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Extending component life
A hydraulic hammer creates dust as it breaks up concrete and rocks. This byproduct can wreak havoc on the attachment if it works its way into the bushings and tool areas. Fortunately, technology is now available to minimize the risk of dust ingress into these areas.

"Dust is certainly something you can control so it doesn't damage the machine," says Meisel. "You want to keep the breaker up and working so that you're able to complete the job quicker. The easier and faster you can get the initial breaking job done, the more you're helping your customer."

Many current breakers feature dust suppression technology that keeps out dust, debris and other foreign objects. "This will prolong the life of the bushing and reduce the amount of chisel paste needed to keep it lubricated," notes Elliott.

Of course, adequate lubrication is still critical to enhancing the life of the attachment, since it reduces wear and can help prevent debris from working its way up through the hammer. Consequently, automatic lubrication systems are becoming much more prevalent as a means to save time over manual greasing.

Devices such as the ContiLube II system on Atlas Copco breakers automatically grease the tool and bushing during operation. "This [in turn] increases production because the operator does not have to stop and grease the tool and bushing on the intervals of at least every two hours," says Elliott. "It is fully adjustable to ensure that the proper amount of chisel paste is being consumed for each application."