How to grease a hydraulic breaker
The tool rubs against the bushings all the time; without the right grease applied the right way, tool, bushings and retainer key wear early. The basic rules of breaker greasing.
When to grease
The greasing interval is in the breaker’s manual; the harder the conditions, the more often. A dry, shiny tool shank means greasing is overdue. Grease the tool shank and bushings at every tool change too.
How to grease
Hold the breaker upright and press the tool fully in against the ground, so the grease goes between tool and bushings rather than into the piston area. Grease through the breaker’s grease nipple, in the amount the manual gives. Too much grease does harm as well: the surplus can fill the impact area.
Which grease
Use the high-temperature, impact-resistant chisel paste the manual recommends for tool and bushings. Ordinary machine grease melts and runs at these temperatures and leaves no protective film between tool and bushing.
Automatic greasing
An automatic lubrication system on the breaker or the carrier feeds grease steadily while working and keeps greasing from being forgotten. Check its reservoir and hoses regularly.
What running dry does
A tool run dry gets a scored, discoloured shank, the bushings wear fast and the key and tool slot notch. This is not normal wear and it shortens the life of the parts markedly.