Configurations

Crushers are typically combined with other components like feeders, hoppers and conveyors and mounted on a frame or chassis. Depending on individual needs, plants can be stationary/modular, track-mounted mobile, or wheel portable.

Stationary and Modular Crushing Plants

Stationary plants typically reside in rock quarries and mine sites where they never move and stay for the plant’s entire life. They require a larger footprint and considerable infrastructure like buildings, walls, pads, and ramps to support the equipment.

Staionary equipment doesn’t move, which means that the feed source is continually moving further away from the crusher. This means longer loader cycling times, increased fuel consumption and wear and tear on equipment.

As the distance increases, material must be brought to the crusher by pushing it with a bulldozer, conveying, or hauling with trucks.

In contrast, wheeled and mobile plants can easily and quickly move from one location to another or maintain proximity to the feed source. Portability also makes it easier to replace one machine for another in the event of breakdowns or upgrades.

Mobile vs Portable

There are advantages and disadvantages to mobile and portable equipment. To some degree, equipment selection is based on application, but there are more practical considerations that may come into play.

Both tracked and wheeled chassis offer producers portability, versatility and flexibility. Portable setup times have improved over the years, but it still has to be spotted, set up, have cables laid out and connected to external power. Depending on the equipment, this can take anywhere from a few hours, to several days. Mobile equipment sets up in minutes, not hours.

Track-mounted mobile equipment has a smaller footprint and is completely self-contained. It doesn’t require external power, so it’s able to access remote locations and sites where space is limited.