SOOSAN Hydraulic Breaker Daily Maintenance Guide

Proper daily maintenance is the single most important factor in extending the service life of your SOOSAN hydraulic breaker. Whether you operate a compact SB10 on a mini excavator or a heavy-duty SB151 on a 35-ton machine, a consistent maintenance routine prevents costly breakdowns and keeps your equipment performing at peak efficiency.

This guide covers the essential daily maintenance procedures for all SOOSAN SB Series and SQ Series hydraulic breakers.

A hydraulic breaker operates under extreme conditions — high-frequency impact, intense pressure, heat, and constant vibration. Without regular maintenance, wear accelerates rapidly:

• Chisel and bushing wear increases without proper lubrication
• Hydraulic oil contamination damages internal seals and pistons
• Loose bolts cause structural damage and safety hazards
• Nitrogen gas pressure loss reduces impact energy and efficiency

A 10-minute daily inspection can prevent repairs that cost 10–100 times more.

Check the chisel for the following before every shift:

• Wear on the tip: Replace when the chisel tip is worn down by more than 10% of its original diameter
• Cracks or deformation: Any visible cracks require immediate chisel replacement
• Chisel pin and retaining pins: Ensure both pins are fully seated and secured with retaining clips
• Chisel bushing clearance: Excessive play between chisel and bushing indicates bushing wear

SOOSAN recommendation: Always use genuine SOOSAN chisel tools. Third-party chisels with incorrect hardness or dimensions accelerate bushing wear and can damage the front head.

Proper greasing is critical for chisel and bushing longevity.

• Apply 2–3 pumps of grease to the grease nipple before starting work
• Use EP2 lithium-based grease or SOOSAN-recommended grease
• During operation, apply grease every 2 hours of continuous use
• In dusty or abrasive conditions, increase greasing frequency to every 1 hour

Signs of insufficient lubrication:

• Squeaking or grinding noise during operation
• Accelerated chisel bushing wear
• Overheating of the front head area

Walk around the breaker and check:

• Hose condition: Look for cuts, abrasions, bulges, or kinks
• Fittings and connections: Tighten any loose connections; replace damaged O-rings
• Oil leaks: Any hydraulic oil seeping from connections or the breaker body requires immediate attention
• Hose routing: Ensure hoses are not pinched, twisted, or rubbing against sharp edges

• Inspect all mounting bolts connecting the breaker to the excavator arm bracket
• Torque to SOOSAN specification (refer to your model's manual)
• Check the bracket for cracks or deformation
• Verify that the side bolts and through-bolts are fully tightened

Loose mounting bolts are a leading cause of bracket failure and excavator arm damage.

• Normal operating temperature: 40–60°C (104–140°F)
• Maximum allowable: 80°C (176°F)
• If oil temperature exceeds 80°C, stop operation and allow the system to cool

High oil temperature causes seal degradation and accelerates internal wear across the entire hydraulic system.

Correct operating technique significantly affects breaker longevity:

• Do not operate at full stroke in air — always keep the chisel pressed against the material
• Do not use the breaker as a lever — never pry or sweep with the chisel
• Limit continuous operation to 1 minute per location — move to a new spot if material does not break
• Do not operate with the arm fully extended or retracted — maintain 90–110° angle between boom and arm

Stop operation immediately if you hear:

• Metallic knocking or rattling (loose components)
• Hissing sounds (gas or hydraulic leak)
• Irregular impact rhythm (nitrogen pressure issue)
• Grinding sounds (chisel bushing wear)

• Remove mud, rock dust, and debris from the breaker body, especially around the front head and chisel area
• Clean grease nipples before applying post-shift lubrication
• Inspect for any new damage, cracks, or oil leaks that occurred during the shift

Apply 2–3 pumps of grease after work to protect the chisel and bushing during storage. This prevents corrosion and ensures the chisel does not seize in the front head.

• Lower the breaker to the ground with the chisel pointing downward
• Do not leave the breaker suspended in the air
• In cold climates, retract the chisel slightly to prevent freezing

Keep a simple maintenance log noting:

• Hours of operation
• Grease applied
• Any abnormal sounds or performance issues
• Parts replaced or inspections performed

In addition to daily checks, perform these tasks weekly:

1. Using the wrong grease Only use EP2 lithium-based grease or SOOSAN-approved grease. Incorrect grease types can damage seals and reduce lubrication effectiveness.

2. Over-greasing Applying too much grease can cause the chisel to stick in the front head. 2–3 pumps per application is sufficient.

3. Ignoring small oil leaks A small hydraulic oil leak will become a large one. Address leaks immediately to prevent seal failure and contamination.

4. Skipping the pre-operation check Even experienced operators skip pre-checks when under time pressure. This is when most preventable failures occur.

5. Using worn chisels Operating with an excessively worn chisel transfers abnormal forces to the front head and piston, causing accelerated internal wear.

Using genuine SOOSAN spare parts ensures correct fit, material specification, and service life. Our global distribution network stocks chisels, bushings, seals, and service kits for all SB and SQ series models.

Contact our technical team at [email protected] for spare parts inquiries, maintenance support, or to request a service manual for your specific model.