How to Properly Size Your Hydraulic Hammer

Did you know there are numerous ways to size your hydraulic breaker? The breaker, or hammer, must be appropriately sized for the work and the carrier on which it will be mounted. To discover how you can do so, continue reading below.

Sizing The Hammer for Type of Work

This is the most crucial factor in determining the breaker size. Below are three different types of sizing based on the kind of workload you’re enduring. 

• Small Hydraulic Breakers (Hammers)

This is up to 1200-ft.lbs. (1627 Joules). These are typically used in concrete and other light-duty jobs.

• Medium Hydraulic Breakers (Hammers)

Medium breakers can withstand 1200 – 4000-ft. lbs. (1627 – 5423 Joules). These are used in concrete and rock applications, with limitations on the size and amount of material to be broken.

• Large Hydraulic Breakers (Hammers)

Over 4000 ft. lbs. (5423 Joules). Large breakers are typically used in heavy rock and large-scale concrete demolition projects.

Sizing The Hammer Based on Carrier Size

After considering the application work, you can determine the carrier on which the breaker will be installed. Gorilla Hammers has a specific “recommended carrier weight” range for each breaker. This allows us to decide if the operating weight of the carrier falls within this range or not, safely ensuring the carrier will handle this model of the breaker. Suppose the breaker you’re fixated on falls outside this recommended carrier weight range. In that case, the carrier’s lifting capacity and oil flow must be verified to ensure a proper fit. Read more about the lifting power and oil flow below.

Lifting Capacity

The carrier is always assumed to be stable, provided that the breaker’s weight does not exceed the maximum lifting capacity at any position. The maximum lifting capacity is lowest on most loader backhoes and excavators when the boom is at full reach. This is the value that must be compared to the operating weight of the breaker and is crucial for determining the size.

Oil Flow and Operating Pressure

Each breaker has a specified oil flow range. Oil flow to the breaker within the designated range proves adequate measures for operation. However, the maximum productivity of the carrier has to be capable of providing the maximum required flow. Compare the maximum oil flow requirement of the breaker with the oil flow capacity of the carrier for optimal results. Remember, the breaker operates at 1500–2500 psi. Therefore, oil flow should be evaluated at operating pressure.

Contact Gorilla Hammers today to get started!

To learn more about sizing different types of hydraulic hammers, contact Gorilla Hammers today at 888-814-6745 or email us at sales@gorillahammers.com. We look forward to assisting you with sizing your breaker today!