Hydraulic Hammer: How To
Although the hydraulic hammer seems simple, this versatile tool is a combination of perfect design and complex hydraulic mechanics. Used mostly by construction, demolition, and mining professionals, users attach hammers to their boom systems, excavators, or skid steers to provide high-powered blows to their projects. Thus, hydraulic hammers can often be found digging holes or breaking up old concrete and buildings.
How It Works
Based on Pascal’s Law, hydraulic hammers and breakers use hydraulics to work, which is the reason behind their name. Like the mechanical principle suggests, when putting pressure on one part of the hydraulic fluid, that energy is transferred to all areas of the fluid, multiplying the force.
Hydraulic hammers store pressure in its small cannister supplying the force needed for hitting. When the pressure is released, the piston converts kinetic energy into the hammering action. Other similar hydraulic parts include:
Side Rods: designed to support the mounted hammer’s applications
Nitrogen Chamber: a low-pressure chamber to help supply power
Main Valve: the only other moving part to help hammer
Front Cap: featuring a replaceable steel tool, it keeps the bit in place during impact.
Hydraulic Hammers are more powerful than other hand-held or portable hammers. The power exerted by the hydraulic hammer depends on the size of the compression chamber. The more force that can be exerted on the fluid in the chamber, the more power and force.
How to Pick the Right Hammer
Generally, hydraulic hammers are placed in one of three classes: small, medium, or large. Although recommendations vary between brands, the three main classes of hydraulic hammers can be summarized into these basic statics:
Small Class: Impact frequency of 400-1200 BPM with 1400-2175 PSI
Medium Class: Impact frequency of 370-700 BPM with 2175- 2610 PSI
Large Class: Impact frequency of 200-400 BPM with 2300-210 PSI
These measurements show the number of times the hammer can hit the target in a minute, along with how much pressure is required. Each class of hammer has a recommended usage amount. If too much pressure is used where less pressure is required, it will cause too much damage. Allied PBS representatives work with our users to match the proper hammer (and tool bit) to each job.
How It’s Used
Hydraulic hammers are used for several different construction and aggregate applications. Often, Allied PBS hammers are used for demolition of a structure or breaking rocks into smaller sizes. Other applications include, driving steel rods deep into the ground, drill blasting holes for quarry work, or breaking up old buildings, roads, or vehicles. Hydraulic hammers can be use on material including, but not limited to asphalt, concrete, trenching, boulders, hard clay, soft rock, and pavement.
How to Learn More
When writing this article Allied PBS used to a number of resources including our Sales Representatives. Additional reading resources about hydraulic hammers can be found at sciencing.com and engineeringinsider.org. Specific questions or information can be provided by contacting Allied PBS directly at info@alliedpbs.com or 419-663-1048.
How to Buy a Hammer
Contact Allied Pedestal Boom Systems for a quote. Allied PBS can be reached by email, phone or by submitting a contact form. An Allied representative will work with you directly to complete your order or rental.