Hydraulic Breaker for 15 Ton Excavator: LC-100 or LC-135?
Which hydraulic breaker for a 15 ton excavator? Compare the LC-100 and LC-135 on 13–18 t machines by weight share, energy per tonne and oil flow.
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A 15 ton excavator sits between two LICH classes: the LC-100 listed for 12 t carriers and the LC-135 listed for 20–25 t carriers. For most 13–16 t machines the hydraulic breaker for 15 ton excavator work is the LC-100. From about 17 t, the auxiliary circuit and the job can move you up to the LC-135. This guide shows the two models side by side, calculates what each one does on a 13–18 t machine and gives a simple rule based on oil flow.
The two sizes around a 15 t machine
| Model | Excavator class | Breaker weight | Chisel diameter | Oil flow | Working pressure | Impact rate | Impact energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-100 | 12 t | 841 kg | 100 mm | 80–110 L/min | 150–180 bar | 350–700 bpm | 3,102 J |
| LC-135 | 20–25 t | 1,671 kg | 135 mm | 100–150 L/min | 160–180 bar | 350–500 bpm | 6,190 J |
Figures from the LICH model specifications, read on 6 November 2026. All 18 models are in the specification chart.
Our calculation: weight and energy on a 13–18 t machine
We divided each breaker’s weight by the excavator’s weight, and its impact energy by the excavator’s weight in tonnes:
| Excavator | LC-100 weight share | LC-100 energy per tonne | LC-135 weight share | LC-135 energy per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 t | 6.5% | 239 J/t | 12.9% | 476 J/t |
| 15 t | 5.6% | 207 J/t | 11.1% | 413 J/t |
| 16 t | 5.3% | 194 J/t | 10.4% | 387 J/t |
| 18 t | 4.7% | 172 J/t | 9.3% | 344 J/t |
For reference, here is each model on the class it is listed for. The LC-100 on a 12 t machine is 7.0% of the machine and 259 J/t. The LC-135 on a 20–25 t machine is 6.7%–8.4% and 248–310 J/t.
- LC-100 on 13–16 t: the share stays below its listed 7.0%, so the arm carries it easily at reach. Energy per tonne falls as the machine grows, to 194 J/t at 16 t.
- LC-135 on 15 t: 11.1% of the machine, well above its listed range, with more than twice the LC-100’s weight at the end of the arm.
- LC-135 on 18 t: 9.3%, close to the 8.4% it reaches on a 20 t machine. Here the extra weight can pay off, because it delivers 344 J/t against 172 J/t for the LC-100.
Those shares are a guide for comparing sizes. Your excavator maker’s limits for the arm and the attachment decide what the machine can carry.
What the circuit decides
The oil flow windows of the two models overlap by only 10 L/min, so the circuit often settles the hydraulic breaker for 15 ton excavator use on its own:
- 80–100 L/min at 150–180 bar: the LC-100. The LC-135 needs at least 100 L/min.
- 100–110 L/min at 160–180 bar: inside both windows. Let the weight shares above and the job decide.
- 110–150 L/min at 160–180 bar: the LC-135, if the machine can carry it. The LC-100 tops out at 110 L/min, so a larger flow has to be limited to protect it.
Read the flow and relief pressure at the breaker line from the machine manual or a test. Our flow rate and pressure chart lists every model, and the matching guide covers the rest of the fitment.
Match the job
The LC-135 delivers twice the energy per blow of the LC-100: 6,190 J against 3,102 J. The listed uses differ too.
- LC-100: concrete demolition, secondary rock breaking, foundation work, trenching and road construction.
- LC-135: rock breaking, foundation excavation, demolition, quarrying and road construction.
For concrete, trenches and secondary breaking on a 15 t machine, the LC-100 is the natural fit. For regular work in hard rock on a 17–18 t machine with a strong circuit, compare the LC-135. See the best hydraulic rock breaker by job and the concrete breaker guide.
Body and mounting
Both models come in silent box-type, tower and triangular bodies. The LC-100 also comes as a concentric model at 850 kg. Record the pin diameter, pin centres and bracket or quick-coupler type, and order the bracket with the breaker so your hydraulic breaker for 15 ton excavator use arrives ready to mount.
Questions about 15 ton excavator breakers
What size hydraulic breaker for 15 ton excavator work?
The LC-100 for most machines: 841 kg, 100 mm chisel and 3,102 J, running on 80–110 L/min at 150–180 bar.
What about a 13 ton excavator?
The LC-100 as well. It sits at 6.5% of a 13 t machine, close to the 7.0% on its listed 12 t class. The 10 ton excavator guide covers the size below.
Can a 15 ton excavator run a 20 ton breaker?
The LC-135 would be 11.1% of the machine, against 6.7%–8.4% on its listed class, so check the arm limits and the circuit first. For a machine at 20 t and above, read the 20 ton rock breaker guide.
Which spares should I order with it?
A spare chisel in the matching diameter (100 mm or 135 mm) and a seal kit. See spare parts for a first order.
Send us your excavator model, circuit flow and pressure, and the main material. We will confirm the hydraulic breaker for 15 ton excavator use on your machine and quote it with the bracket, hoses and spare parts.
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