Capital Equipment News December 2020

HYDRAULIC HAMMERS

Caterpillar’s GC value hammer line-up based on gas fire technology is designed to work with 12 to 40 t carriers.

Unpacking advancements in hydraulic hammer technology

T o remain competitive in today’s challenging economic environment, quarry owners are looking beyond the basics. They are looking at how their equip- ment can squeeze more margins and volumes, and a strong attachment focus is gaining momentum. Quarry owners understand that a key factor in succeeding with any fleet of equipment, especially excavators, is getting the most out of the machines. Attachments are key to equipment versatility and utilisation. Using various tools and attachments can turn excavators from one-dimensional pieces of equipment into multipurpose and adaptable machines. For many years, attachments have always been designed to enhance equipment fleets. While that likely won’t change, advancing technology in hydraulic hammers – probably the most popular type of machine attachment – means today’s equipment operators can benefit from innovations that are taking accuracy and breaking efficiency to a whole new level. Technological advancements in hydraulic hammers in recent years have ensured proper operation, enhanced breaking efficiency, minimised operating costs and the time associated with completing tasks, thus helping fleet owners achieve long-term productivity and cost efficiency, writes Munesu Shoko.

Blank-firing protection One of the most recent technological advancements in hydraulic hammers is the blank-firing protection feature. Blank- firing occurs when the operator activates the hammer without the tool engaged with the material to be broken. In such an event, the energy of the piston striking the tool has nowhere to go but back into the hammer and the carrier machine. The effect of blank firing is increased wear on both hammer and machine. Thus, blank-firing protection is designed to minimise wear and tear that the hammer faces. By employing blank-firing protection, the hammer can be protected from direct metal-to-metal contact, thus guarding against premature deterioration. Reducing the stress transmitted back to the carrier machine also has the additional benefit of providing

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