Keywords: hydraulic breaker hammer excavator ripper hydraulic excavator breaker
The attachment that can effectively replace the functionality of an excavator ripper is the hydraulic demolition/breaker attachment, also known as an excavator hammer or breaker.
Here’s a closer look at how the excavator hammer/breaker can substitute for a traditional excavator ripper:
Excavator Ripper Overview
The ripper is a heavy-duty attachment that mounts on the back of an excavator, typically used for the following applications:
- Breaking up and fracturing hard, compacted soils
- Ripping through rock, frozen ground, and other dense materials
- Loosening and preparing ground for further excavation
The ripper uses a single, heavy-duty tooth or “shank” to penetrate and fracture the material, making it easier to dig and remove.
Hydraulic breaker hammer
The hydraulic demolition/breaker attachment is designed to serve a similar purpose as the ripper, but with some key differences:
- Instead of a single static tooth, the breaker uses a rapidly striking “chisel” or “point” to break apart hard materials.
- The breaker is mounted on the front of the excavator, using the machine’s hydraulic system to power the rapid striking motion.
- Breakers come in a range of sizes and power outputs to match the capabilities of different excavators.
How the Breaker Can Replace a Ripper
The hydraulic force and repetitive striking action of the breaker attachment allows it to effectively fracture and break apart:
- Rock
- Concrete
- Frozen ground
- Dense, compacted soils
This makes the breaker a versatile alternative to the traditional excavator ripper, capable of loosening and preparing difficult materials for further excavation or demolition.
Additional Benefits of the Breaker
Beyond replacing the functionality of a ripper, the excavator breaker offers some additional advantages:
- More precise and controlled breaking action
- Ability to work in confined spaces
- Reduced risk of damage to underground utilities
- Potential for faster material breaking/clearing compared to a ripper
When properly matched to the excavator, the hydraulic breaker can be a highly effective substitute for the traditional ripper attachment, offering greater versatility and precision.