break it up!
Published 18/4 at 13:29Concrete and rock can put up a tough fight, but they’re no match for the innovative products developed by the world’s breaker and hammer manufacturers.
Stressing impact power, operational efficiency, and long term durability, these machines pack the right kind of punch for every application, whether it’s at an urban redevelopment site or in a remote quarry. In addition, they’re better suited to a changing climate while also being easier to maintain - a big benefit for the planet and every contractor’s balance sheet.
Indeco ‘HP’ fuel saving hydraulic hammers offer maximum productivity with minimum energy consumption
In an increasingly competitive landscape that includes dealing with climate issues and rising energy costs, the search for efficient and sustainable solutions has become an absolute priority for demolition and recycling contractors. Anticipating this need, Indeco introduced its ‘HP Fuel-Saving’ hydraulic hammers some years ago, focusing particular attention on combining maximum productivity with energy savings.
Indeco HP Fuel-Saving hammers are built to ensure superior performance, while the company says consuming 20% less fuel compared with other manufacturers’ models, with weight and performance being equal. This is thanks to the upgraded hydraulic system that optimises hydraulic power and reduces engine speed. The HP series has a single moving part - the distributor - in line with the piston. The internal oil distribution system has no grooves, no direction changes, no diameter reduction, and an almost total absence of seals. All this adds up to extremely efficient hydraulic action with low friction. The exact opposite occurs in gas powered hammers which have a distributor, located away from the piston, divided into two or more parts, a complex hydraulic distribution arrangement and a large number of seals. All characteristics that cause an inevitable loss of energy and which, consequently, require working at high pressure and consuming more fuel.
A patented automatic speed energy impact variation system is another advantage found in Indeco hydraulic hammers which is capable of adapting to the hardness of the rock, thereby making the best use of the impact energy to the advantage of productivity. Indeco states that in a recent comparison of running costs, the HP 18000 Fuel-Saving hammer, Indeco’s largest model, required 18.3% less energy to achieve the same results as a gas powered counterpart. This translates into a saving of 22,200l/year of fuel. Indeco states that its Fuel Saving line delivers a reduction in emissions equal to 50,600 kg of CO2 per year.
Unique, patented ‘IPS’ system takes Epiroc hydraulic breaker performance to a new level
Many of Epiroc’s rig mounted heavy hydraulic breakers now feature its patented ‘Intelligent Protection System’ (IPS). Seamlessly combining the popular ‘AutoControl’ and ‘StartSelect’ functions, this fully automated system is designed to provide simpler, more efficient, and more economical operation than ever before. These functions have been popular on Epiroc hydraulic breakers for some years. AutoControl optimises breaker performance by automatically adjusting the piston stroke length, while StartSelect offers manual switching between two modes: the ‘AutoStart’ mode enables easy positioning at the beginning of the breaking cycle, and in the ‘AutoStop’ mode the breaker stops automatically to avoid blank firing at the end of the breaking cycle. IPS ensures that the hydraulic breaker always starts in AutoStart mode. When the contact pressure between chisel and material increases and AutoControl switches from a short piston stroke to a long piston stroke, IPS switches automatically to AutoStop mode. When the chisel breaks through the material, the breaker automatically shuts off and prevents blank firing.
IPS has been designed to make the breaking process even simpler for the operator by automatically adapting the breaker’s operating behaviour to any working condition. Its fully automated functionality also increases uptime; with no operator intervention or reaction required, there is no interruption of the working process. Epiroc says the system permits more accurate and significantly faster positioning of the breaker, thanks to the centring effect, and avoids blank firing that often results in tool damage. This also eliminates mechanical strain on the carrier, while also extending the life of all wear components. The physical load on the operator is minimised as well. IPS is available with Epiroc heavy breaker models HB 2000, HB 2500, HB 3100, HB 3600, and HB 4700.
Rammer’s compact hydraulic hammer trio
In the bustling world of heavy machinery, there also exists Rammer’s compact hydraulic hammers - the E01, E02, and E04. Despite their small size, these tools pack a mighty punch in output and performance, redefining what’s possible for mini excavators, skid steers, and smaller walk behind electric machines. All models feature Rammer’s innovative ‘CBE’ (Constant Blow Energy) solution where the hammer delivers maximum impact on every blow with higher productivity. Designed to be versatile and efficient, these hammers are said to excel even in hard to reach and tight areas, ensuring no job is too challenging.
The Rammer E01 is suited for carriers ranging from 0.4t to 2.8t. Despite its relatively small size, the E01 boasts the power of Rammer, ensuring peace of mind and smooth operations in various applications. The Rammer E02, is tailored for carriers between 0.7t to 4.5t. With power packed into its compact frame, the E02 continues the legacy of its predecessor, delivering exceptional performance across diverse applications. The Rammer E04, is designed for carriers from 1.2t to 6.0t. With its compact size and power, the E04 represents the culmination of Rammer’s expertise and dedication to excellence. Its modular body design structure ensures versatility throughout its lifecycle, while optional features enhance durability. This makes the E04 a reliable companion in any endeavour.
For those seeking to enhance the capabilities of their compact hydraulic hammers, Rammer offers the ‘RD3’ data module. Using this enables contractors to easily track the location of their hydraulic hammers in real time, providing valuable insights into their whereabouts and how the hammers are being used on the job site. Rammer’s compact hydraulic hammers also feature an automatic greasing system that ensures crucial components are properly lubricated during operation. This ensures enhanced performance, reduced maintenance downtime, and improved equipment longevity.
FRD’s Fx175 Qtv features enhanced durability, less maintenance
Furukawa Rock Drills’ Fx175 Qtv mid-range 14.46kN hammer is designed for use on 13t to 22t excavators and pedestal systems. According to information from FRD, the 1,400kg model offers improved durability, with features that include a square, monoblock body design, while the elimination of through bolts reduces maintenance and failure. A replaceable cylinder liner with concentric porting keeps the piston aligned for maximum impact performance, while a patent pending dust prevention system incorporates grooves to trap contaminants on the upstroke and expel them on the piston downstroke. A cushion ring acts as a secondary trap. These features are designed to improve the life of the piston, bushings, and working steel. With an adjustable rate of 450-600bpm, the Fx175 Qtv is also designed to accommodate automatic lubrication systems for quick daily maintenance. Excavators equipped with a quick coupler can take advantage of FRD’s ‘Floating Top-Mount Boss’ mounting system, which incorporates standard mounting hardware while meeting ‘OEM Pin Centres’ for specific carrier mounting, eliminating the need for specific OEM top caps.
HD Hyundai launches ‘HRB’ breakers
HD Hyundai is adding to the versatility and productivity of its extensive line of wheeled and crawler excavators with the introduction of a range of silenced hydraulic breakers. The HRB Series hammers are said to be packed with innovative features to provide efficient performance and high impact energy. They are available in six sizes, with varying specifications available on larger models. All feature a silenced box housing, to reduce external noise levels, making them suitable for use on urban projects. They have a urethane damper designed to prevent vibration being transmitted to the carrier machine, thereby reducing wear and improving operator comfort. The front head assembly also incorporates a bushing to reduce shocks from the working tool.
High quality steels are said to have been used in the main cylinder and in the piston, with an advanced heat treatment process which Hyundai says delivers best in class service life for the main through bolts. A choice of high grade tools includes a conical moil point for demolition, concrete and hard ground. A pyramidal moil point can be used for trenching, general excavation, asphalt, quarrying and reinforced concrete. The flat wedge chisel is also ideal for trenching and general excavation work along with mass excavation in quarries and for reinforced concrete demolition. Lastly, a blunt flat end is designed for block splitting, compacting abrasive materials and concrete slab demolition work.
Several options are available on the two larger breakers. All HRB140 and HRB250 models come with auto greasing through a front head grease hole and a cylinder head grease hole. HRB140 and HRB250 models can also be ordered with anti-blank firing technology. The HRB250 is available with a nitrogen gas accumulator in the back head section, increasing the impact energy of the piston. The HRB030 is designed for mini excavators with operating weights of 1.2t-3t. The breaker features an impact rate of 700-1,200bpm. The HRB040 is for 2.5t-4t mini excavators and boasts an impact rate of 600-1,200bpm. Machines weighing 4t-7t are suited to the HRB050, which has an impact rate of 500-900bpm and the HRB060 works with 6t-9t machines, offering 400-800bpm impact rate. For larger excavators, in the 10t-15t class, the HRB140 delivers 350-700bpm. The HRB140 is offered in three specifications, with auto greasing, with anti-blank firing or with both options. The largest model in the lineup, the HRB250, is designed to work with 18t-26t machines, it has the accumulator and auto greasing as standard, plus it can be had with anti-blank firing if desired.
All HD Hyundai HRB Series breakers are delivered with a choice of two chisels and they come with a standard two year manufacturer’s warranty. Though designed to deliver ‘the ultimate’ performance with the ‘A-Series’ range of HD Hyundai excavators, the HRB breakers can be used with other manufacturers’ carrier machines, to suit customers with mixed fleets.
Mazio ‘XL’ rock breakers for quarrying and demolition
The heavy duty XL Series of hydraulic rock breakers from Mazio Attachments LLC are designed to provide reliable performance in the most demanding applications, from quarries and mining, to tunnelling and trenching to demolition. Designed for carriers from 1t to 140t of operating weight - including mini excavators, skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, and excavators - Mazio XL breakers are designed to withstand the brutal conditions faced in these applications, providing reliable performance day in and day out. They feature a closed case built from 100% Hardox steel to protect the body from wear and impact. In addition, a number of standard features also lend to the breakers’ durability, including anti-blank-fire technology, which minimises wear; an energy recovery system that reduces the required oil flow; and the breakers’ double damping system that results in less vibration. Variable impact speed and power can be manually tuned using an Allen key, allowing the operator to adjust the breaker for correct productivity. A lower breaker speed provides enhanced power, while higher speed reduces the power, depending on the application needs.
All Mazio breakers come with a five year warranty. They also are available with the company’s exclusive vibration activated ‘Digital Hour Meter’, which accurately measures the tool’s operational hours, differentiating from the carrier hours, ultimately providing better tracking for preventative maintenance activities and billable hours. A 12 year integrated, sealed battery powers the meter as it automatically and autonomously tracks the tool’s impulse during operation, calculating its true work hours. A fibre glass reinforced heavy duty rubber case protects the meter from harsh working environments.
Mazio offers six XL breaker models for 30t to 140t mining duty excavators, with tools ranging from 3.4t in weight and 2,980 mm in length to 11t in weight and 5,000mm in length. For excavators 11t to 36t, five breaker models range from 1t and 2,050 mm to 2.6t and 2,650 mm . For compact carriers, there are six breaker models available from 130kg and 990 mm to 580kg) and 1,800mm. Tool choices include cone shaped tool for universal use in concrete and rock; chisel tool for rock breaking, concrete demolition, and asphalt breaking; cylinder tool for drilling and concrete demolition; moil point for universal use in concrete and asphalt and a blunt tool for demolition.
Mazio Attachments LLC is an Italian manufacturer of specialised attachments for the construction, demolition, recycling, mining, aggregates, excavation, scrap, and forestry industries. With engineering and manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Italy, and Colombia, Mazio designs its distinctive purple attachments to work with all makes and sizes of carrier machine, from hydraulic excavators, skid steer loaders, and backhoes to wheel loaders, telehandlers, and more. Mazio attachments are available through a growing dealer network or direct, depending on location. The company offers immediate delivery for spare parts and service, and field training for operators.
Meet Montabert’s ‘Premium’ heavy breakers
Montabert Premium heavy breakers are designed for all types of carriers, from 18t to 120t, and are ideal for a variety of applications, including demolition, excavation, quarrying, and mining. According to Montabert, the models’ automatic variable speed technology senses changes in material hardness and adjusts impact energy and striking rate. This increases productivity, based on the application, and reduces blank firing. The technology also reduces unnecessary harmful energy from transferring to the carrier and breaker, helping to prevent wear on parts and components. Other features include an energy chamber that acts as a hydraulic shock absorber and reduces pressure variations in the hydraulic circuits to provide consistent energy to the breaker. This system is designed to minimise pressure spikes and keep the charge constant, with no periodic maintenance required. A progressive start system prevents slipping by creating a small recess in the material before full power is applied. Blank fire protection reduces damage on all wear parts by providing a cushion of oil that reduces the energy, while automatic lubrication ensures the breaker is constantly lubricated to improve the life span of wear parts and components. An automatic pressure regulator is designed to ensure hydraulic breaker operation pressure regardless of changes in outdoor temperature, delivering maximised performance across a large range of carriers.
In addition, Montabert recently introduced a redesigned cradle/housing for the V32 breaker, built for carriers from 18t to 30t.
Nitrogen breaker series from Ignite Attachments
US based Ignite Attachments continues to expand its lineup with a new series of nitrogen breakers for skid steers, loaders and mini track loaders. The series includes a light, standard and heavy duty option, all said to be equipped with what the company claims is an industry leading impact power and universal attachment interface. Units come standard with two tools: a moil and chisel. The series is designed for a long life and minimal maintenance. Ignite breakers also use Faster brand connect under pressure couplers and full nylon hose sleeves for easy, dependable operation even in challenging demolition applications. All models are pre-charged, ready for the jobsite.
The light duty model weighs 228kg and has an impact energy of 290-320Nm. It requires a hydraulic flow of 26.5-53l/m. The 381kg standard duty model requires a flow range of 41.6-58l/m and provides an impact energy of 590-630.5Nm. The heavy duty model weighs 456kg with an impact energy of 778-1,055-1110.4Nm. Hydraulic requirements are 49.2-91l/m. By using a nitrogen boost, Ignite breakers are designed to be able to increase strike energy without increasing attachment weight for the optimal power to weight ratio. Units are pre-charged before shipping, but also arrive with a nitrogen charging tool kit for easy long term maintenance.
Ignite also offers a free online ‘Fit Finder’ tool that identifies the perfect breaker for existing equipment based on thousands of specs from across compact equipment brands. The company also provides transparent pricing and inventory availability, same day processing for most orders, and direct shipping.
Takeuchi sound suppressed hydraulic hammers provide quiet productivity
Takeuchi’s sound suppressed hydraulic hammer line includes seven models with what are said to be excellent power to weight ratios suitable for a variety of applications. As Takeuchi hammers are sound suppressed, they can be operated in quieter environments with less noise disruption throughout the surrounding area. The TKB52-S, TKB72-S, and TKB102-S are compatible with compact excavators ranging from the manufacturer’s TB210R to the TB230. The TKB-302S, TKB402-S and TKB802-S work well with Takeuchi compact track loader models ranging from the TL6R to the TL12V2/R2 and compact excavator models ranging from the TB235-2 to the TB290. Finally, the TKB1702-S is compatible with Takeuchi’s TB2150 and TB2150R compact excavators.
Designed to provide excellent noise and vibration insulation, the sound suppressed design of every Takeuchi hammer also protects the unit from dust and debris. Constant blow energy (‘CBE’) allows for a wide range of oil flow settings and protects the hammer against high back pressure. An integrated, membrane type hydraulic accumulator eliminates nitrogen leakage and the need to recharge for lower operating costs and consistent impact energy. The compact and medium hammer ranges feature fewer internal parts and no tie rods, as well as a three in one lower tool bushing designed for enhanced durability and simpler maintenance. A single retaining pin makes it easier and faster to replace the tool and tool bushing onsite when necessary. Swivel couplings on the medium range TKB302-S, TKB402-S, and TKB802-S models, allow hoses to move freely, reducing the load on both the hoses and hose couplings for longer component life.
Develon ‘HB-Series’ hydraulic breakers now available in North America
Develon’s HB06H and HB15FH hydraulic breakers have been designed for high performance, long lasting durability, and easy maintenance even in the most punishing demolition, mining and quarry, and general construction applications. According to the manufacturer, the two models boast high quality materials and components for a long lifespan. The breakers’ durability is enhanced through an advanced heat treatment process and the use of quality materials for key components, such as the cylinder and piston. The low noise housing is said to be ideal for excavators working in urban areas where noise levels must be controlled or where local regulations require damped breakers. The HB06H and HB15FH are compatible with Develon’s DX62R-7 and DX63-7 6t mini excavators, DX140LC-7 and DX140LCR-7 14t crawler excavators, and DX140W-7 wheel excavator.
Go cordless with Hilti’s TE 50-22 rotary hammer
In the handheld category, Hilti’s new TE 50-22 is a versatile cordless rotary hammer drill that the company says provides great performance to weight for drilling, chiselling, and coring. The model weighs only 6.8kg, including the battery, making it easier to use and transport. The TE 50-22 has an optimum drilling range of 15.9mm - 31.75mm and single impact energy of 6Nm. It’s ergonomic design and ‘Active Vibration Reduction’ (AVR) technology also helps reduce user fatigue on the jobsite, while Hilti’s ‘Active Torque Control’ (ATC) provides more protection from tool over rotation when drill bits get stuck.
The TE 50-22 is powered by Hilti’s all new 22V ‘Nuron’ platform, which is said to provide the performance of corded with the convenience of battery tools.
New updates from TABE
Tabe hammers have been pioneering tie free design since the launch of its first monoblock hammer in 1997, the AGB 370. Its compact design and simplicity result in a reliable, robust and durable hammer. In recent years Tabe has updated its compact light range, resulting in more powerful hammers with a lower tip weight. As a result of this update, the most iconic model, the MT 375 for excavators between 5t and 8t, will be replaced by the new MT 385. Along the same lines, the MT 275 (for machines of 4t-7t) has also been updated to the new MT 285 with Tabe working on the renewal of the light range to offer a new generation of hammers with improved efficiency and performance. In addition, some optional extra elements have been developed such as hose protection and the spray system. With these accessories, Tabe aims to offer more versatile hammers, capable of working in very diverse environments delivering optimal performance.
Beilite’s BLTB Series 3 revolution
ACDE Europe proudly presents Beilite’s latest generation of hydraulic breakers: the BLTB-175-W-3 to BLTB-260-3-W, Series 3. This series raises the standards for power, versatility and efficiency to a new level. With the BLTB Series 3, Beilite Europe proves that high-quality and innovative solutions can go hand in hand. This series is perfect for direct mining, demolition, tunnelling, and underwater work, designed to maximize efficiency and productivity. BLTB Series 3 delivers more power with less weight, making them ideal for smaller excavators, without compromising on performance. Advanced design technology reduces fuel and transportation costs. Highlights of Series 3 include models for excavators with an operating weight of 40,000kg to 160,000kg. Among its features are a professional air duct for underwater and tunnel work and a choice of impact piston to meet the needs of any project. New covers for the chisel locking axles improve safety and durability, while extra wear-resistant housing guarantees durability even under extreme conditions. And, the BI-BLUBE automatic lubrication system ensures optimum lubrication and extends the service life of the equipment. An optional dust protection system to protect the breaker’s wearing parts is also available. Also from ACDE Europe is the ASG demolition and sorting grabs that can maximize efficiency. Suitable for large excavators up to 50 tons, the revolutionary ASG demolition and sorting grabs from ACDE Europe offer low weight and low overall height for optimum handling. Wear-resistant steel and hardened, chrome-plated bearing pins enhance robustness, while a 360° rotation provides unsurpassed flexibility. ACDE Europe’s ASC series of hydraulic pulverizers is also something new that make the contractors work easier, faster and more effective. The series includes a model for every excavator, with complete cylinder protection that ensures the attachment always delivers what it promises. A fast-action valve provides more power, less waiting time, and maximum performance.