Find the Best Hydraulic Hammers for Hire Near You

A hydraulic hammer is a powerful tool used for demolition and excavation tasks. It operates by converting hydraulic power into kinetic energy, allowing it to break through tough materials such as concrete, asphalt, and rocks. Common applications include breaking up concrete in construction sites, roadwork, and mining operations. Additionally, hydraulic hammers are used in trenching, foundation work, and quarrying, making them versatile tools in various industries.

The primary difference between pneumatic and hydraulic hammers lies in their power sources and operational mechanisms. Pneumatic hammers use compressed air to drive a piston, which delivers the force needed to break materials. They are often lighter and more portable but may require a constant air supply from a compressor. On the other hand, hydraulic hammers use hydraulic fluid under pressure to generate power, providing more consistent and higher impact energy. Hydraulic hammers are generally more powerful and efficient for heavy-duty tasks, but they require a hydraulic system to operate.

Hydraulic hammers and diesel hammers differ in their power sources and applications. Hydraulic hammers use hydraulic fluid to drive a piston and generate impact force, making them suitable for a wide range of demolition and excavation tasks. They are known for their precision and controlled impact. Diesel hammers, in contrast, use a diesel engine to lift and drop a heavy weight, which then drives the pile into the ground. Diesel hammers are primarily used in pile driving for deep foundations, where their high impact force is necessary. Hydraulic hammers are generally quieter and produce less vibration, making them preferable in urban areas or sensitive environments.

Proper maintenance of a hydraulic hammer is crucial for its performance and longevity. Greasing should be done regularly, typically every 2 to 4 hours of operation, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and the working conditions. Consistent greasing helps reduce wear and tear on the tool's components, ensuring smooth operation and preventing costly breakdowns. It's essential to use the correct type of grease specified by the manufacturer and to apply it to all recommended points on the hammer to maintain optimal performance.

The cost to hire a hydraulic hammer (breaker) in Australia varies depending on the hammer size, excavator class, and duration of hire. Here’s a breakdown based on recent data:

Examples from Specific Hire Companies

• A Toku TNB‑4M hammer (for 4–5.5 t excavators) is $205/day.
• A Rammer 2166E (16–26 t hammer) costs $350/day from Hourly Hire.
• A Toku TNB‑6M hammer (for 8 t excavators) is $270/day.
• A Toku hammer for 5.5‑ton excavators is $200/day.

Other Costs to Consider

• Delivery / mobilisation: $100–$300 typical for transport.
• Operator (if not included): Around $40–$70 per hour.
• Maintenance or cleaning: For contaminated or dirty sites, additional decontamination fees may apply.

Key takeaway: For a hydraulic hammer, expect to pay between $250 and $900 per day depending on the size and type, plus any extra costs for transport or operation.

Hydraulic hammers are designed to be mounted on excavators, but the size and weight of the hammer must match the excavator’s class to ensure safe and efficient operation. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Excavator Classes & Compatible Hydraulic Hammers

Key Considerations for Compatibility

1. Excavator Weight / Class: Always match the hammer to the excavator’s operating weight to avoid overloading the boom and hydraulic system.
2. Hydraulic Flow & Pressure: Check that the excavator provides the required hydraulic flow (L/min) and pressure (bar) specified by the hammer manufacturer.
3. Mounting Bracket & Pins: Excavators must have compatible mounting points for the hammer. Some hammers require custom brackets or couplers.
4. Breaker Size vs Job Type: Larger hammers allow bigger or harder material to be broken, but smaller hammers are better for precision work or tight spaces.
5. Boom Reach & Radius: Ensure the excavator’s boom length can safely operate the hammer at the required angles.

In short, hydraulic hammers can fit mini, compact, medium, large, and heavy excavators, but the hammer must be matched carefully to the excavator’s weight, hydraulic capacity, and mounting configuration.

The speed at which a hydraulic hammer breaks rock depends on several factors, including the type and hardness of the rock, hammer size, impact energy, and operator technique. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Factors Affecting Rock-Breaking Speed

Typical Breaking Rates (Indicative)

Note: These rates are indicative and can vary widely based on site conditions, operator experience, and rock variability.

Yes, hydraulic hammers are commonly used to break concrete, and they are very effective for demolition tasks. They work by delivering repeated high-impact blows through a steel tool (chisel or moil point), fracturing and breaking the concrete into manageable pieces.

Here’s a detailed overview:

How Hydraulic Hammers Work on Concrete

• The hammer is mounted on an excavator or other suitable carrier.
• Hydraulic pressure drives the piston inside the hammer, creating a high-energy blow.
• The chisel or moil point concentrates the force onto the concrete surface, causing it to crack and break.
• For reinforced concrete, the hammer can break the concrete, exposing the steel rebar for cutting or removal.

Factors Affecting Efficiency

Applications on Concrete

• Breaking up slabs, foundations, and pavements
• Removing concrete walls or structures in demolition projects
• Exposing and removing embedded reinforcement
• Trenching or channeling through concrete surfaces

The size of hydraulic hammer you need depends primarily on the excavator size, material type, and the task you want to perform. Choosing the right size ensures efficiency, safety, and prevents damage to the equipment.

Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Matching Hammer Size to Excavator

Hydraulic hammers are designed to fit a specific range of excavator operating weights. Using a hammer that’s too small or too large can reduce efficiency or damage the machine.

2. Consider the Material

• Concrete: Use a hammer rated for the thickness and reinforcement level. Reinforced concrete requires a heavier hammer or a sharper chisel tool.
• Rock: Hard rock demands higher impact energy and a larger hammer.
• Brick/Block: Lighter hammers can handle masonry without overkill.

3. Consider the Task

• Precision work (indoor demolition, small slabs) → smaller hammer for control.
• High-output work (large slabs, foundations) → bigger hammer for faster breaking.

4. Other Factors

• Hydraulic flow and pressure of the excavator – Check the hammer’s requirements vs your machine’s specifications.
• Chisel type – Moil, blunt, or flat chisels affect breaking efficiency.
• Duration of use – Continuous heavy use may require a hammer sized for slightly more than the machine’s minimum spec.