The Correct Hydraulic Oil Temperature for Your Hydraulic Hammer Breaker

The hydraulic breaker is one of the most powerful and essential tools in construction and demolition. But this power comes with a price: massive stress on the hydraulic system. The single most critical factor determining your hammer breaker’s efficiency, performance, and lifespan is the quality and temperature of its hydraulic oil. Ignoring these details is the fastest way to cause a fatal fault and incur expensive downtime.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential operating procedures, temperature limits, and selection criteria you need to keep your hydraulic breaker operating at peak efficiency.

The Golden Rule: Optimal Hydraulic Hammer Operating Temperature Range

The first rule of hydraulic breaker operation is maintaining the correct oil temperature. For most systems, including those recommended by Beilite, the optimal operating temperature range is narrow and unforgiving: 20°C to 80°C (68°F to 176°F).

The Danger of Exceeding 80°C

When the hydraulic oil temperature rises above this 80°C (176°F) threshold, the results are catastrophic:

  • Viscosity Breakdown: The oil thins out dramatically, losing its ability to provide proper lubrication and sealing.
  • Abnormal Operation: Internal components rely on precise seals; thin oil compromises these, leading to sluggish or abnormal operation.
  • Fatal Damage: Sustained overheating causes rapid wear on vital internal components, potentially leading to a complete hydraulic breaker failure.

Preventing Overheating of Hammer Rock Breaker

After long periods of continuous hydraulic breaker work, the oil will naturally heat up. If the temperature exceeds the operating range, you must :

  1. Stop Operation: Immediately cease work to prevent fatal damage to the hydraulic system.
  2. Allow Cooling: Let the system rest until the oil temperature decreases back into the 20°C to 80°C (68°F to 176°F) range.
  3. Check the Cooler: Regularly inspect and maintain the hydraulic oil cooler to ensure it is functioning efficiently and can keep the fluid within a reasonable temperature range.

Cold Weather Operation: The Warm-Up Protocol

Operating in low temperatures presents the opposite challenge. If the oil is too cold, it becomes too viscous (thick). Starting cold operation without sufficient oil flow can cause fatal damage. Always ensure the excavator or carrier is sufficiently warmed up first, allowing the entire hydraulic circuit to reach operational temperatures before starting the hydraulic hammer breaker.

Selection and Quality of Hydraulic Oil

The type and quality of your hydraulic oil are just as important as the temperature. The correct selection directly determines the efficiency and service life of your hydraulic breaker.

Never Mix Hydraulic Oils!

A fundamental safety and maintenance rule are simple: Do not use a mixture of hydraulic oil and other oils. Never add different oil types or hydraulic oils with incompatible components to your existing fluid. Mixing oils can lead to unpredictable changes in viscosity and chemistry, jeopardizing the entire hydraulic system.

When to Consult Your Agent or Beilite Manufacturer?

Choosing the right hydraulic oil is crucial. You should immediately contact your equipment agent or manufacturer in the following special cases:

  1. Extreme Climate: When the hydraulic breaker must be used under special weather conditions, such as in extremely cold or hot regions.
  2. Unavailable Oil: If the manufacturer’s recommended hydraulic oil is unavailable and needs to be substituted with other hydraulic oils.
  3. Oil Conflict: If the oil recommended by the main engine manufacturer conflicts with the oil recommended by the hydraulic breaker manufacturer.

Manufacturers like Beilite provide specific recommendations based on season and climate to maintain optimal hydraulic oil viscosity. These recommendations specify different oil grades (46# or 68#F) for summer versus winter operation.

ManufacturerSummer Oil (Higher Viscosity)Winter Oil (Lower Viscosity)Recommended Grease
Your Choice of EnergyHuile hydraulique 68#Huile hydraulique 46#2# or 3# (according to weather)
ShellShell Tellus T68Shell Tellus T46Alvania Grease 2
EssoNuto H68Nuto H46Beacon 02
MobilMobil DTE 16Mobil DTE 15Mobil Grease Special
MobilMobil DTE 16Mobil DTE 15Mobil Grease Special
GulfHarmony 68Harmony 46Gulf Grown EP2

The Maintenance Schedule: Replacing Oil and Filters

Even the best hydraulic oil degrades and becomes contaminated over time, leading to accelerated wear. Paying special attention to the hydraulic oil quality is non-negotiable for the longevity of both the hydraulic breaker and the main engine.

Dealing with Oil Contamination

If the hydraulic oil is contaminated or deteriorated, it must be replaced immediately. Contaminated hydraulic oil will cause failure in both the hydraulic breaker and the carrier. When replacing the oil:

  • Thorough Cleaning: Clean the entire hydraulic circuit, including the pipeline and the oil tank. Replace any parts necessary to ensure the contamination is completely removed.
  • Total Replacement: All the old hydraulic oil in the oil tank and hydraulic circuit should be replaced entirely do not top off.

Timely Replacement Schedule

Adhering to a strict replacement schedule is key to minimizing oil contamination and preventing damage:

ComponentFirst Replacement IntervalSubsequent Replacement Interval
Hydraulic Oil Filter Element250 HoursEvery 600 Hours
Hydraulic Oil600 HoursEvery 1,500 Hours

By meticulously managing the hydraulic oil temperature, avoiding incompatible mixtures, and adhering to strict replacement schedules for the fluid and filter, you secure the maximum service life and performance from your hydraulic hammer breaker.

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Fatal fault / Fatal damage

Hydraulic system

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Excavator / Main engine

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Summer oil

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Cold weather operation

Warm-up protocol

Mixing hydraulic oil

Contaminated hydraulic oil

Replacement of filter element

Periodic replacement of hydraulic oil

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the optimal operating temperature range for hydraulic oil in a hydraulic breaker?

The optimal operating temperature range for hydraulic oil is 20°C to 80°C (68°F to 176°F). Operating the hydraulic breaker above this range, especially above $80^\circ\text{C}$, can lead to rapid viscosity breakdown, resulting in poor lubrication and potentially causing fatal damage to the breaker’s internal components.

2. How often should the hydraulic oil and filter be replaced in a hydraulic breaker?

The hydraulic oil and filter element should be replaced on a schedule to prevent oil contamination and deterioration:

  • Filter Element: Replace 250 hours after the first use, then every 600 hours subsequently.
  • Hydraulic Oil: Replace 600 hours after the first use, then every 1,500 hours subsequently.

3. Can I mix different types or brands of hydraulic oil in my hydraulic breaker?

No. You must not add other oils or hydraulic oils with different components to the existing fluid. Using a mixture of hydraulic oil and other oils can lead to unpredictable viscosity and chemical reactions, which will compromise lubrication, cause abnormal operation, and potentially damage the entire hydraulic circuit.

4. What should I do if my hydraulic breaker oil temperature exceeds 80°C?

If the hydraulic oil temperature rises above 80°C after working for a long time, you must immediately stop work. Allow the hydraulic system to cool down until the oil temperature returns to the safe 20°C to 80°C (68°F to 176°F)range before continuing operation. Additionally, check the hydraulic oil cooler to ensure it is functioning properly

Beilite Official Contacts:

Beilite Machinery Co., Ltd.

40008-40008

info@beilite.com

Beilite Indonesia Contacts:

+6282321982255