How to Match the Right Hydraulic Breaker with an Excavator?

In the construction machinery industry, excavators and hydraulic breakers are closely linked. Due to the wide variety of excavator models and brands available, many people find it difficult to determine which size of hydraulic breaker is suitable for each brand and model of excavator. Excavator operators often discuss questions like “What size breaker should be used for a 6-ton excavator?” or “Can a 68 hammer be used on a mini excavator?” Here, we will explain in detail how to match the size of the excavator with the appropriate hydraulic breaker.

These questions may seem basic to those with experience in the field, but for beginners or users who are just starting to consider installing a hydraulic breaker, it can be a major challenge.

  1. Hydraulic Breaker Model

There are many brands of hydraulic breakers for excavators on the market, with well-known brands including Soosan, GB, Atlas Copco, Furukawa, and others. Each brand has its own naming conventions for hydraulic breakers, which can be confusing for first-time buyers.

However, in the industry, hydraulic breakers for excavators are generally classified by the diameter of the chisel. When you hear terms like “68 hammer,” it refers to a hydraulic breaker with a chisel diameter of 68mm, while “140 hammer” indicates a chisel diameter of 140mm.

Common chisel diameters for hydraulic breakers include 53, 68, 75, 100, 120, 135, 140, 150, 165 (all measurements in millimeters), among others. Different brands also have various models within these sizes.

  • Let’s now explore how these hydraulic breaker models should be matched with excavators based on their tonnage, using GB hydraulic breakers as an example.
Breaker model Chisel diameterExcavator size
T5070mm4-8ton
T7075mm5-9ton
T9085mm6-11ton
T130100mm9-17ton
T200135mm18-25ton
T250140mm20-32ton
F320155mm28-40ton
F400165mm32-45ton

By now, everyone should have a good idea of how to match hydraulic breakers appropriately! The question many people have had, “Can a 6-ton mini excavator be equipped with a 68 hammer?” now has an answer. A hydraulic breaker with a chisel diameter of 68mm can be installed on excavators weighing between 4 to 7 tons.

Of course, this is just a rough guideline. For a more precise match, it is recommended to check the pressure and flow requirements for the proper operation of the hydraulic breaker and compare them with the pressure and flow of the excavator’s hydraulic system. If they match, then you can confidently proceed with the installation and use.

  • What are the risks of mismatching hydraulic breakers with excavators?
  • Using a hydraulic breaker that is too large: This is like “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.” The flow and pressure of the excavator’s hydraulic system may not meet the requirements for the proper operation of the hydraulic breaker. In such a case, forcing operation can severely damage the engine and hydraulic system. Additionally, the impact frequency of the hydraulic breaker may decrease or it may not function properly, affecting the efficiency of the breaking operation.
  • Using a hydraulic breaker that is too small: While this situation may not harm the excavator, using a hydraulic breaker that is too small can reduce operational efficiency. From a cost-benefit perspective, it is not cost-effective, and it may also cause some damage to the hydraulic breaker. Therefore, it is recommended to match hydraulic breakers within an appropriate range.

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