Be sure to choose the right excavator hammer

Develon SA specialists understand how important the selection of the correct excavator hammer attachments is, to optimise productivity in demolition, construction and mining projects.

“Excavator hammers – also known as hydraulic hammers – are vital attachments that provide powerful impact energy required for efficiently breaking hard materials. There are many types and sizes of excavator hammers available, but not all units conform to the necessary quality specifications and many do not deliver a high level of performance or dependability. Inferior attachments offer unreliable performance, pose safety risks and have a short service life,” says Johann Viljoen – National Sales Manager, Develon South Africa. “Choosing a quality branded excavator hammer, that has been specially developed and professionally verified to enhance the efficiency and safety of every task, is absolutely essential.

“When selecting an excavator hammer, there are several key features to consider. Choosing the correct Everdigm excavator hammer depends on the specific material requirements of the project – whether it is concrete, rock or asphalt. Impact energy is also important – higher impact energy is crucial for breaking through tough materials, which is why users must select hammers that provide the right amount of energy for each specific task.

Key factors

“Durability is another key factor. We recommend the use of hammers made from high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh working conditions. A robust, quality branded hammer will require less maintenance, offer greater safety and ensure a longer lifespan than low quality units.

“It is also important to ensure that the hammer’s weight and size are compatible with the excavator – an incorrectly sized hammer can negatively affect performance. The scale of the project and operating environment can also be a guide in product selection.

Larger projects might require heavy-duty hammers, while lighter models are suitable for smaller jobs. Users may also need to consider the use of hammers with noise and vibration reduction features to minimise disruptions in urban areas and near noise-sensitive locations.

“Although users do need to be price conscious, it is not wise to compromise the quality of excavator hammers for a low cost, inferior product. We also know how important a reliable technical advisory, support and maintenance service is to our customers. Professional operator training goes a long way to optimising productivity, improving safety and extending service life of attachments. Customers also benefit from a solid warranty from the supplier that provides peace of mind.

“Maintenance requirements are also critical in product selection. Hammers with automatic lubrication systems and accessible service points save time, costs and effort. Safety features, like vibration reduction systems and automatic shut-off mechanisms, enhance operator and equipment safety.”

“Everdigm excavator hammers form an important part of the Develon range of construction equipment, which has been carefully selected to optimise efficiencies, improve productivity and minimise downtime in harsh operating conditions in Africa.

“Develon’s Everdigm hammers, which are known for advanced technology, ease of use, enhanced safety and extended service life, are manufactured from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty applications. What’s important is these robust hammers are also compatible with various excavator models and sizes.”

The Everdigm EHB Series is ideal for small to medium-sized excavators used for light demolition, road construction and utility work. This series has notable features, including a lightweight design and high impact energy. These units also offer low vibration levels, enhanced operator comfort and an automatic lubrication system for effortless maintenance.

Develon’s Everdigm EHB-M Series has been designed for medium to large excavators used for general construction tasks, roadworks and material handling. This robust series has a variable blow frequency that optimises performance based on the material being broken and hydraulic efficiency for improved energy transfer.

Specialists recommend the EHB-S Series for larger excavators used in more demanding applications, like quarry work, large-scale demolition and mining operations. This model has a reinforced structure that offers increased impact power to efficiently handle tough materials in heavy-duty applications.

The EHB-V Series, which has been developed for versatility in various applications, incorporates advanced technology that allows variable energy output. Operators can easily adjust the impact force of these hammers to suit specific tasks, including light demolition, concrete breaking and road maintenance. This hammer includes an intelligent control system for precise operation and a durable design with minimal maintenance requirements.

Selection of the correct Everdigm excavator hammer depends on the specific material requirements of the project. For hard materials like rock, an EHB-S hammer with higher impact energy is recommended, while the EHB series is suitable for lighter materials.

Develon experts recommend the implementation of a proper maintenance programme to ensure optimum performance of Everdigm excavator hammers. Regular inspections for wear and tear and the timeous replacement of worn parts saves costly repairs, minimises downtime and significantly extends the hammer’s operational life.

Maintenance teams are advised to closely monitor moils and bushings, as these components are subjected to the most stress during operation. Use of the correct hydraulic oil is also crucial to prevent overheating. The hammer should always be well-lubricated and the hydraulic connections must be secure and free from leaks.

Develon’s Everdigm high-performance hammers enhance productivity, efficiency and safety, ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards.

Develon SA – in conjunction with a network of carefully selected distributors – also supplies and supports a wide range of excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks (ADT’s).