If your business uses a hydraulic hammer, you’ll want to make sure that it’s being kept in tip-top condition. Keeping your hydraulic hammer in good shape can save you more than money because pieces of machinery can quickly become a hazard to the safety of your employees if not properly maintained.
So, take our tips to make sure that your heavy machinery doesn’t become a danger to you, your employees, or even your customers.
Grease it regularly – Think of grease as the lifeblood that keeps your hydraulic hammer running smoothly. Without lubrication, the metal parts of your hydraulic hammer will be rubbing against each other unprotected, sometimes up to 1,000 times or more per minute. As you might expect, not using enough grease on your hammer can quickly degrade the metal parts and pieces, but using too much grease can also quickly become a problem as well. An excessive amount of grease can cause a buildup between the strike piston and the top of the hammer, leading to the tool being less effective at its job. Make sure all employees are being properly informed on the perfect amount of grease to use—not too much, and not too little.
Set up a maintenance schedule – Every day should end with you or your employees carefully inspecting your machinery for signs or wear and tear, and setting up a maintenance appointment should you find any damage. Small things like cracks or excessive wear can quickly turn into big issues if ignored. It’s safer and more financially effective to stick to a regular maintenance schedule.
Store it properly – The worst thing that can happen to a hydraulic hammer in storage is damage from the container. Environmental hazards like water can seep into the piston area and quickly cause corrosion. Be sure to store your hydraulic hammer with the top of the breaker higher than the tip of the tool, as this will prevent water from damaging the most sensitive areas of the tool.