How to Use a Hydraulic Breaker:Guide to Using a Hydraulic Hammer

Time: 2025-06-20 16:43

It is important to understand how to use a hydraulic breaker correctly

Hydraulic breakers are powerful tools widely used in construction, demolition, mining, and infrastructure projects. When used correctly, they can significantly increase productivity, reduce manual labor, and make breaking through tough materials like rock and reinforced concrete much more efficient.

However, improper use of a hydraulic breaker can lead to equipment damage, safety hazards, and costly downtime. That's why understanding the correct operation procedures is essential for both new and experienced operators.

This guide provides a comprehensive,step-by-step overview of how to safely and effectively use a hydraulic breaker. From preparation and setup to real-time operation and maintenance tips, this resource is designed to help you maximize performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure workplace safety.

How to Use a Hydraulic Breaker:Guide to Using a Hydraulic Hammer

Understanding Hydraulic Breaker Structure and Compatibility

Before operation, it's essential to understand how a hydraulic breaker works. Also known as a hydraulic hammer, it converts hydraulic energy into mechanical force to deliver high-impact blows to the target surface.

Key components include:

Chisel/Tool: The part that strikes the material.
Piston: Delivers the impact force.
Hydraulic Cylinder: Drives the piston using pressurized fluid.
Valve System: Controls fluid flow and impact cycle.

Equally critical is making sure the breaker is compatible with your carrier (excavator, skid steer, etc.). Key compatibility factors include:

Oil flow rate (L/min )
Operating pressure
Carrierweight class
Mounting bracket and pin size

Need help matching your breaker to your excavator?Check out Beilite Breaker Compatibility Guide →https://www.beilite.com/en/silenttype/index.html

Pre-startup inspection of hydraulic breakers

Before commencing operation of the hydraulic breaker, a comprehensive pre-operation inspection is essential. Adhering to this checklist will help prevent performance issues, minimize downtime, and avoid costly repairs.

Oil Inspection

Check the clearance of the chisel before operation.
Change the hydraulic oil after the first 250 hours and then replace every 1500 hours.

Stop ValveCheck

When operating, the stop valve should be in a fully open position.

Breaker Fasteners Check

Check if the bolts, screws and oil hose are fully tightened.
Bolts should be tightened diagonal and with equal force distribution.

Bushes and Greasing

Regularly check the wear of chisel bush and thrust bush.
Add lubrication grease oil every 2 working hours.
When applying, the breaker must be in a working position and the chisel must be pressed tightly.

Warm-Up Procedure

The optimal working oil temperature for hydraulic breakers is 50°C.
Before operation, run in low load and low pressure to ensure the oil temperature is appropriate.

Failure to conduct this critical pre-operation inspection can result in compromised performance, increased operational risks, and significant repair expenses.

Step-by-Step: How to Operate a Hydraulic Breaker Correctly

Proper operation of a hydraulic breaker is essential for ensuring efficiency, protecting equipment, and maintaining safety on the job site. Below are key operating guidelines and prohibited actions you should strictly follow during daily use.

Avoid Operation at Cylinder Limit

Maintain at least a10cmclearancebetween the breaker and the excavator’s arm at full extension.Operating at the extreme limit of the hydraulic cylinder may lead to structural stress and damage to the excavator.

Prohibit Blank Firing

Immediately stop operation if blank firing (firing without resistance) occurs.

Blank firing causes high internal stress, which may severely damage internal components such as the piston and valve system.

Avoid Angled or Warped Strikes

Ensure the chisel is positioned perpendicular to the surface.Angled or sideways impact can cause premature chisel wear or breakage, and may also transfer harmful lateral forces to the housing.

Do Not Strike Continuously in One Spot

Prolonged impact at a single point may lead to excessive hydraulic oil temperature rise, damage to seal kits, and reduced performance.

If no fracture occurs within 30–60 seconds, reposition the chisel and strike a new point.

Avoid Misuse: Prying, Sweeping, Pushing

The breaker is not a multipurpose tool. Misusing it for actions such as levering, sweeping debris, or pushing materials can result in damage to:

The chisel
Housing and side bolts
Excavator arm or boom structure

Prohibited to Use Breaker to Lift or Carry Heavy Objects

Using the breaker to lift or carry heavy objects can cause deformation of the breaker chassis, mounting bracket, or excavator linkage.

No Underwater Operation (WithoutModifications)

Standard breakers are not designed for underwater use. Immersing the tool can cause:

Rust and corrosion of internal components
Seal failure
Hydraulic system contamination and malfunction

For underwater applications, special sealing and ventilation equipment must be installed.If you require underwater operation capabilities, Beilite offers customized solutions—please feel free to contact usfor more information.

How to Use a Hydraulic Breaker:Guide to Using a Hydraulic Hammer

After-Use Maintenance Tips

Regular post-operation maintenance is key to extending the service life of your hydraulic breaker and ensuring consistent performance. Just a few minutes of care after each use can prevent costly repairs and downtime.

Here are essential maintenance steps to follow after every job:

Clean the breaker body and tool area

Remove accumulated dust, debris, and material residue from the tool and housing. Keeping the unit clean prevents premature wear and improves cooling.

Inspect thechisel/tool for damage

Check for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear on the working tool. Replace if any signs of damage are present to avoid damaging internal components during the next use.

Check for loose bolts and fittings

Vibrations during operation can loosen mounting bolts, side bolts, and hydraulic fittings. Tighten as needed to maintain structural integrity and safe performance.

Lubricate moving parts

Apply grease to the chisel and bushings if using a manual system, or ensure the automatic greasing system is functioning properly. Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends component life.

Record operational hours

Keep a log of daily operating time to plan timely maintenance, such as seal kit replacement, filter changes, and general inspections based on the breaker’s service interval.

Reminder: Always refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and service manual for model-specific guidelines.

Safety Guidelines You Should Always Follow

While hydraulic breakers are powerful and efficient, they also come with inherent operational risks. Following these essential safety practices helps protect both personnel and equipment:

Always wear appropriatepersonal protective equipment(PPE)

This includes a hard hat, safety goggles, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection to safeguard against flying debris, noise, and vibration.

Keep a safe working distance for bystanders

Ensure that no unauthorized personnel are within the operating range of the breaker to avoid injury from debris or equipment movement.

Never use the breaker as a lifting device or pry bar

Misusing the tool in this way can lead to structural failure and poses a serious safety hazard.

Avoid working on unstable or sloped surfaces

Ensure the carrier is properly stabilized before operation. Instability can lead to tipping or loss of control.

Provide comprehensive training for all operators

Only trained and authorized personnel should operate the hydraulic breaker. Ensure all users understand proper operation, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

Operating a hydraulic breaker efficiently and safely requires more than just turning it on and striking material. From proper equipment matching and pre-checks to correct handling techniques and ongoing maintenance, each step plays a critical role in maximizing tool performance and protecting your investment.

By following the outlined guidelines, you can: