ForConstructionPros.com

There are a lot of different attachments for breaking up concrete. A hydraulic hammer is the most common one used, and in many situations it makes the most sense. But in certain applications, there may be a better choice. Here's a look at some other attachments that can be a good option.

Leading Edge Multi-Ripper

Contractors first used the Multi-Ripper and Multi-Ripper Bucket attachments for ripping through rock, sandstone, coral, limestone and volcanic rock, as well as frozen ground. But according to Lee Horton at Leading Edge Attachments, contractors are now finding uses for it in breaking concrete.

The Multi-Ripper features three shanks staggered forward and sideways so no two teeth align with each other, providing maximum breakout force. The distance from the excavator stick pivot to the tooth tips is also considerably shorter than a standard bucket. The result: The Multi-Ripper can break concrete four times faster than a hydraulic hammer. For added convenience, the Multi-Ripper bucket offers the ability to break concrete, then lift and load it into a truck.

"The Multi-Ripper acts like a trencher to rip the concrete into 8- to 10-in. chunks," says Horton. "Concrete is really strong in compression, but not in tension. The ripper takes advantage of this by breaking concrete in a way that it comes apart easily."

Horton recalls one utility contractor who was using the Multi-Ripper to dig trenches. "He came upon a 2-ft.-thick concrete wall and ripped through it like it was limestone," he says.