Selecting the correct excavator hammers can enhance operational efficiency within demolition, construction and mining projects, says equipment distributor Develon SA.

“Excavator hammers – also known as hydraulic hammers – are vital attachments that provide the 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 Develon SA national sales manager Johann Viljoen.

He adds that choosing a quality branded excavator hammer that has been specially developed and professionally verified is 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.”

Viljoen points out that durability is another key factor. He recommends the use of hammers made from high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh working conditions, adding that a robust, quality branded hammer would require less maintenance, offer greater safety and ensure a longer lifespan than low quality units.

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.

He adds that maintenance requirements are also a critical factor in product selection. Hammers with automatic lubrication systems and accessible service points save time, costs and effort. Further, safety features, such as vibration reduction systems and automatic shut-off mechanisms, enhance operator and equipment safety.

“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,” says Viljoen.

He advises that the Everdigm EHB Series is ideal for small to medium-sized excavators used for light demolition, road construction and utility work. This series boasts 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.

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

The EHB-S Series is ideal for larger excavators used in more demanding applications, such as quarry work, large-scale demolition and mining operations. It has a reinforced structure that offers increased impact power to handle materials in heavy-duty applications.

Selection of the correct Everdigm excavator hammer depends on the specific material requirements of the project. For hard materials such as 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.