Pavement breaking apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for breaking concrete and asphalt pavement and the like comprising a frame adapted to be supported by and above pavement to be broken. Power operated means move the frame in one and opposite directions relative to and in parallel relationship with the pavement. A plurality of air hammers are supported in a gang parallel arrangement by the frame with their cutting tools aligned in a closely spaced parallel series. Cutting ends of the tools are adjacent the pavement with the series of tools extending in one direction and frame movement occurs in a direction substantially at right angles relative thereto. Thus, the frame movement defines a predetermined generally rectangular path of movement and pavement breaking operation of the cutting tools. A cradle on the frame is moveable relative to the frame for adjusting both the height and the angle of attack of the cutting tools relative to the pavement. The angle of attack is adjustable so as to be displaced substantially from the plane of the pavement and from a plane perpendicular thereto, the tools thus being adapted to hardness and other pavement characteristics. In one form the frame is mounted on a fixed frame and is moveable therealong by a power operated means. In a second form the frame is mounted on a self-propelled vehicle for movement with the vehicle parallel to the pavement.