Working Principle of Hydraulic System in Hydraulic Breaker Hammer

The hydraulic breaker hammer system is the beating heart of every hydraulic hammer, also known as a hydraulic breaker, or in some cases a rock breaker or hydraulic demolition hammer. It converts pressurized oil into powerful, repeated blows capable of demolishing rock, concrete, and asphalt. But how does a hydraulic breaker work, exactly?

How the Hydraulic System Powers a Hydraulic Hammer

In simple terms, a hydraulic breaker uses the hydraulic power of the carrier excavator to drive internal components that deliver percussive force. Whether you’re performing foundation breaking, trenching, or rock fragmentation, this force is the core of the operation.

Hydraulic oil, pressurized by the excavator’s pump, enters the breaker through the inlet port. This oil doesn’t just “move things around” — it’s the energy source that drives the piston, the breaker’s primary impact component. Hydraulic breaker hammers are energy converters. They convert hydraulic pressure into mechanical impact energy that is transferred to a working tool such as a chisel or moil point.

The oil flow rate and working pressure must match the breaker’s requirements — typically between 100–200 bar for standard applications.

The Role of the Piston in Generating Impact Force

At the center of the cylinder assembly, the piston plays the critical role in converting hydraulic energy into motion. When oil is directed into the chamber above the piston, the pressure forces it downward.

On impact, the piston strikes the working tool — usually a moiled tool, flat chisel, or blunt point — transferring kinetic energy directly into the target material. This process is central to boulder splitting, concrete removal, and even tree stump removal.

Then, through an intelligent combination of oil redirection and accumulator support, the piston resets and prepares for the next strike — typically 500–1300 BPM, depending on the breaker model. Some BEILITE rock breakers can reach impact frequencies over 1300 blows per minute, significantly boosting performance in hard rock excavation.

Hydraulic Oil Flow and the Function of the Control Valve

The valve assembly, located in the rear or center of the breaker’s cylinder body, acts as the traffic controller of the entire hydraulic breaker system.

It determines:

• When oil flows above or below the piston

• When oil is exhausted through the return line

• How smoothly the stroke cycle completes

Accurate timing in this valve system ensures consistent power output and avoids dead strokes — where the piston fails to transfer impact energy effectively. This is why clean oil, optimal backpressure, and correct flow settings are crucial.

Recommend Reading: [How to Use a Hydraulic Breaker Correctly: A BEILITE Guide]

What Does the Accumulator Do in a Hydraulic Hammer?

The accumulator — a key component in any hydraulic-powered breaker — is a gas-charged pressure chamber filled with nitrogen. It performs two essential tasks:

1. Energy storage: It collects excess energy during low-pressure phases to assist the piston’s downward stroke.

2. Shock absorption: It reduces pressure spikes that occur during the piston’s return or tool impact.

A well-maintained accumulator is essential for maintaining impact efficiency and protecting the carrier machine (typically a 20-ton excavator or equivalent).

Recommend Reading: [An Ultimate Guide for Hydraulic Hammer Repair]

How Reciprocating Motion Produces Continuous Blows

Here’s the full hydraulic breaker hammer cycle in brief:

1. Oil enters the upper chamber, pushing the piston down.

2. The piston strikes the tool.

3. Oil is redirected via the valve system, lifting the piston.

4. The accumulator helps reset the stroke.

5. The cycle repeats.

This reciprocating motion enables continuous blows for rock breaking, road maintenance, or secondary breaking in quarry operations.

Why Carrier Compatibility Matters to Hydraulic Performance

The performance of your excavator-mounted breaker depends on how well it matches the carrier’s hydraulic system.

Key parameters include:

Oil flow ($l/min$)

Working pressure (bar)

Carrier operating weight (tons)

Return line backpressure

Choosing an incompatible carrier can lead to performance loss, weak impact, or even premature seal failure in critical components like the control valve, piston, or bushings.

Recommend Reading: [How to Match Hydraulic Hammer Size Configurations to Your Job Requirements?]

What Operators Should Understand About the Hydraulic System

• The piston converts pressurized oil into direct impact energy.

• The valve assembly ensures correct timing and motion control.

• The accumulator boosts performance and protects the hydraulic system.

• The carrier excavator must match hydraulic specs like flow and pressure.

• Mastering this system prevents failures and increases your hydraulic hammer's lifespan.

How Understanding the Hydraulic Principle Can Prevent Equipment Failure

Operators and fleet managers with a firm understanding of the hydraulic hammer working principle can:

• Identify problems like low nitrogen pressure or pressure loss

• Avoid damage caused by incorrect flow rate or tool misalignment

• Implement proper pre-operation procedures during cold starts

• Choose the best hydraulic breaker based on carrier and job type

This knowledge leads directly to better tool performance, fewer breakdowns, and maximum return on investment in harsh work conditions — whether it’s trenching, demolition, or quarry blasting.

About Beilite - Reliable Hydraulic Breaker Manufacturer

At BEILITE, we specialize in helping contractors, fleet operators, and project managers find the right hydraulic breaker solution tailored to their exact needs. Whether you're selecting a model compatible with your excavator, troubleshooting low impact force, or optimizing oil flow and backpressure settings, our experienced team is here to support you — every step of the way.

Backed by over two decades of industry expertise and a portfolio of patented technologies, BEILITE offers a full range of high-performance hydraulic breakers engineered for durability, efficiency, and adaptability across diverse working conditions — including mining, demolition, tunneling, underwater operations, and extreme environments like high altitudes and polar regions.

Our breakers are trusted worldwide for applications such as foundation removal, road construction, trenching, quarrying, and recycling, and are known for strong impact energy, stable performance, extended lifespan, and low maintenance costs.

From our flagship BLT and BLTB series — featuring sound-suppressed, top-mounted, side-mounted, and skid steer loader models — to our global service footprint in over 100 countries, BEILITE delivers not just tools, but complete productivity solutions.

As the first Chinese hydraulic breaker brand with independent intellectual property to enter the European market, BEILITE continues to lead through innovation, quality, and customer-first service. Whether you're operating in a metropolitan job site or on a scientific expedition to Antarctica, you can count on BEILITE for world-class hydraulic performance and dependable technical support.

Contact us today to find the right hydraulic breaker solution or get expert support for your equipment.

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info@beilite.com