Excavator Rippers

Excavator rippers, also called ripper hooks or ripper teeth, break up ground that a bucket struggles to dig: compacted ground, hardcore, frozen ground and rock. All the machine's force goes through one replaceable CAT-type tooth, so it bites in where a bucket would skid. We supply single-shank rippers for 1 to 40 tonne excavators and mini diggers, each made to fit your machine.

Ripper hook Shank Working depth Tooth Wear protection
1–2 tonne ripper hook 30mm 371mm J200 CAT type None
2–3.5 tonne ripper hook 30mm 371mm J200 CAT type None
4–6 tonne ripper hook 40mm 479mm J200 CAT type Sides and leading edge
6–9 tonne ripper hook 50mm 596mm J250 CAT type Sides, back and leading edge
10–14 tonne ripper hook 60mm 674mm J300 CAT type Sides, back and leading edge
15–18 tonne ripper hook 70mm 945mm J350 CAT type Sides, back and leading edge
18–24 tonne ripper hook 80mm 990mm J350 CAT type Sides, back and leading edge
30–40 tonne ripper hook 90mm 1,240mm J400 CAT type Sides, back and leading edge

Rip the ground first, then dig it out with your bucket. For concrete and solid rock that a ripper can't loosen, see our excavator breakers. Browse all our excavator tools.

New to ripping? Read how to use an excavator ripper for technique, tooth care and safety.
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How a Ripper Hook Works

A ripper puts all of your excavator's digging force on the tip of a single tooth. Pull it through the ground and it splits and loosens compacted material, hardcore, roots and soft or fractured rock, ready to dig out with a bucket. On ground hard enough to stall a bucket, ripping first is usually quicker overall and saves wear on your bucket teeth and your machine.

Choosing the Right Size

Match the ripper to your excavator's operating weight. Bigger machines get a thicker shank, a deeper working depth and a bigger tooth:

  • 1 to 3.5 tonnes: 30mm shank, 371mm working depth and a J200 tooth.
  • 4 to 6 tonnes: 40mm shank, 479mm working depth and a J200 tooth.
  • 6 to 14 tonnes: 50mm to 60mm shank, 596mm to 674mm working depth and a J250 or J300 tooth.
  • 15 to 24 tonnes: 70mm to 80mm shank, 945mm to 990mm working depth and a J350 tooth.
  • 30 to 40 tonnes: 90mm shank, 1,240mm working depth and a J400 tooth.

From 4 tonnes up, AR HB400 abrasion-resistant steel protects the sides and leading edge, and from 6 tonnes up the back as well.

Ripper Teeth

Every ripper takes a replaceable CAT-type tooth point, angled at 30° so crowding forces run straight through the tooth and shank. Points wear, so swap them before the shank starts to wear. Replacement points are widely available in different shapes for different ground.

Ripper or Breaker?

A ripper loosens ground by pulling through it, so it suits compacted ground, hardcore, frozen ground and fractured rock. Solid rock and concrete need the impact of a hydraulic breaker: see our excavator breakers.

Working Safely

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a ripper on a mini digger?

Yes. The 1–2 tonne and 2–3.5 tonne rippers are made for mini diggers, with a 30mm shank and a J200 tooth. Putting a small machine's force through one tooth gets it through ground its bucket can't.

Does a ripper need hydraulics?

No. It works off the excavator's own digging force.

What is a ripper tooth?

The replaceable point at the tip of the ripper shank. Ours take CAT-type J-series points, from J200 on mini diggers to J400 on 30 to 40 tonne machines.

How long does delivery take?

Usually 7 to 10 working days. Each one is made to fit your machine, so we confirm your measurements first. Ask us if you need it for a fixed date.