Hydraulic breakers turn 50

It is 50 years this month since the world’s first carrier-mounted hydraulic breaker was launched, according to Atlas Copco Construction Tools. The model in question, the HM 400, was made by Krupp Berco Bautechnik, a company Atlas Copco acquired in 2002, developed the rig-mounted hydraulic breaker and took out a patent in 1963.

The breaker was designed to save time and labour in demolition and mining work – industries where, at that time, pneumatic tools were widely used. It meant that one person operating a carrier-mounted hydraulic breaker could do the same amount of work as several operators with pneumatic tools.

This innovation was the start of a transformation in the construction and mining industries. Gordon Hambach, product line manager for power demolition tools at Atlas Copco Construction Tools said, “It is our belief that there is always a better way of doing things. That innovative spirit is a vital part of Atlas Copco's identity, a vital part of our way of conducting business. It is also the driving force, which has made us a leader in our industry. Innovation is the ultimate driver for long-term profitability and growth.”