Hammer temperature protection system and method

A work machine comprising:

• a source of pressurized fluid;
• a fluid cooling system;
• and
• a hydraulic hammer comprising:
• a piston arranged for reciprocating movement within the housing;
• a hydraulic circuit within the housing and configured for connection to the source of pressurized fluid, the hydraulic circuit comprising:
• an inlet passage configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the piston;
• an outlet passage configured to provide a return flow path for hydraulic fluid from the piston;
• a bypass passage selectively connecting the inlet passage to the outlet passage;
• and
• a thermostatic valve assembly configured to connect the inlet passage to the piston when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a threshold temperature and connect the inlet passage to the bypass passage when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above the threshold temperature.

A method of hydraulic hammer operation, the hydraulic hammer comprising a housing;

• a piston arranged for reciprocating movement within the housing;
• a hydraulic circuit within the housing and configured for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, the hydraulic circuit comprising:
• an inlet passage configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the piston;
• an outlet passage configured to provide a return flow path for the hydraulic fluid from the piston;
• a bypass passage selectively connecting the inlet passage to the outlet passage;
• and
• a thermostatic valve assembly;
• the method comprising;
• conveying the hydraulic fluid to the piston from the inlet passage when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a threshold temperature;
• and
• conveying at least some of the hydraulic fluid to the outlet passage through the bypass passage when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above the threshold temperature.