliver impact where it counts. In demolition, age is no barrier—only neglect is.