MTKS Hydraulic Hammers: Everything You Need to Know (and More)

Discover everything you need to know about MTKS hydraulic hammers: how they work, their advantages, the models available for each type of excavator, applications in demolition, mining, and public works, as well as practical tips on maintenance and purchasing. A professional guide to help you get the most out of your machinery.

1. Not Reading the Manual or Receiving Proper Training

A hydraulic hammer, also known as a breaker, is an attachment that converts hydraulic energy into high-force impacts through a controlled piston. It is mounted on excavators and mini-excavators to break hard surfaces such as rock or concrete.

The MTKS range stands out for its reliability, power, durability, and low maintenance, thanks to robust materials and a design focused on heavy-duty work. In addition, each unit includes two chisels and a nitrogen refill cylinder, ensuring optimal performance from day one.

2. Advantages of Using a Hydraulic Hammer

MTKS hydraulic hammers are not only an indispensable tool on any job site, they are also a strategic investment that directly impacts productivity, safety, and profitability in every project.

Efficiency and Power

  • They can generate thousands of blows per minute, transforming the excavator’s hydraulic pressure into powerful impacts.

  • This strength allows them to break reinforced concrete, hard rock, and pavement in just minutes, saving entire workdays of manual labor.

  • Thanks to their design, they deliver consistent performance even during extended operations, reducing the risk of overheating.

Versatility

  • Suitable for urban construction, mining, quarries, civil works, demolition, and trenching.

  • They perform reliably under extreme conditions: from confined indoor spaces to open and demanding environments such as tunnels or large-scale earthworks.

  • Being compatible with different excavator sizes (from 0.8-ton mini excavators to 25-ton industrial equipment), they provide an adaptable solution for virtually any job site.

Noise and Vibration Reduction

  • MTKS hammers are equipped with damping systems and reinforced housings that reduce vibrations transmitted to the machine and the operator.

  • This technology is especially valuable in urban areas or near residential buildings, where minimizing disturbances is essential.

  • Less vibration also means reduced wear on the carrier machine, extending the excavator’s service life and lowering maintenance costs.

Enhanced Safety

  • By automating the breaking process, operator exposure to physical risks from manual percussion tools is minimized.

  • The operator works safely from the excavator cab, reducing the chance of accidents from flying debris.

  • Additionally, the use of explosives in quarries or rock-breaking projects is avoided, which increases safety in sensitive environments.

Profitability and Cost Reduction

  • By accelerating execution times, overall project duration is reduced, leading to lower labor costs.

  • Their simple and predictable maintenance (regular greasing and nitrogen checks) makes them a very low operating cost alternative compared to other options.

  • Their versatility ensures that a single MTKS hammer can be used across multiple project types, maximizing equipment amortization.

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3. MTKS Range: Key Models and Specifications

Model / Reference Excavator Tonnage Hammer Weight Price (excl. VAT) Recommended Application Link
MTKS 0.8–1.5 t – 90 kg 0.8–1.5 t 90 kg €2,300 Mini excavators, confined spaces, urban works View product
MTKS 1.5–2.5 t – 170 kg 1.5–2.5 t 170 kg €3,000 Greater striking power while maintaining precision View product
MTKS 2–4 t – 190 kg 2–4 t 190 kg €4,000 Medium demolitions, trenching, light foundations View product
MTKS 4–7 t – 340 kg 4–7 t 340 kg €4,000 Reinforced concrete, intermediate rock, intensive use View product
MTKS 6–8 t – 500 kg 6–8 t 500 kg €5,000 Large-scale works, continuous demolition, heavy duty View product
MTKS 15 t – 950 kg 15 t 950 kg €8,000 Large excavators, extreme demolition, quarry work View product
MTKS 17–25 t – 1,750 kg 17–25 t 1,750 kg €11,000 Mining, industrial projects, maximum power View product

4. Typical Applications

MTKS hydraulic hammers are extremely versatile tools that adapt to a wide variety of job site scenarios. Their ability to transform hydraulic energy into high-impact force makes them indispensable allies in construction, mining, and civil engineering.

Controlled Demolition

  • Ideal for urban demolition projects, where precision and safety are essential.

  • Allow work in populated areas, reducing the need for explosives or overly noisy machinery.

  • Perfect for tearing down walls, slabs, and foundations, even in confined spaces such as basements or building interiors.

  • With sizes ranging from 90 kg to 1,750 kg, operators can choose the right hammer according to the scale of demolition.

Rock Excavation

  • Designed to break hard ground, rock layers, and conglomerates that hinder project progress.

  • Replace or complement more expensive techniques such as blasting.

  • Facilitate deep trenching for pipelines, utilities, or foundations in rocky soils.

  • Heavy-duty models (500–1,750 kg) are especially effective in tunneling and large-scale excavation.

Roadworks and Urban Development

  • Essential for road maintenance and construction, breaking asphalt and concrete quickly.

  • Simplify trenching for electrical cables, fiber optics, or sewer systems.

  • Used in sidewalk and plaza renovations, where precision and speed minimize disruption to traffic and pedestrians.

  • Light models (90–190 kg) are ideal for compact excavators in urban environments.

Mining and Quarrying

  • Robust enough to fragment large blocks in mining and quarry operations.

  • Capable of working long shifts in demanding conditions, withstanding heat and dust.

  • Optimize material handling and transport, reducing crushing times.

  • Heavy models (950–1,750 kg) are engineered to withstand the extreme toughness of these environments.

Other Specialized Applications

  • Underwater works: certain hammers can be adapted for tasks below water, such as building port foundations or dock structures.

  • Large-scale civil engineering: dams, tunnels, and hydroelectric plants.

  • Agricultural projects: digging wells or conditioning rocky land for irrigation and plantations.

  • Environmental protection: replace explosives, reducing vibrations and collateral risks in sensitive ecosystems.

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5. Essential Maintenance for MTKS Hydraulic Hammers

Proper maintenance ensures that the hammer maintains its impact power, prevents breakdowns, and extends its service life. Below is the recommended schedule:

Every 2 hours of use

  • Greasing with graphite-based grease: it is essential to apply high-performance grease (preferably graphite) to the chisel and guide bushing.

  • This reduces friction, prevents overheating, and extends the chisel’s service life.

  • In extreme conditions of dust or humidity, greasing may be required even more frequently.

Every 10 hours (daily inspection)

  • Check the chisel: look for wear, cracks, or deformation. A damaged chisel reduces impact efficiency.

  • Oil leaks: inspect hoses, fittings, and seals. Even small leaks can cause pressure loss and damage the hydraulic pump.

  • Hydraulic connections: ensure they are tight and free from dirt.

  • Check grease levels and look for possible looseness in the housing.

Every 50 hours of work

  • Nitrogen check: verify the pressure in the hammer’s accumulator chamber. Incorrect pressure leads to reduced impact force and piston fatigue.

  • Wear inspection: check bushings, pins, and shock absorbers (silent blocks). Replacing worn components avoids major failures.

  • Ensure there are no metallic particles in the oil or grease, which indicate internal wear.

Every 100 hours (comprehensive inspection)

  • Perform a thorough inspection: partial disassembly of the hammer to check the piston, valves, membranes, and seals.

  • Check the torque of main bolts.

  • Verify proper hammer alignment with the hitch, since misalignment accelerates wear.

  • Clean the excavator’s hydraulic filters to guarantee a clean and constant flow.

Every 600 hours (major maintenance)

  • Professional workshop overhaul should include:

    • Replacement of seals, gaskets, and membranes.

    • Reconditioning of bushings and pins.

    • Piston verification using ultrasound or non-destructive testing methods.

    • Preventive replacement of critical components.

This semi-annual overhaul prevents serious failures and ensures the hammer continues performing like new.

6. Clear Signs of Failure in a Hydraulic Hammer

Although MTKS hammers are designed to withstand extreme conditions, it is essential to identify the early signs of malfunction. Detecting these symptoms in time prevents costly downtime and irreversible damage.

1. Loss of Power or Reduced Breaking Capacity

  • Symptom: the hammer takes longer to break materials than before.

  • Probable causes:

    • Insufficient hydraulic pressure from the carrier machine.

    • Low nitrogen pressure in the accumulator chamber.

    • Excessive wear on the chisel, bushings, or piston.

  • Recommended action: check hydraulic parameters, recharge nitrogen, and replace worn parts.

2. Visible Oil Leaks

  • Symptom: oil stains on the housing, hoses, or ground beneath the hammer.

  • Probable causes:

    • Damaged seals.

    • Cracked hoses or loose fittings.

    • Excessive circuit pressure.

  • Recommended action: stop the machine immediately, locate the leak, and repair before continuing work.

3. Abnormal Metallic Noises

  • Symptom: dry metallic knocking or excessive vibration at each impact.

  • Probable causes:

    • Chisel too short or improperly seated.

    • Wear of guide bushings.

    • Piston striking off-axis due to internal play.

  • Recommended action: replace or adjust the chisel, inspect bushings and pins.

4. Excessive Vibrations in the Excavator

  • Symptom: the cab or the excavator arm vibrates more than usual.

  • Probable causes:

    • Misaligned hammer installation.

    • Damaged shock absorbers (silent blocks).

    • Chisel working at an incorrect angle.

  • Recommended action: realign the hammer, replace shock absorbers, and always work close to a 90° angle.

5. Overheating

  • Symptom: the hammer overheats after a short period of use.

  • Probable causes:

    • Prolonged use without pauses (continuous blows for more than 30 seconds).

    • Lack of greasing on chisel and bushings.

    • Hydraulic flow higher than recommended.

  • Recommended action: respect intermittent working cycles, grease with graphite-based grease, and adjust flow according to specifications.

6. Abnormal Grease or Nitrogen Consumption

  • Symptom: the hammer requires greasing or nitrogen refilling much more frequently.

  • Probable causes:

    • Internal wear on seals or membranes.

    • Leakage due to microcracks in the gas chamber.

  • Recommended action: take the hammer for technical inspection, replace seals, and check chamber tightness.

7. Buying and Installation Tips

Purchasing a hydraulic hammer is a strategic investment. Choosing the right model ensures performance, durability, and safety on the job site. To make your purchase a success, consider the following:

Assess compatibility between machine and hammer

  • Verify the excavator tonnage: each MTKS hammer is designed for a specific range (e.g., 0.8–1.5 t, 6–8 t, 17–25 t).

  • Check the hydraulic flow and pressure of your carrier machine; excessive flow can damage the hammer, while insufficient flow reduces its power.

  • Make sure the excavator’s hydraulic system is in good condition and free from leaks before installation.

Ensure it includes a complete kit

  • All MTKS hammers are supplied with two chisels and a nitrogen refill bottle, allowing immediate use without additional expenses.

  • Confirm that the delivery also includes the installation kit and technical manual, which are essential for a safe startup.

Use a Martin-type standard hitch

  • MTKS hammers are designed for a Martin pin-type hitch, a universal system that ensures correct alignment with the excavator.

  • Using the correct hitch extends the life of the bushings and reduces vibrations transmitted to the machine structure.

Trust MTKS technical support for installation

  • The MTKS technical team provides guidance throughout the entire process: from model selection to installation and commissioning.

  • Professional installation ensures:

    • Correct hammer alignment.

    • Proper adjustment of hydraulic flow and pressure.

    • Basic training for the operator in use and daily maintenance.

Conclusion

MTKS hydraulic hammers represent a robust, efficient, and cost-effective solution for any job site. Their wide range covers everything from mini excavators in urban environments to industrial excavators in mining and quarrying, always ensuring:

  • Constant impact power to break concrete and rock.

  • Adaptability to different machines and types of work.

  • Simple and predictable maintenance, reducing unexpected downtime.

  • Specialized technical support, with spare parts and service available throughout Spain.

In short, choosing an MTKS hydraulic hammer means betting on productivity, safety, and reliability, making it the ideal choice for demanding professionals who want to maximize the performance of their machinery.