[Larry Schwisow]

Does anyone have experience with using an electric breaker? I find that I'm frequently dealing with hard Virginia clay in areas where I'm not able to get at with a machine. The pic and digging bar are getting a little old.
I was hoping to find an electric breaker (jack-hammer) that weighs less than 50 pounds that will help me in some of those tough spots. Any thoughts about brands, cost and where to buy would be appreciated. Larry

[Bill Schwab]

Larry:

We keep one in every truck. 42 lbs, one point tip and one spade tip. Made by Hitachi. Make sure you keep oil in the resevoir, and all that oil is, is 30 wt non detergent. Don't get sucked into buying thiers for $7.00 a quart.

Cost of hammer and spade bit, with case and 100' 10 guage extension cord, $787.35.

Savings of labor, this will pay for itself in a month. If you are jacking out 3.5" concrete, like walks and such, they are pretty productive. If you have a large area like a drive, get an air compressor.

I looked at a Bosch when we bought into Hitachi. Bosch has to be stored in an upright position other wise the oil won't hit the secondary hammer ( the part which makes it thump) for several minutes.

A must have to hard soils and demo contractors.

[Larry Schwisow]

Thanks, Bill.....that sounds like what I'm looking for. Where would you be able to find one of these???

[PSUscaper]

http://www.jackhammers.com/electric_...w_all_home.htm

I've never called for pricing here, but figured it may be worth a shot.

unless there is a considerable savings, I always try to buy locally rather than on the net as it is easier to get servicing and have problems taking care of. If you don't have a contractor tool supply, try going to a rental center and ask for pricing....they usually sell most the toos they rent.

[Nebraska]

I borrowed something this late this summer to do the rough in for my basement finish from my brother who owns a Mudjacking Co...
It was Bosch.....weight at the most 20-25 lbs... electric.....had a about a 4-5 inch spade bit... for tight places and breaking concrete (4-6 inches thick) and clay soil it worked awesome! He called it a mini jack....??? Without the bit attatched it was at the most 24". If your interested let me know I can find out exactly what it was.... In the end it was a tremendous time saver on the nasty clay we have as well as breaking out almost perfectly straight lines in concrete.

[guido]

Look at Hilti brand hammers to while your shopping around.

Thats what we use AF wide and they hold up to our abuse way to well!

[Nebraska]

It was the SDS max Demolition Hammer by Bosch with the 4 1/2" Clay Spade Bit.

[BJR]

I have had a Hitachi like Bill's for nearly 15 years now. Never had it serviced and it goes like a dream. Although it doesn't have any oil like Bill's.