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2025-06-16
How to Use a Hydraulic Breaker:Guide to Using a Hydraulic Hammer
Time: 2025-06-20 16:43
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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.
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.
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:
- Extend the life of your hydraulic breaker
- Reduce unplanned downtime and repair costs
- Improve job site safety and efficiency
Need help choosing the right hydraulic breaker or configuring your machine?Beilite’s team is here to help
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