Which hydraulic hammer fits your excavator? Sizing guide
Buying the wrong size hydraulic hammer is expensive: too small and it won't break rock; too big and it punishes your machine's boom, pins and pump. This guide explains how to choose the right hammer based on the weight of your excavator, backhoe or skid steer.
Hammer size by machine weight
The most practical rule is the machine's operating weight. As a general reference:
Skid steers and mini excavators, 1 to 3 t: small hammer with a 40–55 mm tool.
Backhoes (John Deere 310 or CAT 416 type) and 4–7 t excavators: 68–75 mm tool, such as the SDCH680.
10–15 t excavators: tool around 100 mm.
18–26 t excavators (CAT 320 type): 135–140 mm tool.
28–35 t excavators (CAT 336 type): 150–155 mm tool, such as the HMB1550.
Each manufacturer has its own ranges, so always confirm with the spec sheets of the hammer and your machine.
What to check besides weight
Hydraulic flow and pressure: the hammer needs a range of liters per minute and pressure; your machine must deliver it.
Mounting: pin diameter and pin spacing must match your boom, or a bracket has to be made.
Hammer line: the machine needs the hydraulic line (hammer kit) with a return line.
Box or open type: box-type hammers are quieter and protect the body better; a good choice in the city.
The tool: moil point for rock and concrete in general; flat chisel for trenches and cuts.
Costly mistakes
Mounting a hammer bigger than the machine can handle.
Blank firing or hitting without the tool properly seated: it damages bushings and pins.
Not greasing the tool often; the usual interval is every 2 working hours.
Using the hammer to pry or drag material.
Hydraulic hammers for sale in Monterrey
At MPM Maquinaria Pesada Monterrey we have hammers for skid steers, backhoes and excavators up to 35 tons, plus replacement tools. See them with photos in hydraulic hammers for sale and the rest of our inventory in attachments, including buckets, rippers, shears and plate compactors.
Prefer to rent? We have a backhoe with hammer and 20 and 30 ton excavators with hammer, with operator, in the Monterrey metro area.
Send us your machine's make, model and weight on WhatsApp at +52 81 2429 9969 and we'll tell you which hammer fits.
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