What’s the Difference between Small, Medium and Large Breakers?
Hydraulic breaker attachments come in three sizes: small, medium and large and are used to turn skid steers, mini excavators, backhoes and excavators into versatile demolition machines on construction sites, and at mines and quarries. Regardless of the size, breakers have the same job to accomplish—break through rock, concrete or other hard materials.
That’s where the similarities basically end because small, medium and large breakers have differences in size, power, carrier weight compatibility and types of applications where used.
Small Breakers
Small breakers are designed for use in tight work environments, breaking up small concrete slabs, sidewalks or driveways, demolition of brick or block structures, or any other demolition task. They are typically used on skid steers, mini excavators and compact backhoes—carriers that range in size from a half ton up to 7.7 U.S. tons that are more compact and easier to maneuver. Their impact energy can range from 150 ft-lb for the smallest small breaker up to 800 ft-lb on larger small breakers.
Medium Breakers
Medium breakers are engineered with higher back head pressure and larger pistons for an increase in impact energy, making them good for civil construction and light quarry work, including road and bridge demolition, utility trenching through rock, medium-scale site preparation and foundation removal, and secondary rock breaking. They are a commonly used size of hydraulic breaker because they fall in the more versatile “workhorse” range that balances power, reach and low operating cost. They can be used on skid steers, mini excavators, backhoes and even excavators for the largest-sized medium breakers—carriers that range in size from 6–7 tons up to 15 tons. Their impact energy can range from 1,000 ft-lb up to 2,000 ft-lb.
Large Breakers
Large breakers are designed to be used on large and extra-large excavators (ranging in size from 13 tons up to 110 tons). With impact energy of 3,250 ft-lb to 15,000 ft-lb, large breakers are the best option for working in quarries, breaking hard rock or large demolition jobs (large reinforced concrete, bridge piers, thick foundations, etc.), quarrying and tunneling, and road cuts and major infrastructure projects. Large breakers offer tremendous impact power and productivity and are designed for continuous heavy-duty operation.