A range of lightweight, handheld pneumatic breakers have been designed to operate for longer while using less air, offering a balance between high performance, efficiency and comfort.

Atlas Copco asserts that its RTEX medium breaker sets a benchmark in pneumatic technological innovation, thanks to a number of cutting-edge design features. The company highlights  its  patented Constant Pressure Control principle, encompassing a Constant Pressure Chamber, designed to improve energy transfer and provide up to 40% more energy output than conventional units. In addition, a longer piston design (compared to conventional breakers) increases the interaction time with each blow, resulting in a more efficient stroke mechanism and greatly reduced energy consumption.

The RTEX pneumatic breaker weighs only 25 kg and is said to be able to perform the same job equally well as bigger machines that are 5 kg to 10 kg heavier. The breaker can also operate for longer while using only half as much compressed air. “A 50% reduction in compressed air consumption for the same breaking capacity means that a compressor only half the size is needed or alternatively, two breakers can be used on one compressor,” notes Atlas Copco Power Technique Business Line manager, portable products David Stanford. “What customers must also keep in mind is that a smaller compressor requires a smaller investment, uses less fuel, has lower emissions and is easier to transport, subsequently delivering an excellent return on investment.”  

The company states that productivity, low operational costs and operator comfort and safety are central to the design of its RTEX and TEX breakers. It adds that the low centre of gravity and perfect balance, as a result of the Solid or Single Body design, make the one-piece machines easy to handle. Fewer parts and fewer moving components reduce wear, improve reliability, extend lifecycle and reduce maintenance. Tool wear is further minimised by an integrated lubricator which holds enough lubricant for a complete standard work shift.

The hand-held breaker’s two-step SOFTSTART trigger is designed to put operators in full control by ensuring that the first cut is surgically precise with no chisel slippage or misfiring, even under extremely tough conditions.

To counter high vibration and noise levels which can result in operator fatigue, reduced safety and productivity, the pneumatic breakers are Hand and Arm Protection Systems, or HAPS enabled. The Constant Pressure Chamber and efficient stroke mechanism keep vibration levels below 5 m/s² to further enhance operator comfort, allowing for  working hours to be extended up to six-fold. The tool’s piston switches on air-cushions on both ends of the cylinder, aimed at eliminating metal-to-metal contact when working off-load, further shrinking vibration and wear. The pneumatic breakers are also fitted with a wear-resistant polyurethane silencer that is said to diminish noise levels by up to 75% compared to a machine without a silencer.

The light pneumatic breakers are particularly suited to service jobs and general demolition tasks. The TEX range is also available in medium and heavy pneumatic models, suitable for breaking medium hard materials and for heavy-duty demolition work on asphalt and reinforced concrete.

Atlas Copco offers after-sales service for its products, as well as a range of Air Line accessories including air hoses, hose nipples, couplings, water separators and Air Oil lubricants.