Furukawa Hydraulic Breakers
Furukawa Rock Drill Co., Ltd.
Japanese precision engineering with 150-year rock drill heritage
Overview
Furukawa Rock Drill (FRD) is one of the oldest and most technically respected hydraulic breaker manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1875, the company has over a century of experience in rock drilling and breaking technology. Furukawa breakers are known for precision engineering, long service life, and advanced technology features, and are widely used in demanding quarry, mining, and demolition applications.
History
Furukawa's origins date to 1875 when the Furukawa Mining Company was established in Japan. The company developed expertise in rock drilling technology through its mining operations and began manufacturing rock drills commercially in the early 20th century.
Furukawa entered the hydraulic breaker market in the 1970s as hydraulic excavators began replacing pneumatic equipment on construction sites. The company's deep knowledge of rock mechanics and drilling technology gave it a strong foundation for hydraulic breaker development.
The FRD (Furukawa Rock Drill) brand became established as a premium product in Asian and global markets through the 1980s and 1990s. Furukawa developed several proprietary technologies during this period, including the SV (Silent Valve) system and advanced accumulator designs.
Today, Furukawa Rock Drill operates as a subsidiary of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. and manufactures hydraulic breakers at facilities in Japan. The company's products are distributed globally through authorized dealers.
Key Technologies
SV (Silent Valve) Technology
Furukawa's SV (Silent Valve) system is a proprietary control valve design that reduces operating noise by 3–5 dB compared to conventional valve designs. The system achieves this through optimized oil flow paths that reduce hydraulic shock and pressure spikes. Lower noise is particularly valuable in urban demolition and noise-sensitive environments.
Auto-Blow System
Furukawa's Auto-Blow system automatically adjusts the impact frequency based on material hardness. A sensor monitors the piston's return speed — in hard material, the piston returns slowly, triggering a longer stroke for maximum energy. In soft material, the piston returns quickly, triggering a shorter, faster stroke. This automatic optimization maintains productivity across varying material conditions without operator adjustment.
Nitrogen Accumulator Design
Furukawa uses a large-volume nitrogen accumulator with a long-life diaphragm design. The accumulator stores more energy per cycle than smaller-volume designs, contributing to higher impact energy at equivalent hydraulic flow. The diaphragm material and design are specified for extended service life, reducing maintenance frequency.
Product Range
| Model | Class | Excavator | Impact Energy | Oil Flow | Working Pressure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F3 | Mini | 1–3 ton | 100–200 J | 15–28 L/min | 90–130 bar | Compact mini class |
| F6 | Mini | 2–5 ton | 200–350 J | 28–48 L/min | 105–145 bar | Mini/light class |
| F9 | Light | 4–8 ton | 350–550 J | 45–70 L/min | 120–160 bar | Light construction |
| F15 | Medium | 8–16 ton | 600–900 J | 70–105 L/min | 140–175 bar | Medium class standard |
| F22 | Medium | 14–22 ton | 900–1400 J | 100–140 L/min | 150–185 bar | High-production medium |
| F35 | Heavy | 22–40 ton | 1800–2800 J | 150–210 L/min | 160–200 bar | Heavy quarry model |
| F45 | Extra Heavy | 35–55 ton | 3000–4500 J | 220–300 L/min | 180–220 bar | Extra-heavy mining class |
* Specifications are approximate and vary by model year and configuration. Consult the manufacturer for exact data.
Recommended Models
SB-series breakers compatible with Furukawa specifications — click any model for full technical details.
Excavator
1–4 ton
Impact Energy
150–250 J
Weight
85–110 kg
Oil Flow
20–35 L/min
Excavator
2–6 ton
Impact Energy
250–400 J
Weight
130–170 kg
Oil Flow
30–50 L/min
Excavator
4–8 ton
Impact Energy
400–600 J
Weight
200–260 kg
Oil Flow
45–70 L/min
Excavator
8–14 ton
Impact Energy
700–1000 J
Weight
380–460 kg
Oil Flow
70–100 L/min
Excavator
20–35 ton
Impact Energy
2000–3000 J
Weight
1100–1400 kg
Oil Flow
150–200 L/min
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Exceptional build quality and precision manufacturing from Japanese facilities
- Advanced Auto-Blow technology optimizes performance automatically
- SV (Silent Valve) system reduces operating noise — valuable in urban environments
- Long service life — Furukawa breakers are known for durability in demanding applications
- Strong technical support and documentation
- Proven track record in quarry and mining applications
Limitations
- Premium pricing — typically 50–100% above Korean brands at equivalent specifications
- Parts can be expensive and may have longer lead times in some markets
- Heavier than some competitors at equivalent energy class
- Distribution network less extensive than Epiroc or Atlas Copco in some regions
Market Position
Furukawa occupies the premium segment of the hydraulic breaker market alongside Epiroc and Rammer. The brand is particularly strong in Japan and Asia-Pacific, where its reputation for quality and the Auto-Blow technology are highly valued.
In global markets, Furukawa competes directly with Epiroc and Rammer for high-production quarry and mining applications. The SV noise reduction technology gives Furukawa a specific advantage in urban demolition markets where noise regulations are strict.
Typical Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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