How Should You Operate a Hydraulic Breaker in Cold Weather?
Winter in Upstate New York brings extra challenges for hydraulic breakers. Thick hydraulic oil, frozen ground, and stiff seals reduce impact power and put stress on equipment. Rocxbreaker hammers are built to handle tough conditions, and following a few best practices keeps them working efficiently all season.
Why Does Cold Weather Affect Hydraulic Breakers?
Cold temperatures thicken hydraulic oil and slow flow. This reduces impact energy and increases strain on seals, hoses, and internal components. Frozen ground also requires more force to break, and moisture can freeze inside the system, creating leaks or pressure issues as well as rust or corrosion.
What Winter Challenges Can You Expect?
- Hydraulic oil thickens, slowing system response.
- Frozen material increases tool stress.
- Seals and hoses can fail or leak due to extreme cold.
- Ice and moisture can cause rust and corrosion related failures.
How Can You Prepare Your Breaker for Winter?
- Warm up the carrier:
Let the excavator or skid steer run for a few minutes before operating the breaker. - Use winter-grade hydraulic oil:
Keeps oil flowing properly in cold temperatures. - Inspect seals and hoses:
Replace worn parts before failure. - Store the breaker properly:
Keep it covered or indoors to prevent ice buildup or moisture intrusion issues.
Why Rocxbreaker Performs in Cold Weather
Rocxbreaker hammers are engineered for year-round reliability:
- Durable, simple design:
Fewer moving parts reduce cold-weather failures. - Temperature-resistant seals:
Hold up in freezing conditions without cracking. - Consistent impact power:
From the compact 250IP to the 4650IPS, Rocxbreaker models maintain high impact energy of up to 9,000 ft-lbs even in freezing temperatures. - Extreme-condition ready:
Designed for harsh environments with high-quality materials and an energy recovery system that ensures efficiency.
Stay Ready This Winter
Rocxbreaker hammers are built to perform reliably, even in the harshest weather conditions. With the right preparation, you can keep your breakers running all season and keep winter projects on track.