Buying a Jackhammer - Any Advice?

[Dave_S]

I need to dig some pretty big holes and trenches at my house to improve the drainage. The ground is a sort of broken rock, not so solid that it needs blasting but not loose enough for a pick and a shovel. I can't get a machine in for most of it and even the wheelbarrow has to go in sideways.

I have been looking at ads for jackhammers and it looks like I can go with electric, pneumatic or two/four stroke. I have never used one and have little to go on when making a choice.

Does anyone have any advice, recommendations or buying tips? Anything would be much appreciated.

[Tombie]

Are you sure you cant get a mini excavator in?

They fit in some real small spaces.

[big guy]

We have a Bosch (Blue) and a larger Makita model, both electric and both are fantastic.
If you are only using it for a day, I suggest you hire one.
The cheap ones we tried burn out, are noisy and just don't have the power to cut the mustard from what we have experienced.

Also use ear muffs, they are deafening and their frequency just seems to be at the point of headache material.

[rrturboD]

I have a large electric Makita, and a couple of picks, that I have managed to get through almost everything. My Ramset and Bosch are much smaller and really just scratch the surface compared to the Makita. (Ramset and Bosch, better inside!)
The larger units make digging MUCH easier, but are heavier to man handle etc. as you are always lifting it up to a new spot on the side of the hole.
Earmuffs and gel gloves very strongly recommended.

[Tombie]

There is nothing a bit of emulsion cannot overcome

But I'd go the baby excavator

[Dave_S]

But I'd go the baby excavator

Not at my place you wouldn't. Unless you can carry it over your head, offset to one side, up some narrow stairs and then use it on a steep slope

That said, I will be using a small machine (with 990mm track) at one side of the house, but even that will be tight.

[isuzurover]

Are you sure you cant get a mini excavator in?

They fit in some real small spaces.

Dave's backyard is practically a cliff and the only access would be through the house or a standard size door in the garage.

Sorry Dave, can't help with jackhammer choices - don't envy you doing all that with a jackhammer and wheelbarrow!

[Dave_S]

Dave's backyard is practically a cliff and the only access would be through the house or a standard size door in the garage.

Sorry Dave, can't help with jackhammer choices - don't envy you doing all that with a jackhammer and chainsaw!

Cheers Ben. The garage is out though, unless the machine can be driven under a certain less-than-mobile 110

You could always help by flying over, roping up and letting fly with the jackhammer. Maybe it could be a new extreme sport, or at least provide some fodder for Funniest Home Videos

[Blknight.aus]

with jackhammers heavier is generally better. Buy yourself a damn good set of vibration dampening glove, ear and eye protection.

[isuzurover]

Cheers Ben. The garage is out though, unless the machine can be driven under a certain less-than-mobile 110

You could always help by flying over, roping up and letting fly with the jackhammer. Maybe it could be a new extreme sport, or at least provide some fodder for Funniest Home Videos

Sorry - fixed my post - I think I was thinking (while typing something else) that you could rent one of those concrete saws powered by a chainsaw motor for any really rocky bits and for any mods to the concrete.