The paving breaker is one of the most industrious machines in any construction site. Be it removing an old pavement or demolishing a tough concrete structure, getting the right breaker is key to a quick and easy job. The various specifications available in the market can confuse buyers. Below is a helpful guide that will assist in buying a paving breaker and an insight into three models produced by Mindrill.
1. Understand the Purpose of the
Equipment
A paving
breaker is otherwise referred to as pneumatic jackhammers or concrete breakers.
These are machines used to break up tough surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and
rock. The machines are used in road work, utility trenching, bridge and
pavement repairs, building demolition, and post-construction clean-up. The rock
drifter machine is designed to drill holes in rocks, but the paving breaker
works by impact on the surface itself.
2. Determine the Suitable Weight
Class for the Purpose
There are
basically two main types of paving breakers: the light to medium breakers which
have weight ranging between 15 kg and 20 kg, and the heavy breakers weighing
more than 30 kg. It is important to note weight as the first consideration:
• The light to medium breakers are easy
to handle and fit well for floor demolition, pavement patching, utility and
maintenance work requiring precision.
• The heavy breakers provide greater
impact energy per stroke and, thus, are best suited for use in thicker concrete
or compact roads.
An
underweight breaker will result in more time required for the work, while
overweight breaker will make handling difficult.
The Mindrill
range of paving breaker tools has been designed to suit all applications,
giving operators the ability to tailor the tool to the job. The MPB1210 is a
light-weight 20 kg machine that has been developed specifically for lighter
construction, plant maintenance and surface tasks. The MPB1230 is a medium to
heavy machine at 31 kg that provides higher impact energy for more difficult
pavement and demolition applications. Lastly, the 38 kg MPB117L has been
designed to take on the toughest applications involving dense concrete and
compacted surfaces.
3. Consider the Type of Power Source
The most
common type of breaker that can be found on the market is the pneumatic
variety, using compressed air from an air compressor to power the mechanism.
Pneumatic breakers are renowned for their durability, easy maintenance and
reliability in difficult situations, which makes them an industry standard tool
for mines, construction projects and demolition. As long as you have an air
compressor running to power other tools, such as pneumatic drills, then a
pneumatic breaker is going to be your best bet. This applies to the MPB1210,
MPB1230 and MPB117L Mindrill tools.
4. Consider the Shank Size
The shank
refers to the component used for holding the chisel, moil point or spade (tool
bits). Different manufacturers provide different models with different shank
sizes; thus, it is important to be sure about compatibility of the breaker
selected with your tool bits.
5. Internal Mechanisms of the Breaker
All breakers
do not share similar mechanisms internally. Some of these include tuned valve
mechanism and reversible piston with lubrication grooves which significantly
affect the efficiency of operation. Proper design of the valve mechanism
increases the number of blows, but decreases the waste of air in the process,
making the operation more efficient. A reversible piston mechanism increases
even wearing off of internal parts, which means longer durability of the tool.
Mindrill MPB1210, MPB1230, and MPB117L all operate on this principle of
construction.
6. Take Into Account Operator Comfort
and Ergonomics
Prolonged
operation of any tool will lead to operator fatigue, so it is important to take
into account ergonomic considerations when selecting a breaker. Prefer models
with anti-vibration handles and even weight distribution to avoid repetitive
strain injuries.
7. Take Into Account Serviceability
and Availability of Parts
It goes
without saying that breakers work in challenging environments with dust and
abrasion, so it is natural that there will be wear and tear. Make sure that
before making your purchase, you are able to service the tool easily, and there
are parts available.
8. Selecting a Trustworthy Tool Manufacturer
In the end,
the reputation of the manufacturer is just as important as the tool itself.
Manufacturers who have been in the business of mining and construction
equipment for a long time and have their products tested and certified have
better tools on average. Mindrill Company, for example, has been making
pneumatic and hydraulic tools since 1971 and offers a wide selection of
pavement breakers suitable for both regular maintenance and heavy demolition in
a variety of weight classes. Among them are such tools as MPB1210, MPB1230, and
MPB117L.
Conclusion
Choosing the
correct paving breaker depends on matching the breaker with your material,
project size, and machine configuration. Think about things like the weight
class, the power source, shank compatibility, the construction inside the
machine, ease of use, and after-sales services. Doing this will make the
process easier and ensure you are not wasting time on your equipment. In case
you are still deciding, then try Mindrill’s MPB1210, MPB1230, and MPB117L.