The New Giant: Atlas Copco HB 10000 - A New Dimension Of Productivity

The title of "the world's biggest volume-produced hydraulic breaker", held for over a decade by the HB 7000, will change hands with the launch of Atlas Copco's HB 10000 at Bauma 2007.

A service weight of ten metric tons and up to 50% higher productivity represent major steps toward a new market segment: the use of hydraulic breakers as cost-efficient production machines for primary breaking and as a true alternative to drilling and blasting.

At first glance, the market for hydraulic breakers of this size appears small, as the population of 85 ton-plus carriers is low. But Torsten Treger, Product Line Manager Hydraulic Attachments, is optimistic: "As early as the prototype phase, it was clear the HB 10000 was going to be a hit. We received several concrete inquiries from operations where our prototypes had been tested even before the production model went on sale."

Michael Howley, of Howley Civil Engineering in Dublin, Ireland, is particularly satisfied: "The HB 10000 produced excellent results in my white granite. In test use it delivered a 50% higher performance than the HB 7000, which is impressive enough itself."

A key factor in the high productivity of the HB 10000 is the Atlas Copco ProCare proactive service and availability concept, which guarantees dependable production. Claus Schiedek, Marketing Manager Aftermarket: "Atlas Copco ProCare will be the key to success for customers using the HB 10000, as it guarantees continuous and economic operation and reduces risks to a minimum. Our customers can simply get on with their work and earn money, Atlas Copco will take care of the rest."

The HB 10000 has all the technical features developed by Atlas Copco for its hydraulic breakers:

• StartSelect: the breaker's start-up and shut-down behavior can be adapted to the conditions
• AutoControl: ensures an optimized balance of impact energy and impact frequency to maximize percussive performance. AutoControl reduces blank firing force and controls energy recovery
• PowerAdapt: if oil pressure is too high, the breaker shuts down automatically. This prevents downtimes and is particularly useful when breakers are used on different carriers
• DustProtector II: a combination of multiple strippers prevents abrasive rock dust and foreign bodies from penetrating the lower breaker section
• ContiLube^® II: the automatic lubrication unit guarantees optimal lubrication of the breaker at all times.

*The HB 7000 will remain part of the Atlas Copco product range!

Photo: Atlas Copco - The power generated in a single impact between piston and working tool corresponds to a weight force of around 760 metric tons and would easily be enough to lift a full Airbus A 380 (approx. 560 tons).

April 2007