A 25 kg pneumatic breaker, or jackhammer, often uses between 1,400 and 1,800 L/min, as a guide. With a 25% margin on a figure of 1,600 L/min, you need 2,000 L/min, or 2 m³/min. The M 220 mobile screw compressor runs a breaker of this class. For a breaker and a chipping hammer together, move to the S 220 PM as a fixed installation.
How much air does a 25 kg breaker use?
A breaker's air use rises with its weight and blow energy. Our page on the compressor for construction and precast concrete gives a range of 1,000 to 1,800 L/min depending on weight. A 25 kg breaker sits at the top of that range. Manufacturers give the exact value at about 6 bar, sometimes in L/s or cfm. Our flow and pressure converter switches between units: 25 L/s is 1,500 L/min.
A breaker does not work in bursts like an impact wrench. When the operator is breaking, it hammers without pause. So it counts at 100% of its flow.
The calculation, step by step
- Breaker air use: 1,600 L/min, taken from the data sheet.
- 25% margin for tool wear and hose losses: 1,600 × 1.25 = 2,000 L/min.
- Pressure: the tool needs about 6 bar. The compressor must work above that to make up for the hose loss.
- Choice: at least 2 m³/min.
If your breaker uses 1,800 L/min, the same calculation gives 2,250 L/min. In that case the M 220 is no longer enough: see the fixed option below.
Which compressor for which site?
One breaker on a site with mains power
The M 220 delivers 2.0 m³/min at 12.5 bar, on twin receivers of 180 L in total. It moves on wheels and plugs into the site distribution board on 380 V three-phase. It covers a 25 kg breaker using up to 1,600 L/min.
A breaker and a chipping hammer in a precast plant
In a plant where units are reworked, a breaker (1,600 L/min) and a chipping hammer (≈ 400 L/min) may run together: 2,000 L/min, then 2,500 L/min with the margin. The S 220 PM delivers 3.6 m³/min at 8 bar and feeds the workshop network.
Only chipping hammers and small tools
The M 75 delivers 1.0 m³/min at 10 bar. It is enough for a chipping hammer and a blow gun, but not for a 25 kg breaker.
A job of a few weeks
We also rent screw compressors from 5.5 to 132 kW, with servicing included and no long-term commitment. Give us your breaker's model and we will check the flow.
Traps specific to breakers
The hose. It is the first cause of a breaker that hits softly. A hose that is too long or too narrow loses pressure and the breaker strikes with less force. Use the hose size the breaker manufacturer recommends and avoid chaining extensions.
Lubrication. A breaker needs oil. Fit a line lubricator close to the tool, or follow the method in the manual. Without it, internal parts wear quickly.
Water and frost. Air expands in the breaker and cools. With damp air, the exhaust can ice up in winter and the breaker slows. Drain the receiver every day and fit a filter at the compressor outlet.
The power supply. A 22 kW compressor needs a site distribution board that can carry it. Have an electrician check the supply line: our article on the three-phase screw compressor lists the points to check.
For a purchase or rental quote, send your breaker's data sheet with a quote request.
For your trade: Compressor for construction and precast concrete.