Aggregate Equipment Buyer Guide
Aggregate equipment—including mobile jaw, cone, and impact crushers, scalping screens, and radial stackers—is engineered to reduce and classify rock, gravel, recycled concrete, and asphalt. Primary buyers include quarry and pit operators, heavy civil contractors, and demolition recyclers seeking to generate marketable, spec-sized material directly on site.
AI-updated monthly · Last refresh 11/1/2026
Fast facts
- Typical used price range: $90,000 to $250,000 for mobile screeners and stackers; $250,000 to $1,100,000+ for late-model tracked crushers
- Operating weight ranges: 30,000 to 55,000 lbs for compact track screeners; 70,000 to 160,000+ lbs for high-capacity primary crushers
- Typical chassis service life: 15,000 to 20,000+ operating hours; crushing chambers and power packs typically require major overhauls every 4,000 to 7,000 hours
- Fuel burn rates: 4 to 9 GPH for mobile screeners; 12 to 26 GPH for heavy primary diesel-hydraulic or dual-power crushers
- Essential attachments and options: Overband cross-belt magnets, rock breakers, dust suppression spray bars, hopper extensions, and radio remote tracking
- Common jobsite applications: Hard rock quarrying, sand and gravel extraction, concrete and asphalt recycling, pipeline bedding processing, and topsoil classification
What to look for
- 1Crusher chamber wear profiles: Measure remaining thickness and check for uneven cupping or cracking on jaw dies, blow bars, or cone mantles and concaves
- 2Screen box structural integrity: Check for stress cracks around side plates, cross members, huck-bolt fasteners, and coil spring support perches
- 3Main bearing and eccentric shaft health: Inspect for heat discoloration, play, grease purging contamination, and abnormal vibration or humming while idling
- 4Feed hopper and grizzly liners: Examine Hardox or AR400 wear plates for extreme thinning, missing mounting hardware, or fatigue cracking along weld seams
- 5Conveyor belting and rollers: Inspect for vulcanized splice separation, edge fraying from tracking misalignment, skirt rubber wear, and seized idlers
- 6Hydraulic system stress signals: Check hydraulic pump splitters, drive motors, and valve banks for leaks, scorched fluid smell, or aeration foam in the reservoir
- 7Power unit dust ingestion: Inspect intake piping upstream of the turbocharger for dust 'dusting' and verify condition of pre-cleaners and dual-element air filters
- 8Track undercarriage wear: Measure track chain stretch, bottom roller wear, and drive sprocket tooth thinning from operating in abrasive rock dust
- 9Chassis frame weld points: Thoroughly inspect stress concentration points where the feeder, crusher frame, and discharge conveyors mount to the main chassis
- 10Hour meter and ECM verification: Cross-reference engine ECM run hours against hydraulic drive hours and conveyor runtime to detect disconnected or replaced hour meters
Best makes & models
Metso Outotec
Lokotrack LT Series (LT106, LT120, LT200HP)Regarded as the gold standard for structural longevity and metallurgy, with exceptional resale value and dependable performance in abrasive virgin rock.
Powerscreen
Premiertrak & Warrior SeriesBacked by an extensive global dealer support network, offering robust modular designs that excel in diverse quarry and recycling applications.
Kleemann
Mobicat & Mobirex SeriesKnown for advanced diesel-electric drive technology that reduces fuel consumption and integrated Spective control systems that simplify plant balancing.
McCloskey International
J45, C38, S190Favored by contractors for simple, rugged mechanical layouts with minimal electronic failure points and straightforward parts serviceability.
Sandvik
QJ341, QH332, QA451Industry-leading cone automation through the Hydroset system, ensuring precise closed-side setting adjustments and consistent aggregate cubicity.
Models with known issues
Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.
Terex Pegson Mid-2000s XA400 models
Early Tier 4 Interim Units 2011-2014 Multi-Brand Diesel-Hydraulic Plants
Entry-Level Compact Crushers Various direct-import mini-track crushers under 30,000 lbs
Frequently asked questions
How much does a quality used aggregate plant cost?
Used mobile screeners typically range from $100,000 to $225,000, while productive used tracked jaw or cone crushers generally run between $300,000 and $750,000 depending on year and hours.
What is considered high hours on a mobile crusher or screener?
A machine approaching 5,000 to 7,000 engine hours is entering a major rebuild window for chambers, conveyors, and hydraulic pumps, whereas well-maintained chassis can operate past 15,000 hours.
Can aggregate equipment be financed easily on the used market?
Yes, but lenders usually require detailed inspections, fluid analysis reports, and proof of remaining wear-liner life before approving 36- to 60-month terms on high-hour crushing assets.
What are the primary shipping considerations for moving mobile crushing plants?
Crushers generally exceed standard legal transport dimensions, requiring multi-axle lowboy trailers, oversize/overweight permits, and partial tear-downs such as removing side conveyors or hopper wings.
Do used aggregate machines come with any warranty protection?
Most secondary market sales are strictly as-is, though certified dealer rebuilds may offer limited 3- to 6-month powertrain warranties or structural guarantees on major frame castings.
Which aggregate machines maintain the best resale value over time?
Tracked units from premier manufacturers like Metso, Powerscreen, and Sandvik retain the strongest secondary liquidity due to worldwide parts support and universal contractor familiarity.