used hydraulic hammer for skid steer
Used Hydraulic Hammer for Skid Steer: A Smart Investment
A hydraulic hammer paired with a skid steer greatly expands the machine’s capabilities. For contractors, landscapers, and demolition crews looking for affordability without sacrificing performance, opting for a used hydraulic hammer can be a prudent choice—provided you know what to inspect and how it will integrate with your skid steer.
Why Choose a Hydraulic Hammer for a Skid Steer
Skid steers are agile, compact, and already highly versatile. Attaching a hydraulic hammer allows you to switch from digging and grading to breaking concrete, asphalt, rock, and other hard materials in minutes. This attachment keeps downtimes low, eliminates the need for separate heavy equipment, and often reduces labor costs. A used hydraulic hammer, when sourced wisely, delivers most of the same benefits as a new unit but at a fraction of the price.
Assessing the Condition of a Used Unit
When reviewing used hydraulic hammers, focus on these critical areas:
- Chisel and bushing wear: Check the tool steel for rounding, mushrooming, or cracking. Excessively worn tooling may require replacement, so verify how much life is remaining.
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings: Inspect for cuts, leaks, or bulging. Replacing hoses is inexpensive compared to internal damage from contamination.
- Housing and accumulator: Look for structural cracks or significant dents on the housing. Also confirm whether the accumulator is operational—feel for smooth piston travel without binding.
- Mounting system compatibility: Ensure the hammer’s adapter matches your skid steer’s quick coupler or mounting plate. Some older hammers require custom brackets.
- Operational history: Ask about previous usage, maintenance records, and how it was transported. Hammers used in underground confined spaces tend to have higher wear than those used on paved surfaces.
A test run, if possible, reveals vibration levels, unusual noises, or overheating issues that may not be visible otherwise.
Matching Hammer Size with Skid Steer Capacity
Hydraulic hammers are not one-size-fits-all. Choose a hammer whose impact energy and weight align with the hydraulic output and lifting capacity of your skid steer:
| Metric | Guidance |
|——–|———-|
| Operating Weight | Hammer should be no more than 30–40% of skid steer operating weight to prevent stability issues. |
| Hydraulic Flow | Match the hammer’s flow range with your skid steer’s flow rate; too low and the hammer will stall, too high and you risk overpressurizing. |
| Blow Frequency and Impact Energy | Higher blow frequency suits thinner, brittle materials; higher energy per blow handles thick concrete and rock. |
Manufacturers typically publish recommended skid steer models for each hammer size—use those charts as a starting point and verify compatibility.
Benefits of Buying Used
- Cost savings: Used hydraulic hammers often sell for 40–70% less than new units, freeing up capital for other investments.
- Rapid availability: Used units are often ready to ship immediately, avoiding long lead times for new equipment.
- Proven reliability: A well-maintained hammer with a service history can still deliver years of dependable work.
Maintenance Tips After Purchase
Even a used hammer needs regular upkeep to prevent premature failure:
- Keep the accumulator charged and clean—draining hydraulic oil and flushing periodically avoids sludge buildup.
- Grease the bushings daily during operation to reduce friction and wear.
- Check hydraulic filters on your skid steer and replace them frequently when driving abrasive debris.
- Store in a dry place and cover the breaker to protect it from corrosion.
If you keep a log of hammer hours and servicing, you’ll have a clearer idea when a rebuild or seal kit is needed.
Conclusion
A used hydraulic hammer for your skid steer represents a high-value purchase when you focus on condition, size compatibility, and proper maintenance. With careful inspection and a match to your machine’s hydraulics, you can unlock demolition and breaking capabilities without the cost of new equipment.