The BM Cruncher is a hydraulically operated pile breaker designed to break piles up to 350mm square. The Cruncher will cut the pile cleanly cutting through the reinforcing bars, or where required, may be used to strip the concrete only, leaving the reinforcing bars intact.
The cruncher is connected to an excavator or power pack and placed over the pile to be broken. It operates by means of two transverse floating rams which exert force on two breaking shells. The shells are designed to cut the pile and retain the debris within the body of the Cruncher. The debris can then be disposed of in a suitable container, dumper, etc.
The cruncher should be transported in the upright position with the rams retracted so as to provide a flat base to rest on. The cruncher should be secured to a suitable pallet and moved with a forklift. Alternatively the cruncher may be lifted by lifting chains from the lifting eyes on the top plate. The hydraulic connections must be capped during transportation to prevent oil from leaking and to ensure no debris enters the hydraulic cylinders.
To maintain the cruncher in good working condition during storage
The cruncher should be suspended by 4-leg lifting chains from a suitable carrier such as an excavator. For ease of operation a swivel connection will be advantageous. The carrier must be suitable for lifting the Cruncher (weight 700kg) and the cut pile (a 2.0m length 300mm square pile will weigh approx 500kg). The Cruncher must be connected to a suitable two way hydraulic supply. The supply pressure should be set between 180 and 250 bar. For satisfactory operation a flow rate of 9litres/minute will suffice. Operating pressures above 250bar may create excessive forces and damage the cruncher.
Check all hoses and connections for leaks. Leaking hydraulic oil is an unnecessary environmental risk. Check the cutting blade is secure and retaining bolts are tight.
An experienced excavator driver should be able to operate the cruncher without any assistance. As with normal excavator operation ensure no one is in the vicinity of the cruncher while moving or operating. Never allow anyone to stand under the cruncher. Ensure persons in the vicinity are wearing protective glasses to guard against concrete splinters or wind blown dust.
Guide the cruncher over the pile and lower the unit till the cutting blades reach the desired cut off point. For stability do not cut more than 2.5m in one go. Close the cutting blades till the concrete and reinforcing bar are cut. Lift the cut pile clear and open the cruncher blades to drop the cut pile in the designated area or container, taking care not to allow the cut pile to topple in a manner that will cause a risk.
In many operations it is typical to remove the top 500mm section of concrete and leave the rebar intact. To do this, place the cruncher over the pile with the blades 250mm from the top. Close the blades far enough to crush the concrete without cutting the rebar. Lower the cruncher another 250mm, close the blades to crush the concrete only and lift the debris from the pile. In some circumstances it may be necessary to crush the concrete at closer intervals or from right angles to the first break. The cruncher cutting blades can be replaced with breaking blades to facilitate this procedure.
The following checks should be carried out daily or after a period of prolonged use.
Hydraulic Oil – risk of injury from continuous exposure, risk of fire, risk of environmental pollution.