Hydraulic hammers are a great way to do more with your excavator, but not all hammers or breakers fit all excavators. It’s essential that you select the right one for your excavator. Not only does a poor fit reduce your team’s efficiency and productivity, but it can also wreak havoc on your machine, leading to costly repairs or even complete failure. 

Keep yourself and your machine moving with these simple best practices for picking hydraulic hammers and breakers.

What’s the Difference Between Hydraulic Breakers and Hydraulic Hammers?

Before diving into selection tips, let’s clarify an important point: hydraulic breakers and hydraulic hammers are used interchangeably because they’re technically the same piece of equipment.

• Hydraulic Hammers: This term is commonly used when discussing the attachment’s pounding force and power for heavy-duty tasks like breaking concrete or rock.
• Hydraulic Breakers: This term emphasizes the attachment’s ability to “break” apart material, focusing on its precision and application versatility.

Whether you call it a hydraulic breaker or hammer, all you need to worry about is making sure the attachment fits your excavator and your job’s specific needs.

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Hammer or Breaker

Selecting the right hydraulic hammer or breaker is critical to keeping your excavator running smoothly and your projects on track. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when shopping around.

1. Size It Up: Match Your Machine To Your Job

The first question to ask is about size, and the first answer may be from your manufacturer: check your owner’s manual for any recommendations. If you don’t have that, be sure to consider the following:

• The attachment’s weight: Will it be too heavy for your machine? Too heavy of an attachment can affect stability and damage the excavator’s arm. Too light, and it may not deliver the power you need.
• The hydraulic flow and pressure requirements: Is it too much or too little? Note that all Kobelco models come with 10 preset hydraulic flow and pressure settings and 10 more for bidirectional flow for shearers or thumbs.
• The task requirements: A lightweight attachment is ideal for smaller jobs like breaking asphalt. For larger demolition projects, opt for a heavy-duty hammer or breaker.

2. Don’t Go Too Small or Too Big

Selecting the right size hydraulic hammer or breaker is critical for maximizing efficiency and protecting your excavator. Generally, the attachment should be 10-15% of the carrier’s operating weight. For example, a 10-ton excavator should pair with a hammer weighing 1,000-1,500 lbs. Use this quick sizing guide to match your attachment to your machine and job requirements:

Too Small, Too Weak

Having a hammer or breaker that’s too small for your excavator can lead to a host of problems. First, it won’t work efficiently, meaning you get less done in more time, which is a terrible combination. More than that, the overload can damage the breaker or, even worse, become over-oiled and possibly contaminate the entire hydraulic system, which is extremely expensive.

Too Big, Too Strong

Most hydraulic breakers or hammers require one hydraulic pump. If the one you’re considering needs two, walk away. This, and any hydraulic attachment that’s too big, will lead to overheating of the machine, can throw off your stability, leading you to tip, and can lead to structural issues. Plus, as with the “too small,” it’s inefficient.

3. Consider Specialty Accessories

Hydraulic hammers and breakers can be customized for specific applications with the right accessories. Here are some extra tools to consider when purchasing a hammer.

• • Underwater Use: Add special seals and compressed air systems to prevent water infiltration that keep you working without worry.
  • Dust Control: Use a pressurized water dust removal system to keep dust at bay during operations. Spraying a simple mist on your machines keeps dust from spreading around the site into the machines or your team.
  • Grease Retention and Dust Exclusion: A special attachment keeps grease in and dust out, which can be a lifesaver — or at least a machine saver — for tunnel or underground crews.
  • Automatic or Centralized Greasing Systems: Greasing hydraulic breakers or hammers is vital to keeping them healthy. It can be made easy with automatic greasing systems that do the job for you. Note that some manufacturers recommend optimized grease. Check your user’s guide for details.

• Bit/Tool Types: Based on the job at hand, add different bit/tool types, such as blunt, chisel, moil, cone, or asphalt cutter tools. 

Best Hydraulic Hammers for Excavators: What to Look For

Choosing the best hydraulic hammer or breaker isn’t just about matching it to your excavator — it’s also about ensuring the attachment will stand the test of time. After considering the size, hydraulic requirements, and your specific application from the earlier sections, it’s essential to think about longevity and support. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Durability: Look for hammers made from high-quality materials that can handle rugged environments and tough jobs without breaking down.
• Ease of Maintenance: Simple, accessible designs for greasing and inspections mean less downtime and more productivity.
• Support and Warranty: A strong warranty and readily available replacement parts ensure you won’t be stuck with an expensive repair bill later. 
• Manufacturer Reputation: Choose brands known for reliability and performance, so you’re investing in a tool that won’t let you down mid-project.

Partner With Southeastern Equipment

With our extensive inventory of hydraulic attachments and a team of knowledgeable specialists, we’ll help you find the perfect match for your machine and your specific needs. But we don’t stop there. Our Southeastern Promise means you’ll have access to local support, expert maintenance services, and a reliable partner committed to your success.

Here’s how Southeastern can help:

• Expert Guidance: Our team knows hydraulic hammers and breakers inside and out. We’ll ensure you choose the right size, pressure requirements, and features to get the job done efficiently.
• Comprehensive Services: From preventative maintenance to in-field repairs, we’re here to keep your equipment running at its best.
• Top Brands and Support: We only work with trusted manufacturers, offering durable and high-performing attachments backed by strong warranties.

Don’t leave your productivity to chance — partner with Southeastern Equipment to ensure you’re always equipped with the best tools for the job. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of hydraulic hammers, breakers, and expert services.

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