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Sizing the Hydraulic Breaker
Sizing the Hydraulic Breaker
When sizing the breaker to the machine, two key points should be given careful consideration:
Machine operating weight
Hydraulic system capabilities
With the correct carrier weight, ROCKA offers hydraulic breakers that are designed to break any
material that the machine can handle. Sizing the breaker by carrier hydraulics gives the operator a
carrier/breaker combination designed to optimize the system efficiency, thereby reducing heat
generation and eliminating power loss.
The following steps will result in a well-matched installation. This manual will not cover all types of
applications, so for assistance in any unusual situations please contact your rocka representative.
Based on Carrier Weight
By using the Carrier Sizing Chart below, you can narrow your hammer choice. Normally breaker
production rate is the most crucial factor when trying to choose a breaker size. It is of great benefit to do
some research and understand your hydraulic system capabilities and the material size and hardness
before determining an expected production rate. This rate will also be affected by breaking conditions
and the operator.
Based on the Type of Work
The Production Rate is the next important factor to consider in sizing the breaker. Most situations call for
the largest breaker that your carrier could handle. The largest breaker is therefore the one to choose. The
lifting capacity of your machine is then the limiting factor. The carrier must be able to safely handle the
breaker at any distance out from the machine where you might be working.
Small Breakers
Smaller sized breakers up to 1,000 ft·lb class (1350 joule) are typically used in concrete and other light
duty work.
Medium Breakers
Medium sized breakers 1,500-4,000 ft·lb class (2000-5400 joule) are used in both concrete and rock
applications with limitations on the size and amount of material to be broken.
Large Breakers
Larger breakers greater than the 4,000 ft·lb class (5400 joule) are typically used in hard rock, high
production applications.
Breaking Oversize
When breaking oversize material, the breaker is expected to break the material down quickly into multiple pieces. This
is optimum production. If the operator has to re-position the breaker towards the edge of the rock and gradually
downsize the material, the production rate slows down. To assess which breaker will effectively handle this application,
the size and hardness of the material must be known.
For example, if a 4 cubic yard piece of hard rock (20,000 psi or greater) needs to be broken in half, a 7,500 ft·lb
or larger breaker is required. If a 2 cubic yard piece of limestone (20,000 psi or less) needs to be broken in half,
a 3,000-5,000 ft·lb breaker is required.
Trenching
When trenching, the breaker is expected to fracture a solid mass of rock into manageable pieces. The size
of the material could be hundreds of cubic yards, and the energy will be quickly absorbed. This is why it
is recommended to work from a bench so the rock has somewhere to break out.
When trenching in limestone or medium hard rock, use a 3,000 -5,000 ft·lb breaker.
When working in hard material use a 7,500 -10,000 ft·lb breaker.
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CONTACT US
Wendy (She/Her)
WhatsApp/Wechat/Cell: 86 18953507022
Yantai Rocka Machinery Co., Ltd
Address: No.26 Taoyuan Rd, Dongting Industrial Park, Fushan District,
Yantai, Shandong, China 265500
www.rockahammer.com
ROCKA MACHINERY