A Swedish construction equipment manufacturer has unveiled a new type of breaker that provides more power for asphalt cutting, breaking and post driving while delivering less vibrations to operators’ arms and hands.
The gas-powered 2015 Cobra PROe and TTe breakers — introduced this month by Atlas Copco, of Stockholm, Sweden — feature a unique percussion mechanism that delivers higher engine power with minimal loss to the tool tip. The new breakers have a modified shank size that allows the tools to be shorter and lighter, which minimizes vibrations by up to 10% compared to earlier models.
More Power, Less Vibration
Oleg Korobotchkine, Atlas Copco’s product line manager, said this was an important feature because it can allow workers to use the tools longer.
“Using a handheld breaker for long periods can be exhausting for the operator,” Korobotchkine said in a news release. “But thanks to the improved Atlas Copco hand-arm protection system (HAPS), operators can work longer and stay well within the limits of health and safety standards. And as now it can run on the alkylate petrol, operator’s exposure to harmful exhausts is significantly lower as well as the environmental footprint.”
The Cobra PROe provides 60 joules of impact energy. When it is fitted with a tool tip, it can easily break up silica rich rocks and reinforced concrete. The Cobra TTe gives 40 joules of impact energy, which makes it ideal for tie tamping. It also delivers enough energy to push ballast back under railroad ties, yet the blast is low enough to prevent the ballast from becoming pulverized.
Either model is ideal for work sites that feature limited conditions, or in emergency situations.
“By offering more power and a greater variety of sizes, the 2015 Cobra system aims to make it even easier both for civil and rescue workers to conduct construction tasks or save lives in every situation,” the news release stated.
Second New Product Launch in Four Months
The Cobra is the second innovative vibratory construction tool introduced by Atlas Copco in the past four months.
In October, the company unveiled a new line of compaction rammers that featured a slimmer design so that can be used in tight spaces, such as close to walls, posts or in narrow trenches.
The rammers — which come in 50kg and 60kg weight classes and are powered by Honda engines — also include new vibration-deadening features that help reduce stress and injuries to users, according to John Fitzpatrick, Atlas Copco’s business line manager.
Easing the Blow to Arms and Hands
“The new design and lower weight improves handling whilst keeping compaction efficiency high,” Fitzpatrick said in a company news release. “The new vibration absorbing handle keeps hand/arm vibration low.”
The newly designed rammers have a steering bow that is equipped with rollers and a single lifting point for easy and safe handling. Plus, they have an integral lock that is activated during lifting and transport to prevent unnecessary wear to the shock absorbers.