Ways To Maintain Your Hydraulic Hammer for a Longer Life

Hydraulic hammers or breakers are heavy-duty attachments used in construction and demolition to break down concrete and rock. They are often costly, and frequent maintenance is essential to preserve their longevity and avoid repairs and extended downtime. Neglecting this might disrupt tasks, resulting in financial losses and potentially shortening the breaker’s lifespan.

Here are four tips to help achieve optimal performance and extend the longevity of a hydraulic breaker:

1. Complete a Regular Visual Inspection

Regular visual inspections are a straightforward and effective method for maintaining a hydraulic hammer in working order. Before using the equipment, these tasks should be conducted to detect any signs of anticipated damage or wear on its components. This proactive maintenance approach can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, ensuring the continued reliability of the hammer.

• Daily inspections entail checking critical components for signs of damage or looseness. These include attachment pins, retainers, locks, bracket cap bolts, nuts, tool retainers, hoses, connectors, and ball valves. If any of these elements are found to be compromised, they must be immediately repaired to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Weekly inspections include assessing cracks or excessive wear on specific areas like the surface, retainers, and the piston strike face. Fractures or signs of wear should be remedied promptly to maintain the breaker’s integrity and performance. This proactive approach helps to guarantee that the equipment remains in excellent condition for its intended tasks.
• Annual inspections require the worker to inspect hydraulic breaker couplers every 100 operating hours. The constant fluid pressure might cause wear on these connectors, necessitating routine inspections. Additionally, contractors should check the system’s flow and pressure annually to see whether it operates within normal parameters.

2. Grease the Hydraulic Hammer Attachment

Greasing the hydraulic breaker is a critical maintenance task because it lubricates the equipment and clears debris. The specialized substance employed in this process is formulated to withstand higher temperatures and is applied between the bushings and steel components. This provides a more effective and durable lubrication than standard lubricants.

There are two approaches to greasing hydraulic hammers: manual and automatic. In manual greasing, the worker should press the tool inside the rock breaker firmly to regulate the quantity of grease. Excessive application can result in the immobilization of moving elements within the chamber. This can lead to seal failures or inadvertent grease entry into the hammer’s system upon activation.

Automatic greasing ensures a consistent lubricant supply and eliminates manual intervention at set intervals. This system can be directly mounted on the cradle or incorporated as a larger tank on the machine itself. By adopting an automated approach, workers can save labor-intensive time and money in the long run.

3. Inspect Nitrogen Pressure

Various factors such as temperature, operating conditions, and usage patterns determine the appropriate nitrogen charge pressure. Consulting the operation and maintenance handbook can help identify the ideal pressure tailored to specific applications. If uncertain, seek assistance from a service provider to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential damage.

4. Examine Hydraulic Hoses

Proper hose length and secure connections are vital to prevent them from impeding the extension of the breaker’s attachment. Hoses that are too short can limit the reach and affect the equipment’s performance. Conversely, overly long components may become disengaged or snag on objects. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct dimensions for ease of installation and extended operating time.

Preventative hydraulic hose maintenance minimizes the likelihood of equipment failures, which can be costly and disruptive. Addressing minor issues before they escalate not only safeguards against expensive repair bills but also reduces overall operating costs.

Partner With Fluid Tech Hydraulics for Your Hydraulic Hammer Maintenance Needs

At Fluid Tech Hydraulics, we deliver high-quality hydraulic equipment solutions and expert guidance for your selection of appropriate equipment! Whether you require a new hammer or need repairs for your current one, we’ve got you covered. We offer services for various brands, including but not limited to Rammer/Sandvik, Atlas Copco, Okada, Indeco, NPK, Epiroc, Furukawa (Kent/FRD), Stanley, LaBounty, Bobcat, and Soosan. We are also proud to offer new hammers from Rammer/Sandvik, Okada, Stanley, Kent/FRD and Indeco.

Contact us to learn more about our services and capabilities!