Supply Lines
November 2007
Catching the Right Break
Today’s hammers and breakers are designed for optimal efficiency and longer life.
by Therese Dunphy, Executive Editor
Caterpillar
Delivers productivity and reliability
The
Caterpillar H180DS hydraulic hammer is
designed to deliver superior breaking productivity and to minimize
downtime, the manufacturer says. Compared to the previous model, the
piston and tool have been increased in size for a 15-percent increase in
productivity. The hammer weighs 8,600 pounds and is matched to Cat 345C
and 365C hydraulic excavators. An Auto Shut Off (ASO) feature turns the
hammer off when no material is present beneath it, thereby reducing
high-stress levels caused by blank firing. A heavy-duty suspension
system reduces shock loads transmitted to the machine during operation,
while standard sound suppression improves operator comfort. For ease of
set up, settings are preprogrammed. Engine dial position settings,
hydraulic oil temperature alarm, oil flow, and pressure are fully
adjustable in the tool control program.
NPK
Low noise and maintenance
NPK Construction Equipment, Inc.’s GH Series features a new internal drain system that increases seal life for lower operating costs. With impact energy class ratings of 4,000 to 12,000 foot-pounds, the hammers can be mounted on carriers from 23 to 57 tons. The hammers are designed with a greater piston-to-sleeve bearing area and improved piston-to-seal lubrication, which is said to extend seal life. Shock-absorbing mounting systems protect the system while allowing the hammer to work at high production rates in all medium and hard rock conditions. Special cushioning and the bracket design surrounding the hammer minimize noise levels protecting the operator.
BTI
High-speed percussion
Designed for stable, high-speed percussion,
Breaker Technology, Inc.’s BT Series of hydraulic breakers are said to
offer high value and durability. Offered in 10 models ranging from 550
to 10,000 foot-pounds, breaker benefits include large-diameter,
high-strength tie rods constructed from high-tensile steel; a sealing
system suited for long life in harsh environments; a piston chamber
designed for long seal life and ease of lubrication; and an easy-access
accumulator gas valve. A lightweight, high-strength housing with upper
and lower shock absorbing dampers reduce noise and vibration. Larger
models feature an accumulator that helps with the acceleration of the
piston and reduces hydraulic shock. Standard rock claws and
wear-resistant plating surround the nose of the breaker to improve wear.
Atlas Copco
Largest breaker in United States
Featuring Krupp percussion technology, the HB
7000 hydraulic breaker attachment from
Atlas Copco Construction Tools
LLC is the largest hydraulic breaker available in the United States,
according to the manufacturer. It boasts a service weight of more than 7
tons, making it suitable for primary and secondary quarry breaking.
Designed for carriers in the 60- to 81-ton range, it accepts a maximum
hydraulic flow of 119 gallons per minute at 2,610 psi of pressure. The
unit delivers an impact rate of up to 450 blows per minute, offering
maximum productivity in the most extreme breaking conditions. The HB
7000 comes standard with AutoControl, a monitoring system that allows
the breaker to adapt its frequency and power output to match operating
conditions. It fires the first stroke at half power to create a pilot
notch to center the tool and to prevent slippage. The StartSelect system
allows start-up and shut-off to be adjusted to fit job-site conditions
and eliminates blank firing.
Allied
Features ease of operation and maintenance
Allied Construction Products, LLC’s newest
hammer, the Rammer Model G 88 G-Series hammer, weighs 5,225 pounds and
is said to be ideal for use on 60,000- to 88,000-pound excavators.
According to the company, it reflects simpler operation, easier
maintenance, increased reliability, and extended longevity. Designed for
quarrying and construction applications, it features adjustable impact
energy to match working conditions for optimal performance. Standard
equipment includes a silenced city model for quiet operations. Features
include fixed blow energy, housing that protects the front end of the
hammer, an idler selector to allow an operator to change settings to
accommodate specific breaking conditions, and a new, lower bushing tool
to add support to resist breakage.
Indeco
Large-scale breaking
Indeco North America recently rolled out its new
line of breakers, the HP Series. The HP, or High Performance, line
showcases technological advancements designed to out-produce the
competition in rock applications, the manufacturer says. The largest
model is the HP 16000. It features an operating weight of 17,200 pounds
and is designed for excavators weighing 75 tons or more. The breaker
offers a hydraulic flow of 86 to 111 gallons per minute and up to 3,400 psi to provide high impact on each blow. The hydraulic efficiency was
increased by enhancing the intelligent variable-speed and power system.
The system automatically senses the hardness of the material being
broken and automatically adjusts the force per blow to optimize
efficiency. A new slim design offers improved maneuverability and
increased operator visibility.
Kent Demolition
Quiet production
The KF 45 Qt, from Kent Demolition Tools, is designed to work with excavators in the 35- to 45-ton class. Suitable for everything from breaking granite to reducing oversized material, the 7,507-pound breaker features a unique one-piece enclosure and dampener system to reduce noise levels for use in urban environments. A patented dust intake prevention system stops dust from entering the front head during the piston upstroke and improves the life of the piston as well as the working steel and bushings. An automatic greasing system lubricates the front head and bushing for improved service life and the front head bushing can rotate to ensure uniform wear.
Surestrike
Simple but effective breakage
The Surestrike secondary rock breaking hammer
offers a simple, effective, and profitable solution for breaking
oversize quarry rock, according to Surestrike International, Inc. The
high single-blow impact energy, coupled with a simplistic design and
minimal maintenance, keeps operating costs low. The hammers are said to
generate their power from a heavy, steel weight free falling onto a
steel tool (pin/bit). The impact energy generated from this action is
transferred to rock, causing it to break easily while preventing heat
build up and tool wear. Available in four sizes, ranging from a 20,000
foot-pound model to a 75,000 foot-pound model, each fits directly onto a
loader or excavator.
Stanley
Noise suppression features
Stanley EXS Stealth Mounted Breakers are
available in a selection of models ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 foot-
pounds of impact energy. The breakers feature noise suppression
features, a narrower profile, enclosed housing, armored lower end, and
lighter weight making them, pound for pound, the hardest hitting
breakers in their class, the manufacturer says. The breakers are
designed to extend the life of both the breaker and the base machine.
The powercell is suspended in a system of bumpers and wear plates to
prevent damaging shocks from being transmitted to the carrier. The
housing is double strength at the lower end of the breaker to stand up
to the abuse of tough working environments such as quarries.
Tramac
Broader product line
Tramac Corp. rolled out its new TS series
standard duty pedestal boom design. Available in four sizes with
horizontal coverage ranging from 14 to 20 feet, the TS series will carry
up to a 2,000 foot-pound breaker. Like the company’s other duty levels,
the TS standard series is available with all the current options and
accessories allowing the purchaser to specify from several choices to
best match site and budget requirements. Hydraulic power is available in
a variety of horsepower ratings and options. Control choices include
cable-connected joysticks, radio remotes, and manually operated straight
hydraulic.
