A 40 ton excavator carries a breaker that weighs more than a small car, and the carrier’s hydraulic circuit decides which one it can run. In the LICH range the LC-175 is listed for 36–40 t carriers, with the LC-165 below it and the LC-195 above. This guide compares the three by oil flow, pressure, energy and weight so you can choose the hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator work with the numbers in front of you.

The three candidates

Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 30 October 2026.

The circuit decides

On heavy excavators, flow and relief pressure separate the models more than carrier weight does:

• LC-175: 200–250 L/min at 210–240 bar. This is the hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator circuits in that window.
• LC-165: 190–260 L/min at 200–240 bar, listed for 30–36 t carriers.
• LC-195: 250–320 L/min at 260–300 bar, listed from 42 t. It needs both more flow and a higher pressure setting than the LC-175.

Read the breaker circuit flow and relief pressure from the excavator manual or a flow test before choosing. Our matching guide covers the test.

Energy, blow rate and weight on the stick

• Energy per blow. The LC-175 delivers 15,500 J, 17% more than the LC-165; the LC-195 adds 64% on top, at 25,490 J.
• Blow rate. Bigger breakers strike less often: 150–300 bpm for the LC-165, 120–200 for the LC-175 and 100–140 for the LC-195.
• Weight share. We divided each breaker’s weight by 40,000 kg: the LC-165 is 8.0%, the LC-175 9.4% and the LC-195 13.5% of the carrier. Inside its own class, the LC-175 runs from 9.4% (40 t) to 10.4% (36 t).

Checks before ordering

1. Flow test. Measure the breaker circuit flow at working engine speed and compare it with 200–250 L/min for the LC-175.
2. Relief pressure. Set the circuit relief inside 210–240 bar for the LC-175, or 260–300 bar for the LC-195.
3. Mounting. Record the pin diameter, pin centres and stick width, or the quick coupler model.
4. Return. Route breaker oil straight to the tank through the return filter.

Body, tools and spares

All three come in silent box-type, tower and triangular bodies. The model number is the chisel diameter: 165, 175 or 195 mm. For a heavy hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator duty, order a spare chisel and a seal kit with the breaker; see chisel and bits and the seal kit guide.

Where a 40 ton excavator breaker works

As a hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator carriers, the LC-175 is listed for primary rock breaking, quarrying, mining, heavy concrete demolition and trenching in hard ground. For quarry setup and output, read the hydraulic breaker for quarry guide; for structures, the demolition guide. On 25–36 t machines, compare the 30 ton excavator options.

Questions about 40 ton excavator breakers

What size hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator work?

The LC-175: 3,757 kg, 175 mm chisel, 15,500 J, running on 200–250 L/min at 210–240 bar.

Can a 40 ton excavator run the LC-195?

The LC-195 is listed for 42–55 t carriers and needs 250–320 L/min at 260–300 bar. On a 40 t machine, choose the LC-175; move to the LC-195 on carriers from 42 t with a circuit that reaches those figures.

How much does a 40 ton excavator breaker weigh?

The LC-175 weighs 3,757 kg. The LC-165 weighs 3,217 kg and the LC-195 5,400 kg.

Send us your excavator model, breaker circuit flow and relief pressure, and the material you break. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with hoses, tools and spare parts.

For a 3 ton excavator, the LICH match is the LC-53, a 53 mm breaker listed for 3–5 t carriers. It sits between the LC-45 for 1.5–2 t machines and the LC-68 for 6 t machines, and the numbers show why neither neighbour is the better hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator work. This guide compares the three sizes and lists the checks to run on your machine before ordering.

The three sizes around a 3 ton carrier

Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 30 October 2026.

What changes from one size to the next

• Impact energy. 280 J to 406 J is a 45% step from the LC-45 to the LC-53; 406 J to 1,016 J is a 150% step to the LC-68.
• Oil flow. The LC-53 accepts 20–50 L/min, the widest window of the three. The LC-68 needs at least 40 L/min.
• Weight on a 3 t machine. We divided each breaker’s weight by 3,000 kg: the LC-45 is 3.5%, the LC-53 is 5.5% and the LC-68 is 9.6% of the carrier.
• Blow rate. The LC-45 and LC-53 both reach 1,100 blows per minute; the LC-68 tops out at 990.

The LC-53 keeps the 3 ton excavator balanced at 5.5% of its weight, adds 45% more energy per blow than the LC-45 and runs on the same small circuits. That is why it is the hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator carriers in our range; at the top of its class, on a 5 t machine, it is just 3.3% of the carrier.

Checks on your 3 ton excavator

1. Flow. Confirm the auxiliary flow sits inside 20–50 L/min.
2. Pressure. Set the breaker circuit relief inside 90–130 bar.
3. Mounting. Record pin diameter, pin centres and bracket or quick-coupler type; our matching guide shows where to measure.
4. Return line. Breaker oil should return straight to the tank through the return filter.

Standard or concentric body?

The LC-53 is built in silent box-type, tower, triangular and concentric bodies. The concentric LC-53 weighs 260 kg against 166 kg for the standard figure, so for a hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator use the triangular or tower body keeps the arm light, and the silent body is the pick for street and residential work. See box type vs open type.

Jobs for a 3 ton excavator breaker

Typical work for a hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator carriers:

• Driveways, footpaths and small slabs.
• Utility trenches through rock or old concrete.
• Foundation excavation and footing removal.
• Road and pavement repairs.

Machine closer to 5 t, or a stronger circuit? The hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator guide compares the LC-53 with the LC-68. For 1–1.5 t machines, see the 1 ton excavator guide.

Questions about 3 ton excavator breakers

What size hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator work?

The LC-53: 166 kg, 53 mm tool, 406 J, running on 20–50 L/min at 90–130 bar.

Is the LC-68 too heavy for a 3 ton excavator?

The LC-68 is listed for 6 t carriers and needs 40–60 L/min. At 9.6% of a 3 t machine’s weight, it belongs on a 6 t excavator; the LC-53 is the 3 t match.

What chisel does the LC-53 take?

A 53 mm tool. Order a spare chisel and a seal kit with the breaker; tool shapes are on the chisel and bits page.

Send us your excavator model, auxiliary flow and pressure, and the main material. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with hoses and spare parts.

A 1 ton excavator works where bigger machines cannot go: inside buildings, in gardens and along narrow utility runs. The hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator work therefore has to be light, run on a small oil flow and keep the arm balanced. LICH builds three sizes for this class, the LC-35, LC-40 and LC-45, and this guide compares them with their published figures and the weight each one puts on the machine.

Three LICH sizes for 1 to 2 t machines

The smallest model, the LC-35, uses a 35 mm tool on 1–1.5 t carriers and is listed for indoor demolition, municipal repair, landscaping and small foundation work. Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 30 October 2026.

Breaker weight against machine weight

On a machine this small, every kilogram at the end of the arm changes how the excavator sits and swings. We divided each breaker’s weight by the carrier weight at both ends of its listed class:

• LC-40 (79 kg): 7.9% of a 1 t machine and 5.3% of a 1.5 t machine.
• LC-45 (105 kg): 7.0% of a 1.5 t machine and 5.2% of a 2 t machine.

Both models stay between about 5 and 8 percent of the carrier inside their listed class. Fitting the LC-45 to a 1 t machine would push it past 10 percent, which is why the LC-40 is the hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator carriers and the LC-45 starts at 1.5 t.

LC-40 or LC-45?

• Oil flow. The LC-40 runs from 15 L/min, the lowest published flow in the range; the LC-45 needs at least 20 L/min. On a 1 t machine with a small auxiliary pump, the LC-40 is the match.
• Energy. The LC-45 delivers 280 J per blow, 37% more than the LC-40’s 204 J, for thicker slabs and harder rock on 1.5–2 t machines.
• Pressure and speed. Both work at 90–120 bar and 600–1,100 blows per minute, so the choice comes down to carrier weight and flow.
• Tool size. 35, 40 or 45 mm: the model number is the chisel diameter. See hydraulic breaker chisels and bits for tool shapes.

Checks before fitting a hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator use

1. Auxiliary circuit. Read the flow and relief pressure from the excavator manual and confirm the circuit has a return line to tank for breaker work.
2. Operating weight. Use the operating weight from the excavator’s spec sheet.
3. Bracket and pins. Measure pin diameter, pin centres and the quick coupler, if fitted. Our matching guide lists each measurement.
4. The job. Indoor floors and garden paths suit the LC-35 and LC-40; footings and harder ground on a 1.5 t or heavier machine suit the LC-45.

Body options

The LC-35 and LC-40 come in silent box-type, tower and triangular side-mounted bodies. The LC-45 adds a concentric version, which weighs 200 kg, so on 1.5–2 t carriers the triangular or tower body keeps the arm lighter. The silent body suits indoor and residential work, the most common setting for a hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator jobs.

Where a 1 ton excavator breaker works

• Indoor demolition and floor removal, where the LC-35 is listed.
• Garden, landscaping and municipal repair work.
• Small foundations, footpaths and light trenching with the LC-40.

For the next size up, see the hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator guide, or compare every compact model on the mini excavator breaker page.

Questions about 1 ton excavator breakers

What size hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator work?

The LC-40: 79 kg, 40 mm tool, 15–30 L/min and 204 J, listed for 1–1.5 t carriers. The LC-35 is the lighter option for indoor work.

Can a 1 ton excavator run the LC-45?

The LC-45 is listed from 1.5 t and needs at least 20 L/min. On a 1 t machine, choose the LC-40.

Which spare parts should I order with it?

Order a spare chisel and a seal kit with your hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator work. Our seal kit guide explains what the kit contains.

Send us your excavator model, its auxiliary flow and pressure, and the job. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with the bracket, hoses and spares.

A 5 ton excavator sits at the top of the mini class: light enough to tow on a trailer, strong enough for real breaking work in trenches, driveways and small demolition. Two LICH hydraulic breaker sizes cover it. The LC-53 is listed for 3–5 t carriers and the LC-68 for 6 t carriers, and the choice between them comes down to your machine’s auxiliary circuit and how hard the material is. This guide compares both with their published figures and shows how to pick a hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator work.

The two candidates

Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 22 October 2026. The LC-45 and LC-75 are listed for reference as the sizes either side.

LC-53 or LC-68: what the numbers say

• Energy per blow. The LC-68 delivers 1,016 J, 2.5 times the LC-53’s 406 J. On thick concrete or hard rock that difference shows quickly.
• Speed. The LC-53 runs up to 1,100 blows per minute against 990 for the LC-68. On asphalt and thin slabs, fast light blows keep the work moving.
• Weight on the arm. 166 kg against 289 kg. On a 5 t machine the LC-53 leaves more margin at long reach and on slopes.
• Oil flow. The LC-53 starts at 20 L/min; the LC-68 needs at least 40 L/min. This is often the deciding figure.

How to choose a hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator use

1. Read the breaker circuit. Find the auxiliary flow and relief pressure in the excavator manual or from the dealer. Below 40 L/min, the LC-53 is the hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator work. With 40–60 L/min at 90–130 bar, both fit.
2. Check the machine weight. A 4 t machine pairs naturally with the LC-53. A 5.5–6 t machine with a strong circuit can run the LC-68.
3. Look at the material. Asphalt, paths, brick and thin slabs: LC-53. Reinforced concrete footings and rock in trenches: LC-68 if the circuit allows.
4. Check the mounting. Confirm pin diameter, pin centres and bracket or quick-coupler type before ordering. Our guide on matching a hydraulic breaker to an excavator lists what to measure.

Body options for a hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator carriers

Both models come in silent box-type, tower, triangular side-mounted and concentric bodies. The silent body suits street and residential work; the triangular body is the lightest and simplest to service. See box type vs open type.

Typical jobs for a hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator work

• Breaking driveways, paths and garage slabs.
• Utility trenching through rock or old concrete.
• Small foundation and footing removal.
• Road patch repairs and kerb removal.

For more uses by size, see what is a hydraulic breaker used for.

Questions buyers ask

What size hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator work?

A 53 mm class breaker of about 166 kg, the LC-53, fits most 3–5 t machines. Step up to the 68 mm LC-68 only when the circuit delivers at least 40 L/min.

And for smaller or larger machines?

For 1–2 t carriers see hydraulic breakers for mini excavators; for 8–12 t see the hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator guide.

Which chisel should I order?

The model number is the chisel diameter: 53 mm or 68 mm. Order a spare chisel and a seal kit with the breaker; tool shapes are on the hydraulic breaker bits page.

Send us your excavator model, breaker-circuit flow and pressure, and the main material. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with hoses and spare parts.

Related reading: lighter machines are covered in the hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator guide and the 1 ton excavator guide.

What is a hydraulic breaker used for? In short: breaking hard material that a bucket cannot dig. A hydraulic breaker mounts on an excavator, backhoe loader or skid steer in place of the bucket and drives a steel chisel into concrete, rock, asphalt or frozen ground hundreds of times a minute. This guide lists the main jobs, the carrier size each one usually needs, and the LICH models built for it, using the application notes and figures on our model pages.

What is a hydraulic breaker used for on site?

Uses and figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 22 October 2026. Every model is in the hydraulic breaker specifications chart.

What is a hydraulic breaker used for: the main jobs

Demolition

Breaking concrete slabs, walls, columns and foundations so the debris can be loaded and the rebar cut out. Silent box-type bodies are common in towns. See hydraulic breaker for demolition and hydraulic concrete breaker.

Road work and trenching

Cutting asphalt and concrete pavement for repairs, and breaking rock or hard layers in utility trenches where a bucket stalls. Small, fast breakers suit this work.

Foundation excavation

Removing rock and old footings in basements and building pits, often in tight space on a mid-size excavator.

Quarrying and secondary breaking

Reducing oversize boulders after blasting so they fit the crusher, and breaking the face where blasting is not allowed. See hydraulic breaker for quarry work.

Mining

Primary rock breaking at the face and heavy trenching in hard ground, with the largest breakers on 36–80 t carriers.

Special jobs

Breaking rock under water with a breaker set up for submerged work; see underwater hydraulic breaker.

Which machines carry a hydraulic breaker?

• Excavators: the most common carrier, from 1 t mini excavators to 80 t machines. See breakers for mini excavators.
• Backhoe loaders: a popular choice for road crews; see the backhoe breaker guide.
• Skid steers: for light breaking on small sites; see skid steer hydraulic breaker.

What a hydraulic breaker is not used for

A breaker is built to drive a chisel straight into hard material. Using it to pry, lift, sweep or move rock overloads the chisel and the front head, and firing it without the tool pressed against the material damages the breaker. For digging soil, use the bucket.

Questions buyers ask

What is a hydraulic breaker used for in construction?

Mostly demolition, road and trench work, and foundation excavation, on 1–12 t excavators and backhoe loaders.

Can a hydraulic breaker remove a tree stump?

It can split a stump, but a bucket, ripper or stump grinder removes it faster. A breaker earns its keep on rock and concrete.

Is a hydraulic breaker the same as a hydraulic hammer?

Yes, the two names describe the same attachment. See hydraulic breaker vs hydraulic hammer.

Now that you know what a hydraulic breaker is used for, see how a hydraulic breaker works or send us your carrier model and the material you break. We will recommend the LICH model for the job.

Related reading: sizes for the smallest and largest carriers in the hydraulic breaker for 1 ton excavator and hydraulic breaker for 40 ton excavator guides.

A hydraulic breaker for demolition turns an excavator into a concrete-breaking tool: it cracks slabs, walls, columns and foundations so the debris can be loaded and the rebar cut out. The right size depends on two things, the thickness of the concrete and the excavator that will carry it. This guide matches each kind of demolition work to a LICH hydraulic breaker class, with published weights and impact energy, and covers body type, chisel choice and site setup.

Match the hydraulic breaker for demolition to the structure

Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 22 October 2026. Every model is in the hydraulic breaker specifications chart.

Why size matters more in demolition

Concrete breaks best with a steady series of strong blows at the edge of the slab or wall. Too small a breaker skates across the surface and wastes time; too large a breaker overloads the carrier and can bring down more of the structure than planned. Pick a hydraulic breaker for demolition that sits inside your excavator’s weight class and circuit, then choose the heaviest blow that fits. Our guide to matching a hydraulic breaker to an excavator covers flow, pressure and bracket.

Choose the body of a hydraulic breaker for demolition

• Silent box-type: the housing encloses the breaker and dampens noise. It is the usual choice for urban demolition near homes, schools and hospitals. See how loud is a hydraulic breaker.
• Tower (top-mounted): a straight line from the arm to the chisel, useful for breaking down into floors and footings.
• Triangular side-mounted: short and light, easy to service, and good for reaching wall faces.
• Concentric: offered on seven models, including the LC-45 to LC-100 range used on smaller demolition jobs.

Chisel choice for a hydraulic breaker for demolition

A moil point concentrates the blow and starts cracks in thick concrete; a chisel (wedge) splits along a line and works well on slabs and walls. Our moil point guide and chisel and bit sizes list the tool for each model.

Site setup for a hydraulic breaker for demolition

1. Plan the order. Break from the top down and from free edges inward.
2. Work at the edge. Place the chisel a short distance in from the free edge of a slab, break, and step back along the line.
3. Keep the tool square. Hold the chisel at right angles to the surface and keep down pressure on it; never use the breaker to pry or sweep.
4. Cut the rebar. A breaker cracks the concrete; cut the exposed steel with shears or a torch before loading.
5. Control dust and noise. Use water spray and the silent body where neighbours are close.

The hydraulic concrete breaker guide covers slab breaking in more detail, and how to use a hydraulic breaker covers operating habits.

Questions buyers ask

What size hydraulic breaker for demolition of a house?

Most house slabs, walls and footings are broken with a 6–12 t excavator, so the LC-68, LC-75 or LC-100 class, chosen by your excavator’s circuit.

Can a mini excavator breaker break concrete?

Yes, for thin slabs, paths and interior floors. The LC-40 to LC-53 deliver up to 1,100 blows per minute on 1–5 t machines.

Is a silent hydraulic breaker for demolition weaker?

No. The box housing reduces noise; impact energy is set by the breaker inside it.

Send us your excavator model, breaker-circuit flow and pressure, and the thickness of the concrete. We will recommend the LICH hydraulic breaker for demolition on your site and quote it with hoses and spare chisels.

Related reading: carrier-specific guides for a 1 ton, 3 ton and 40 ton excavator.

Hydraulic breaker hire makes sense for a short job; buying makes sense once the breaker works most weeks. The deciding numbers are how many days a year you need the tool, the hire rate you are quoted, and what owning really costs once spare parts and service are included. This guide sets out a simple break-even method, what to check on a hire unit, and what comes with a purchased hydraulic breaker from LICH, so you can decide between hydraulic breaker hire and ownership with your own figures.

When hydraulic breaker hire is the better choice

• One short job. A few days of concrete removal or rock breaking on one site.
• A carrier you do not own. If the excavator is hired too, hydraulic breaker hire from the same yard saves fitting work.
• An unusual size. A one-off job that needs a much larger or smaller breaker than your usual work.
• Testing before buying. A short hydraulic breaker hire shows what size and impact rate your material really needs.

When buying is the better choice

• Regular work. Demolition, quarry, trenching or road contractors who break material most weeks.
• Remote sites. Where hire yards are far away, delivery and waiting time cost more than the hire itself.
• A fixed carrier. When one excavator runs the breaker every day, a matched breaker with the right hoses and bracket stays on that machine.
• Control of upkeep. An owned breaker is greased, charged and serviced by your own crew on your own schedule.

A simple break-even method

Compare hydraulic breaker hire against ownership over one year:

1. Hire cost per year = days of use × daily hire rate + delivery and collection charges.
2. Owning cost per year = purchase price spread over the years you expect to use the breaker + spare parts (chisels, bushings, seal kits) + service labour + nitrogen and grease.
3. Break-even days = owning cost per year ÷ (daily hire rate + delivery cost per day).

If you expect to use the breaker more days than the break-even figure, buy; if fewer, hire. Use real quotes for both sides: a hydraulic breaker hire quote from your local yard and a delivered purchase quote. Our hydraulic breaker price guide explains what an export quote should include, and the export quote checklist lists the items to confirm.

What to check on a hydraulic breaker hire unit

A hire breaker has worked for other crews before you. Before it goes on your excavator, check:

• Fit: the breaker’s oil flow and pressure range must sit inside your carrier’s auxiliary circuit. See how to match a hydraulic breaker to an excavator.
• Bushing wear: a loose chisel wastes energy and damages the front head; use our bushing wear guide.
• Leaks and hoses: no oil at the seals or fittings; hoses free of cracks and bulges.
• Nitrogen charge: a weak blow often means low pressure; see the nitrogen pressure guide.

The same points appear in our used hydraulic breaker inspection checklist, which works well for any hydraulic breaker hire unit too.

What comes with a purchased LICH breaker

LICH builds 18 models for 1–80 t carriers, each with published oil flow, pressure, weight and impact energy in the hydraulic breaker specifications chart. Body options are silent box-type, tower and triangular side-mounted, with a concentric body on seven models. A first order can include hoses, a spare chisel, bushings and a seal kit; our guide to spare parts for a first breaker order lists what to add.

Questions buyers ask

Is hydraulic breaker hire cheaper than buying?

For a short job, yes. For regular work, the answer depends on your days of use: work out your break-even days with the method above and compare.

Can I hire first and buy later?

Yes. Hydraulic breaker hire on one job shows the size and body your work needs; then quote the matching model to buy.

Does a hired breaker fit any excavator?

No. The breaker must match the carrier’s weight class, oil flow and pressure, and the bracket must fit the arm.

Planning to stop paying for hydraulic breaker hire? Send us your excavator model, breaker-circuit flow and pressure, and your yearly working days. We will recommend a LICH model and quote it with hoses and a starter spare-parts kit.

Hydraulic breaker impact energy is the work done by one blow of the piston on the chisel, measured in joules (J). It is the figure that tells you how hard a breaker hits, and with the impact rate it decides how fast the breaker gets through rock or concrete. This guide explains what hydraulic breaker impact energy means, how it scales across the 18 LICH hydraulic breaker models, whose listed figures run from 204 J to 29,700 J, and how to use it when choosing a size.

What impact energy measures

Inside a breaker, oil drives the piston up and nitrogen pressure helps drive it down. When the piston strikes the top of the chisel, its moving energy passes into the tool and then into the material. Hydraulic breaker impact energy is that energy per blow. Two things raise it: a heavier piston, and a faster piston at the moment of impact. That is why impact energy grows with breaker size, and why low nitrogen pressure or low oil flow cuts it. The how a hydraulic breaker works guide shows the cycle step by step.

Hydraulic breaker impact energy by LICH model

Impact energy, rate and weight from the LICH model specifications, read on 20 October 2026; energy per kg is our own calculation from those figures. All 18 models are in the hydraulic breaker specifications chart.

Three patterns in the numbers

• Energy rises faster than weight at the top. The LC-200 weighs about 81 times as much as the LC-40 but delivers about 146 times the hydraulic breaker impact energy. The largest models give 4.6 J per kilogram of breaker against 2.4–2.6 J/kg for the smallest, which is why they suit hard rock.
• Energy and rate trade off. Small breakers hit lightly but fast, up to 1,100 blows per minute; the LC-200 hits 29,700 J at 100–140 blows per minute. Light, fast blows suit thin concrete and trenching; heavy, slow blows split hard rock.
• Steps are not equal. Going from the LC-53 to the LC-75 multiplies impact energy by 4.5; going from the LC-150 to the LC-155 adds 17%. When the circuit allows, a one-size step at the small end changes far more than a step at the large end.

How much hydraulic breaker impact energy do you need?

The carrier sets the limit first: the breaker must match the excavator’s weight, oil flow and pressure. Inside that limit, pick by material:

• Asphalt, thin slabs, brick: lower energy with a high impact rate.
• Reinforced concrete and foundations: medium energy; the hydraulic concrete breaker guide covers sizing.
• Hard rock, granite and basalt: the highest hydraulic breaker impact energy the carrier can run. See the hydraulic breaker for quarry guide.

Keeping the rated energy on site

A breaker only delivers its listed hydraulic breaker impact energy when it is set up correctly:

• Oil flow and pressure inside the listed range. Low flow slows the piston and weakens each blow.
• Correct nitrogen charge. A low charge is one of the most common reasons a breaker feels weak; follow the nitrogen pressure guide.
• Bushings within wear limits. A loose tool absorbs part of each blow; see the bushing wear guide.
• Down pressure on the tool. The operator must hold the chisel firmly against the material; never fire the breaker without contact.

Questions buyers ask

Is more impact energy always better?

No. A breaker that is too large for the carrier runs slowly, overloads the arm and heats the oil. Pick the highest energy that fits the carrier’s circuit and weight.

Is impact energy the same as power?

No. Hydraulic breaker impact energy is per blow, in joules. Power also depends on how many blows per minute the breaker delivers.

Can I compare impact energy between brands?

Compare figures from the same catalogue and the same conditions where you can, and check them together with weight, oil flow and impact rate. Our matching guide walks through all four.

Send us your excavator model, breaker-circuit flow and pressure, and the material you break. We will recommend the LICH model with the right hydraulic breaker impact energy for your machine.

A 10 ton excavator sits in the midi class, between the mini machines and the 20 t crawlers. Three LICH hydraulic breaker sizes cover it: the LC-68 for 6 t carriers, the LC-75 for 7 t carriers and the LC-100 for 12 t carriers. Choosing a hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator work means reading your machine’s auxiliary circuit, checking how much weight the arm handles well, and matching the impact energy to the material. This guide compares the three models with their published figures.

The midi-class models

Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 20 October 2026. The LC-135 is listed for reference as the next size up.

Step 1: read the circuit

A 10 t machine can be built with a light or a heavy auxiliary circuit, so the excavator class alone does not decide the breaker. Find the flow and relief pressure at the breaker line in the machine manual or from the dealer, then read across the table:

• About 50–90 L/min at 120–150 bar: the LC-75. It is the lighter hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator carriers with a smaller circuit.
• About 80–110 L/min at 150–180 bar: the LC-100, with 3,102 J per blow, about 1.7 times the LC-75’s 1,835 J.
• Below 60 L/min: the LC-68 runs inside that window, but at 1,016 J it is a light tool for an 8–10 t machine.

Too little flow slows the breaker; flow or pressure above the listed range heats the oil and wears seals early. The full method, including back pressure and hose size, is in our guide on how to match a hydraulic breaker to an excavator.

Step 2: weigh the arm load

The LC-75 weighs 410 kg and the LC-100 weighs 841 kg. On a 10 t excavator the LC-75 leaves plenty of margin for long reach and side slopes. The LC-100 hits much harder, but it doubles the weight on the arm, so it suits machines at the heavy end of the class working close in on level ground. When in doubt between the two, choose the hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator use that keeps the machine stable at the reach you work most.

Step 3: match the work

• Trenching, footings and utility work: the LC-75. Up to 980 blows per minute keeps a narrow trench moving.
• Concrete slabs and light demolition: the LC-75 for slabs and walls; the LC-100 for thick reinforced concrete. See our hydraulic concrete breaker guide.
• Rock in excavation and road cuts: the LC-100. Hard rock needs energy per blow more than speed.
• Mixed contracting: the LC-75 is the safer all-round hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator fleets; step up to the LC-100 if rock is the main job.

Step 4: choose the body

All three models come in a silent box-type body, a tower (top-mounted) body and a triangular side-mounted body, plus a concentric body. The concentric body changes the weight: 280 kg on the LC-68, 510 kg on the LC-75 and 850 kg on the LC-100. Our box type vs open type guide compares them.

Chisels and spare parts

The model number is the chisel diameter: 68 mm, 75 mm and 100 mm. Order at least one spare chisel and a seal kit with any hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator work. Tool shapes are on the hydraulic breaker bits page and the wear parts on the hydraulic breaker parts page.

Questions buyers ask

What size hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator work?

A 75–100 mm class breaker weighing about 410–841 kg: the LC-75 or the LC-100, chosen by the excavator’s breaker-circuit flow and pressure.

What about a 13 ton excavator?

The LC-100 is listed for the 12 t class. For a 13 t machine, check its circuit against the LC-100’s 80–110 L/min at 150–180 bar; the LC-135 starts at the 20 t class.

And for smaller machines?

For 1–6 t carriers, see hydraulic breakers for mini excavators; for 20–25 t, see the 20 ton hydraulic rock breaker guide.

Send us your excavator model, breaker-circuit flow and pressure, and the main material. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 10 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with hoses, a spare chisel and a seal kit. Compare every size in the hydraulic breaker specifications chart.

Related reading: for smaller machines, see the hydraulic breaker for 5 ton excavator guide.

Related reading: for 3 t carriers, see why the LC-53 fits in the hydraulic breaker for 3 ton excavator guide.

A hydraulic breaker for quarry work has a harder life than almost any other attachment: long shifts, hard rock, oversize boulders and dust. In a quarry the breaker does two jobs. Primary breaking takes rock out of the face or the floor where blasting is limited or not allowed; secondary breaking reduces oversize boulders so they fit the crusher. This guide covers how to size a quarry breaker, which LICH hydraulic breaker models suit 36–80 t excavators, and how to keep one working.

The large LICH models

From the LICH model specifications, read on 14 October 2026.

Primary or secondary breaking?

Primary breaking means working the rock in place: opening a face, lowering a quarry floor or removing rock where blasting is restricted near houses, roads or other structures. It calls for the most energy per blow the carrier can run, so a hydraulic breaker for quarry primary work is usually the largest model the excavator’s circuit supports: the LC-195 or LC-200 on a 45–55 t machine, the LC-230 on a 60–80 t machine.

Secondary breaking means reducing oversize boulders after the blast, at the face or at the crusher. The blocks are already loose, so a slightly smaller, faster breaker cycles through them quickly. The LC-175 on a 36–40 t excavator, or the 25–36 t models in our hydraulic breaker for 30 ton excavator guide, cover most secondary work.

Sizing a hydraulic breaker for quarry work

• Match the circuit first. The LC-195 and LC-200 need 250–340 L/min at 260–300 bar. Check the excavator’s breaker-circuit output before choosing; a large breaker on a small circuit runs slowly and heats the oil.
• Respect the boom. At 5,400 kg and 6,388 kg, the large models suit 42–55 t carriers working close in on stable ground.
• Use energy for hard rock. Moving from the LC-175 to the LC-200 almost doubles impact energy (15,500 J to 29,700 J) for granite, basalt and other hard stone.
• Pick the body for the site. A tower (top-mounted) body suits long shifts at a face; a triangular side-mounted body is quick to service; a silent box body helps when the quarry has neighbours. The LC-200 also comes as a concentric body at 5,900 kg.

Tools for quarry rock

A blunt tool spreads the blow over a larger area and suits boulders and oversize blocks in secondary breaking; a moil or pyramid point suits general rock; a wedge chisel splits layered rock and cuts trenches. Shapes, steel grades and wear patterns are covered on the hydraulic breaker bits page. With a hydraulic breaker for quarry duty, keep at least two spare tools on site, since tool changes are the most common stoppage.

Keeping a hydraulic breaker for quarry duty working

• Grease on the schedule in the model manual, with the tool pressed into the bushing, or fit an automatic grease system. See the hydraulic breaker grease guide.
• Never blank fire. Stop striking when the rock breaks and reposition, so the piston does not hit an unsupported tool.
• Do not pry with the tool. Levering boulders with the chisel bends it and wears the bushings unevenly.
• Measure bushing wear at every tool change and replace bushings before the gap grows. The hydraulic breaker parts page lists the guides for each wear part.
• Check nitrogen pressure on a schedule, because a low charge cuts impact energy. Follow the nitrogen pressure guide.

Output per hour

Quarry output depends on rock hardness, block size, operator skill and how the crusher is fed, so it is measured on site rather than taken from a catalogue. Our production rates article explains how to record cycle times and tonnage so you can compare two breakers on the same face.

Send us your excavator model and breaker-circuit output, the rock type and whether you need primary or secondary breaking. We will recommend the hydraulic breaker for your quarry and quote it with spare tools, bushings and a seal kit.

Related reading: hydraulic breaker impact energy, and why the largest models suit hard rock.

Related reading: the 40 ton excavator breaker guide compares the LC-165, LC-175 and LC-195 by flow, pressure and energy.