Wondering if any one has experience with hydraulic hammers you always see on older big primary crushers. Do they work if so how well and how expensive are they. We were thinking of adding one to our concrete crusher to me never using one they look as handy as a pocket on a shirt. Any input would be appreciated.
Have seen a basic one that was made up out if cat 320 long reach excavator boom, stick, hydraulic piping and halving. Wasn't sure if the manufacturer if the hammer it was. That assembly was mounted on a small slewing ring assembly. Was controlled remotely and they had cameras set up to see down into the hopper. Seemed like q good setup, not sure it was made up or an off the shelf product.
No Idea on cost but sure they are not cheap. Most of the quarries we have use them. Many options on size and controls. The one at our plant is from this company: http://www.rockbreaker.com/equipment/rockbreakersystemsmain.html Also know as BTI or originally Teledyne. I think ours is a little under sized both in the hammer size and the boom reach but when too big a stone or just one that does not enter the Jaw just right it helps. Much better that the way we did it "Back in the Day", tooth off a large bucket hanging on a rope. Which actually worked good if you timed it just right and remembered to keep head back when, on occasion, it came flying back up
Hammers are expensive to fix. They also don't do machines a world of good. In my experience, here in the uk, many of my customers under spec hammers, meaning the operator beats the **** out of them and machine to do the job. I've seen boom knuckles shear, never ending cracks, internals of hammers fall to pieces, all sorts. Not to mention incorrect size and length hoses shaking about, which fail, (think of the weight of the hoses jumping about) But In the right application, they are excellent. Always get bigger over smaller and don't forget machine wear costs involved. Hope that helps. Simon