How does the vibro ripper actually break rock without impact?

Question

VANROCK Group · Accepted Answer

It breaks rock by vibration, not repeated impact. A hydraulic motor spins centred double eccentric weights at up to 3,492 bpm and drives a tooth, chisel or compactor tool into the material.

The vibration is concentrated into the working tool, so the ripper can follow bedding planes and peel layers off in suitable rock. For harder conditions, the chisel tool concentrates the vibration on a point. The centred double eccentric weight layout is used to improve bearing durability by sharing load equally across both main bearings.

Shock transfer to the carrier is reduced by the cartilage-link suspension. Damper cushions on the links absorb repulsion energy and vibration instead of transmitting it directly through link bearings into the excavator and operator.