Mushrooming areas on the tool top’s surface should be filed off before they become so large that they break off.

4) When do I replace the bushings?

The Fault: Wear limits on bushings are routinely misjudged, resulting in piston damage and shortened lifespan on other parts.

The Fix: All breaker tool bushings have a specified inner-diameter wear limit. When this limit is reached, most bushings appear to have plenty of material left to wear off and are usually not replaced as recommended. But the key is to remember that the wear limit is not based on how much material is left, but on the possible angle of engagement between the tool and strike piston. The lower bushing will be the first to wear out. If it is allowed to wear past the limit, the tool can be at such an angle to the piston that the piston only hits the tool on the edge of the strike surface. Continuing to operate the breaker in this way will damage the strike piston. In addition, wear on the upper bushing is accelerated when the lower bushing is worn out. You can extend the lifespan of the upper bushing by replacing the lower bushing when the wear limit is reached.

If the lower bearing wears past its limit and continues to operate, it can damage the strike piston.

Why risk down time, lost job opportunities, and uncontrolled spending to replace worn equipment? Spend a little time and money on the simple fundamentals and the results can pay off for a long time to come. AM

Jerry R. Fifer is Tramac’s technical support manager in the Southeast. He can be reached via e-mail at jerry.fifer@doosan.com.