Hydraulic Breakers for Excavators and Mini Excavators

Selecting hydraulic breakers by carrier machine and application

Hydraulic breakers are hydraulically operated attachments for excavators, mini excavators and large excavators. They are used for concrete demolition, demolition work, foundation work, asphalt breaking, rock breaking, road construction, trenching, civil engineering and heavy demolition projects. The decisive factor for selection is not only the machine class, but the complete technical match between hydraulic breaker, carrier machine, mounting system, hydraulic output and working tool.

In daily construction use, hydraulic breakers are also referred to as demolition breakers for excavators, hydraulic hammers for excavators, excavator breakers, chisel hammers or hydraulic hammers. The designation alone is not sufficient for technical selection. Carrier weight, oil flow, operating pressure, return pressure, hose size, breaker weight, tool diameter and the material to be processed are decisive.

Selection matrix for LIS® hydraulic breakers

Technical criteria: oil flow, operating pressure and return line

For safe technical selection, the hydraulic breaker must match the hammer hydraulics of the carrier machine. The required oil flow in l/min, the permitted operating pressure in bar and the return pressure are central criteria. Insufficient oil flow reduces impact frequency. Excessive oil flow, an unsuitable return line or undersized line cross-sections can cause oil overheating, irregular impacts and increased component load.

Breaker weight, quick coupler, mounting geometry, pin dimensions, hose connections, oil filtration and oil condition should also be checked. On heavy excavators, the load on boom, dipper arm and mounting system is also decisive. The hydraulic breaker must neither overload the carrier machine nor be mechanically overstressed by an oversized carrier machine.

Box-type design, nitrogen technology and ABH blank firing protection

The LIS® hydraulic breakers of the BT series are designed as box-type hydraulic breakers. The breaker operates via the hydraulic circuit of the carrier machine; the nitrogen-assisted impact mechanism supports the conversion of hydraulic energy into impact energy. Actual working performance depends significantly on correct oil flow, suitable operating pressure, clean hydraulic oil, a suitable mounting system and proper operation.

On suitably equipped model series, ABH blank firing protection supports protection against impacts without sufficient counter-pressure. It does not replace correct operating practice: blank firing, levering with the chisel, side loading, using the breaker to transport loads and prolonged hammering on the same point should be avoided.

Accessories, spare parts and tools for hydraulic breakers

For maintenance, repair and ongoing operation, hydraulic breaker accessories include more than chisels and standard wear parts. Depending on the hydraulic breaker series, the range also includes technical components such as cylinders, pistons, valves, adapters, covers, seals, front heads, back heads, bushings, pins and grease nipples.

Chisel selection depends on the material, fracture behaviour and type of application. Pointed chisels and wedge-type chisels support penetration into concrete, asphalt or rock. Blunt tools work more through impact and are used on hard, brittle material. Bushings, pins, seals, hoses, lubrication points as well as front and rear breaker components are typical inspection, wear and spare part areas.

Suitable working tools, spare parts, wear parts and technical components are available under hydraulic breaker accessories. During ongoing operation, lubrication, oil temperature, oil condition, hose connections, pins, bushings, seals and visible wear areas should be checked regularly.

Hydraulic breakers for concrete demolition, rock breaking and civil engineering

Hydraulic breakers for mini excavators are frequently used in renovation, landscaping, utility installation and light concrete demolition. Hydraulic breakers for medium excavators are suitable for concrete demolition, demolition work, road construction, trenching and rock breaking. Heavy breakers for excavators from 40.0 to 75.0 t are intended for primary demolition, quarry work, heavy demolition projects and large-scale infrastructure work.

The suitable category should therefore first be selected according to carrier weight and application. The detailed technical check then follows: oil flow, operating pressure, return pressure, mounting system, tool diameter and application material.

User manuals, warranty and technical support

For installation, commissioning, maintenance and safety-related information, the user manuals for LIS® hydraulic breakers are available for download. Before operation, the technical data of the hydraulic breaker should be compared with the carrier machine. This includes carrier weight, oil flow, operating pressure, return pressure, mounting system, hydraulic lines, hose connections and application material.

LIS® attachments are subject to the LIS® warranty terms and conditions. Wear parts, tools and components specified in the warranty terms must be considered separately.

Not sure which item fits? Our technical team will assist you in selecting the right hydraulic breaker for your excavator or mini excavator. Technical support.

Note: Brand names, quick coupler names and system designations are used solely for technical identification and compatibility checks. These are not original parts of the respective manufacturers unless explicitly stated.