Concentrating force onto one point
A ripper channels the machine's entire breakout force through a single shank tip. Concentrating force that way fractures material a bucket would simply ride over — compacted clay, frost-affected ground, cemented gravels, weathered rock and tree root systems.
Ripper or breaker?
In material that fractures along planes — shale, weathered or bedded rock, cemented gravels — a ripper is usually cheaper, quieter, faster and much less hard on the carrier than a hydraulic breaker. In genuinely competent unfractured rock it is ineffective and you need a breaker. Getting this wrong in either direction is expensive.
Selection points
- Shank length to the depth you need to break, remembering that penetration falls as material hardens.
- Single versus multi-shank. Single concentrates force for hard material; multi-shank covers ground faster in easier material.
- Tip type. Replaceable tips are standard and should be treated as a consumable.
- Carrier rating. Rippers transmit high shock loads back into the arm and pins. Under-rating the carrier shows up as pin and bush wear rather than as an obvious failure.
