Combustion Demolition Hammers

Petrol demolition hammer — one machine, no power set

A petrol demolition hammer (also called a gasoline breaker) is a percussion tool driven by its own two-stroke engine of usually 50–90 cm³. The piston compresses air in the cylinder and an air cushion passes the impulse to striker and chisel. Operating weight normally falls between 23 and 33 kg, and a 1.8–2.0 litre tank covers 1–2 hours of continuous breaking.

What separates the drive types is logistics, not power: an electric breaker needs a cable run, a hydraulic one a power pack and two hoses, a pneumatic one a compressor.

Petrol, hydraulic or electric drive

The drive follows the working environment and the number of operators, not striking force: in the 25–35 kg class impact energy is similar whatever powers the machine.

Where a crew breaks concrete in one spot all shift, a hydraulic set often costs less: one hydraulic power pack feeds a hydraulic demolition hammer, and larger units feed a second tool. On linear works the arithmetic flips back in favour of petrol.

Matching hammer and chisel to the material

Two things decide how fast material gives way: hammer mass and tip shape. A moil point concentrates energy on one spot and starts the crack in reinforced concrete, a flat chisel steers that crack along an edge, a wide spade levers asphalt off the base. The tool shank has to match the machine — on BH 55 class hammers from Wacker Neuson that means 27x80 mm.

• Concrete floor slab, 10–20 cm — roughly 25 kg with a moil point; score reinforced bays first with a petrol disc cutter.
• Strip footings and pad foundations — the heaviest units, impact energy of the order of 60–70 J, working inwards from an edge.
• Asphalt surfaces — a spade around 100–125 mm wide, hammer held at 15–30 degrees.
• Openings in masonry — a flat chisel and a lighter hammer, starting from a pilot hole.

The whole range sits in demolition hammers.

Petrol demolition hammers — FAQ