Maximizing Productivity: Tips for Efficient Hydraulic Hammer Operation

When it comes to heavy-duty demolition, construction, trenching, utility, and excavation tasks, hydraulic hammers have become the go-to choice for industries worldwide. These powerful tools, also known as hydraulic breakers or hoe rams, are designed to break through tough materials with ease, offering unmatched productivity and efficiency. Invented as a portable alternative to blasting, they enable anyone with a skid steer, backhoe, mini excavator or full-sized excavator crawler to perform demolition tasks affordably without endangering nearby structures with a shock wave due to the unavoidable intensity of a blast.  Gorilla Hammers, a Massachusetts-based hydraulic hammer company, has been at the forefront of providing high-quality solutions for over two decades and in business for more than 80 years!  In this blog, we will delve into some valuable tips to ensure efficient hydraulic hammer operation, allowing industries to maximize productivity and get the most out of their equipment.

• Choose the Right Hydraulic Hammer for the Job:

Selecting the appropriate hydraulic hammer for your specific task is critical to achieving optimal efficiency. Consider factors such as the material you’ll be breaking, the size of the job site, and the available carrier equipment. Gorilla Hammers offers a wide range of hydraulic breakers with varying sizes and capabilities, ensuring you find the perfect match for your requirements.

• Make sure your carrier’s hydraulic output is right for your hammer BEFORE you begin:

Every hydraulic hammer has an optimal range for gallons per minute, operating pressure, hydraulic circuit relief, and back pressure set up by the manufacturer’s engineering team.  Operating your hydraulic breaker outside of these ranges may void the warranty, can do damage from overspeeding, result in a lack of power and efficiency, and reduce the working life of your hoe ram. There are adjustments on Gorilla Hydraulic Breakers and other makes of hydraulic hammers that enable the operator to raise or lower cycle speed and impact power based on the requirements of the excavation or demolition project, productivity goals, and the hardness of the material, but you must flow test your carrier to ensure it is giving the proper hydraulic output before any of these adjustments are made on the hoe ram itself.  However, the factory settings on the hammer are usually optimal for nearly all rockbreaking conditions, and should only be adjusted after speaking with our Gorilla Service Team™. Understanding how to fine-tune these settings and remembering to return to factory settings- will significantly impact your overall performance.

• Maintain Your Hydraulic Hammer Regularly:

Routine maintenance is essential to ensuring the efficiency, rock-breaking power, and longevity of your hydraulic hammer. Inspect the hydraulic hammer’s fasteners and look for leaks daily.  Using only approved hammer lubricant, hammer grease, or chisel paste, lubricate your hoe ram every two hours of use with the hammer vertical. Always make sure the demolition tool length is within discard specs, make sure there is not too much play at the lower busing, and replace worn-out components promptly. Gorilla Hammers provides top-notch hydraulic breakers built with durability in mind, but proper maintenance remains crucial for maximizing productivity with any hydraulic hammer. 

• Use Proper Operator Technique:

The largest cause of hydraulic hammer and demolition tool breakage: is operator error.

Proper operator technique is a key factor in efficient hydraulic hammer operation. Operators should be trained in the correct usage and safety protocols to avoid unnecessary strain on the equipment and maximize productivity. Gorilla Hammers offers comprehensive training and support to ensure operators are well-versed in handling their hydraulic breakers.  Your goal is to break the rock, not the breaker!

• Utilize Auto-Lubrication Systems:

Every hydraulic breaker can be greased manually, as noted above, but some rock breakers add an auto lubrication system to their Gorilla Hydraulic Breaker.  Gorilla sells both carrier (mini, backhoe, or excavator) and hammer-mounted greasers, and as long as the grease levels are checked regularly-ensure chisel paste or hammer grease is being supplied to the hydraulic hammer continually during operation.  Making sure that your hoe ram is receiving hydraulic hammer lubricant at all times reduces downtime and prevents unnecessary wear on crucial components like the hammered steel, upper and lower bushings, tool retainers, etc. Investing in an automatic greasing system for your hydraulic hammer can significantly enhance productivity, and ease of operation, and significantly reduce wear.

The #1 name in Hydraulics is Gorilla Hammers 

As we’ve explored, efficient hydraulic hammer operation is essential for maximizing productivity in various industries, from construction and demolition to excavation and mining. Gorilla Hammers, an 80-year Massachusetts-based hydraulic hammer company, has been providing top-quality solutions for hydraulic hammers since they first appeared in the 1970s, empowering excavation, demolition, and underground utility contractors with service, repairs, and high-performance equipment. By choosing the right hydraulic hammer, maintaining it regularly, using proper operator technique, and adapting to working conditions, businesses can enhance their productivity levels significantly. Gorilla Hammers remains committed to supporting industries with their expertise and reliable hydraulic breakers, ensuring that every job is completed efficiently and successfully. Contact us today at  (888) 814 – 6745 with any questions regarding our products or services!