No. 1. Evaluate your application

The most critical factor here is the level of hardness of the material you’re processing. This is typically measured in compressive strength, or the maximum force that material can withstand before breaking. Primary jaw crushers process hard, abrasive materials such as granite, ores or recycled concrete. Cone crushers are known for their ability to crush hard, abrasive ores and rocks, but they are best suited for secondary crushing applications. Impact crushers are ideal for contaminated materials. They easily handle clay, dirt and metal mixed in with the material. While they can handle hard material, they are ideally suited for soft to medium rock.

No. 2. Determine your desired output

If an operation can sell 450,000 tons per year, its crushers need to produce 37,500 tons each month. If a crusher is set up to run two days per week for nine hours per day, the operation will require a machine capable of processing just over 400 tph. Proper production capacities are critical to the success of a business. A crusher that is too small fails to produce the desired tonnages, which limits yields and profits and caps the organization’s growth potential. A machine that’s too large carries extra expense with no added value.

No. 3. Consider mobility

Stationary crushers offer the benefit of a custom, heavy-duty design. However, mobile crushers allow operators to move the unit closer to the face of the crushing activity. Wheeled mobile crushers can be hooked up to a truck and hauled to different locations or relocated on a jobsite. These units are commonly self-contained, eliminating the need for additional diesel engines. Tracked mobile crushers are ideal for applications that require movement within a jobsite. They are easily transported from one jobsite to another by simply loading them on a trailer. Because they’re built for constant relocation, they’re more compact and weigh less than wheeled crushers.

No. 4. Attention to detail

A crusher needs to withstand daily abuse. Investing in quality equipment and components upfront will save money in the long run. Before making a purchase, evaluate the quality of some of the crusher’s components. Be sure the engine has a good reputation and can meet the operation’s output needs. Note the hopper size. An oversized hopper can accommodate larger equipment used to feed the unit. Look for AR-400 liner, which increases durability and product life. Abrasion-resistant transfer points will provide the extra strength needed for certain applications, greatly reduce costly replacements and prevent downtime. Be sure other components such as conveyors, bearings, rollers, shafts and drives are robust and built for high wear.

No. 5. Compare apples to apples

It’s easy to get caught up in price. While saving money is important, so are the extras that will save time and money in the future. Take, for example, a crusher’s discharge chute. This area of the machine is under a lot of stress for the majority of the machine’s run time, and as a result it requires regular maintenance.