Overview
The 11–20 ton excavator class represents the backbone of medium-to-heavy construction worldwide. These machines are capable of significant productivity in rock breaking, demolition, and earthmoving, and are commonly found on road construction, quarry, and major civil engineering projects.
For this class, the SB43 (380–460 kg, 700–1000 J) is recommended for the lower end (11–15 ton), while the SB50 (550–700 kg, 1000–1500 J) is better suited for the upper end (15–20 ton). The SB50 delivers substantially more impact energy and is the preferred choice for hard rock and high-production applications.
The hydraulic requirements of this class — 70–130 L/min at 140–180 bar — are well within the capability of most 11–20 ton excavators from major manufacturers. However, it is important to verify the specific auxiliary circuit specifications of your machine, as some models have lower-flow auxiliary circuits that may limit breaker selection.
Recommended Models
Hydraulic Requirements
| Excavator Class | 11–20 ton |
| Oil Flow Required | 70–130 L/min |
| Working Pressure | 140–180 bar |
| Recommended Models | SB43, SB50 |
Common Compatible Excavators
* Always verify hydraulic flow and pressure specifications for your specific machine model before purchasing.
Common Selection Mistakes
Using an SB50 on an 11-ton machine — the weight and flow may exceed the machine's safe operating limits
Not adjusting the excavator's auxiliary circuit relief valve to match the breaker specification
Operating without a hydraulic oil cooler in high-ambient-temperature environments
Selection & Efficiency Tips
For 11–14 ton machines, the SB43 provides the best balance of performance and safety
For 15–20 ton machines, the SB50 delivers significantly higher productivity in hard rock
Install a hydraulic oil temperature gauge if not already fitted — heavy breakers generate significant heat