Hydraulic breakers: recommendations for use

Their main applications include demolition, initial excavation, trench digging, and secondary rock crushing. Hydraulic breakers can be divided into three main categories based on the size and type of excavator onto which they are fitted:

• Small breakers, mainly used for digging work, roadworks, demolition in residential areas, and building renovation.
• Medium-sized breakers, mainly used for demolishing buildings, excavations in urban areas, and secondary breaking in quarries.
• Large breakers, mainly used for major demolitions, primary excavation in quarries, and digging foundations, tunnels and railway tunnels.

Components and operation of hydraulic breakers

Hydraulic breakers consist of a breaker unit, a casing fitted with shock absorbing and vibration damping systems (that surround and protect the breaker unit), and a tool (“moil” or “chisel” point).

The breaker unit can be made as a single part (monoblock) or in multiple parts secured together with four tie rods. Inside it has basically two moving parts: a piston (or striking hammer) and a distributor. In addition there is also a tool designed to impact the surface being demolished or excavated.

Hydraulic breakers must be connected to the hydraulic system of an excavator. The thrust provided by the high pressure hydraulic fluid, or from the low pressure nitrogen contained in the head, drive the striking head. The energy generated by the thrust is then transferred violently to the top of the tool, which releases it into the ground.

5 recommendations for the correct use of hydraulic breakers

1. Always use hydraulic breakers perpendicular to the surface of the material being demolished and set the correct level of operating pressure.
2. Breakers must NEVER hammer "in idle": idle strokes cause early wear and breakage of the tool retainer pin.
3. DO NOT use hydraulic breakers to move heavy masses with the point or casing.
4. Hydraulic breakers must NOT impact the same point for more than 30 seconds. If you persist too long in the same position, the hydraulic fluid overheats and there is a risk of the piston seizing.
5. DO NOT submerge the breaker in water beyond the extension of the tool. If this is necessary for underwater work, refer to your nearest authorized assistance centre to provide the hydraulic breaker with adequate underwater fittings.

The important 5 step routine maintenance procedure

1. The tool (or tip) must be constantly greased (recommended every 2 hours of work).
2. The shock absorbers and tie rods (if present) must be checked at the start and end of each work shift.
3. Check that the tool retention pins and fixing bolts of the adaptor plate are correctly fitted and tightened.
4. Check that there are no hydraulic fluid leaks along the hoses, connectors, and tool.
5. Inspect the breaker overall for any weld failures or cracks in the casing, adaptor plate, and tool.

ITR brand hydraulic breakers

The ITR brand hydraulic breaker line is designed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in Italy and includes two distinct types: MonoBlack (monoblock) and NitroWhite (with tie rods).

The ITR MonoBlack monoblock breaker falls into the first two breaker categories: small and medium-sized. It is available from 60 to 950 kg and is compatible with machines from0.7 to 14 tons. It is characterized by:   Quiet operation thanks to polyurethane shielding over the breaker unit. Easy, quick maintenance thanks to the steel monoblock design without tie rods. Less risk of component failure and lower maintenance costs due to the monoblock structure and oversized hydraulic brake: this combination also helps reduce the overall cost of ownership. High stability: since it does not work outside of axial alignment, the internal components are not subject to early wear.

The ITR NitroWhite breaker with tie rods falls into all three breaker categories, from small to large. It is available from 70 to 10,000 kg and is compatible with machines from 0.5 to 140 tons. It is characterised by:   Higher impact force at constant speed thanks to an internal control valve system. Manual frequency/power adjustment. Absence of idle strokes. Balance between performance, reliability, and cost to satisfy market demands.

Are you looking for a hydraulic breaker that is both practical and effective at the same time?

Contact us for more technical details about our hydraulic breakers: ITR MonoBlack, simple, quiet, and stable, and ITR NitroWhite, powerful and reliable.

Download catalogue