Hydraulic Breaker for 5 Ton Excavator: LC-53 or LC-68?
Which hydraulic breaker for a 5 ton excavator? Compare the LC-53 and LC-68 by oil flow, weight, impact energy and blows per minute, and match one to your circuit.
All buyer guides
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
| Model | Excavator class | Breaker weight | Chisel diameter | Oil flow | Working pressure | Impact rate | Impact energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-45 | 1.5–2 t | 105 kg | 45 mm | 20–40 L/min | 90–120 bar | 600–1,100 bpm | 280 J |
| LC-53 | 3–5 t | 166 kg | 53 mm | 20–50 L/min | 90–130 bar | 600–1,100 bpm | 406 J |
| LC-68 | 6 t | 289 kg | 68 mm | 40–60 L/min | 90–130 bar | 500–990 bpm | 1,016 J |
| LC-75 | 7 t | 410 kg | 75 mm | 50–90 L/min | 120–150 bar | 450–980 bpm | 1,835 J |
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Keep Comparing
Compare more breaker models and buyer guides related to this topic.
