The hydraulic breaker makes breaking down large concrete blocks and rocks easier and faster. This powerful tool when fitted on an excavator can do the work of several men in just an hour or even less. But it is important that you take good care of it, ensure you use the right spares from genuine JCB spare parts manufacturers and carry out servicing when it is necessary.
To ensure that it functions at an optimum level there are things you need to attend to apart from using the right spares from JCB spare parts manufacturers, you need to use it in the right way to avoid spoiling it. Here are some things you should know about the hydraulic breaker.
Main Uses of Hydraulic Breakers
There are three common uses of this magnificent tool, most of the others would revolve around these.
Demolition: This tool was made to breakdown stone and concrete so it is ideal if you are completely demolishing a structure and you want to save time.
Mining: Mining is similar to demolition since you need to dig into rock, the breaker can help to mine for minerals within rocks.
Breaking After Demolition: Sometimes even after demolition, the pieces of rock may still be too big and you need to break them into smaller pieces.
Common Mistakes that Spoil Hydraulic Breakers
Sometimes because the person using the tool does not know that the way they are using the breaker may cause damage, they go ahead and use it in the wrong way which results in damage that needs repair in order to continue using it. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
Wrong Positioning: This is common with inexperienced handlers of the breaker when faced with a huge structure to demolish, they may not know where to start and how to position the hammer. Sometimes this will result in very little headway being made while the operating parts are heating up and eventually spoiling the breaker. This can be prevented by providing initial training on correct positioning.
Using it to Pry: Some operators are tempted to use the tool for moving objects, this is not the intended use for a breaker and if you use it in this way often, it can cause it to break. Remember it is for breaking not for moving or prying.
Possible Damages to Hydraulic Breakers
It is also good to know what kind of damages may occur, that way you may be able to prevent them. These are a few common problems you could face.
Low Gas: The gas hoses can easily run out of gas and yet it is needed to keep the tool functioning properly, low gas pressure affects the vibration of the hammer. Check the hose periodically and top up the gas pressure when necessary.
Broken Piston: This can be a serious problem and can cause the tool to stop functioning completely. If you misuse the breaker, the piston is one of the parts that may break. Fixing this problem requires a professional and you will need genuine spares. It is also necessary to ensure that broken pieces have not spread to other parts as that can cause more problems.
Damaged tie Bolt: Bolts are necessary to keep the breaker fastened together, if any of them breaks, the breaker will not function properly. Do not try to use it once you notice a cracked or broken bolt, instead, have it replaced as soon as possible and check the rest.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Hydraulic Breakers Working Well
Have the Right Tools: Before you start any maintenance activity, ensure that you have the right tools for any repair or maintenance. The wrong tools can cause more problems.
Regular Inspection: Before and after you use the breaker, have a visual inspection to ensure any visible problem is attended to before it escalates.
Monitor Nitrogen Pressure: The pressure of the nitrogen can vary according to the temperature it is important to see that the pressure is adequate for the task that you may be carrying out. The amount of pressure needed to break rocks will be different from what you would need to demolish a concrete wall.
Lubrication: For the proper functioning of the tool, the moving parts need to be well greased, always check on the amount of grease and add when necessary.
Fit the Right tip: The tooltip makes all the difference when you are working, there are different tools for particular jobs so always ensure you have the right one on when you are working as this affects efficiency and can also affect the breaker.
There is a lot more you can learn about hydraulic breakers and how to keep them functioning as they should. Learning from people with experience can prevent you from making mistakes that many new users make.
