50 years for hydraulic breaker
Atlas Copco celebrates anniversary of breakers
Atlas Copco Construction Tools celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the hydraulic breaker
It’s hard to imagine carrying out a construction or mining project without a hydraulic breaker, but this month Atlas Copco Construction Tools, Essen, Germany, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the hydraulic breaker.
Krupp Berco Bautechnik, acquired by Atlas Copco in 2002, developed the rig-mounted hydraulic breaker and took out a patent in 1963. The first machine, the HM 400, attracted huge interest at the Hannover fair in 1967 and more than 2,000 units were sold.
At the time, pneumatic tools were widely used, and the aim was to save time and labour in demolition and mining operations.
The new concept was highly successful, as it meant that one person operating a rig-mounted hydraulic breaker could do the same amount of work as several operators with pneumatic tools.
This innovation was the start of a major transformation in the construction and mining industries.
“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,” said Gordon Hambach, product line manager for power demolition tools, Atlas Copco.
