Buyer Guide

Crushing Equipment Buyer Guide

Crushing equipment, from jaw crushers to cone crushers and impactors, is essential for reducing the size of rock, concrete, and asphalt materials on construction, mining, and demolition sites. This heavy machinery is primarily purchased by aggregate producers, recycling companies, and large-scale contractors who require on-site material processing for efficiency and cost savings.

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Fast facts

Typical used price ranges from $150,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on size, type, and condition.
Operating weight can vary widely, from 20 tons for small portable units to over 150 tons for large track-mounted systems.
Well-maintained crushers can offer 10,000 to 20,000+ hours of productive life before major overhauls.
Fuel consumption is significant, ranging from 10-20 gallons per hour for smaller units to 40-70+ GPH for larger operations.
Common attachments include magnetic separators, vibrating grizzlies, and conveying systems.
Primary jobsite uses include aggregate production, road construction, demolition material recycling, and quarrying operations.
Jaw crushers handle primary breaking; cone and impact crushers perform secondary and tertiary reduction for finer products.

What to look for

1Inspect wear parts: jaws, mantles, concaves, blow bars. Excessive wear indicates high usage or poor maintenance.
2Check for cracks or repairs on the main frame, chassis, and feed hopper; these are high-stress areas.
3Evaluate hydraulic system: look for leaks around cylinders, hoses, and pumps; check hydraulic fluid condition.
4Examine conveyor belts for tears, fraying, or misalignments, and ensure idlers spin freely.
5For track-mounted units, inspect undercarriage components (tracks, rollers, sprockets) for wear beyond serviceable limits.
6Verify engine health: listen for unusual noises, check for excessive smoke, and inspect for oil leaks.
7Red flag on hour meter: significant discrepancies between hours and overall machine wear can indicate tampering.
8Request detailed service records; consistent preventative maintenance is crucial for longevity.
9Test all safety features, emergency stops, and interlocks.
10If equipped, review telematics data for operational trends, fault codes, and load patterns.

Best makes & models

Metso Outotec

Nordberg Series (C-Series Jaw, HP Series Cone), Lokotrack Series

Renowned for robust construction, high throughput, and advanced automation, making them highly efficient and reliable in demanding conditions.

Sandvik

Q-Series (Jaw, Cone, Impact), U-Series (Screens)

Known for innovative designs, excellent reliability, and strong dealer support, offering good resale value and uptime.

Terex Finlay

J-Series Jaw, C-Series Cone, I-Series Impactor

Offers a comprehensive range of mobile crushing and screening solutions, recognized for versatility, ease of transport, and solid performance.

McCloskey International

J-Series Jaw, C-Series Cone, I-Series Impactor

Favored for heavy-duty construction, high capacity, and user-friendly operation, performing well in tough aggregate and recycling applications.

Kleemann (Wirtgen Group)

MOBICAT Jaw, MOBICONE Cone, MOBIREX Impact

Praised for precision engineering, fuel efficiency, and integrated control systems that optimize crushing processes and output quality.

Models with known issues

Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.

Generic Chinese Brands (Various) Older, lesser-known models prior to ~2015

Industry chatter suggests issues with inconsistent steel quality, premature wear of critical components, and poor parts availability post-sale for some older, cheaper imports.

Certain early-tier emissions compliant engines Some models with Tier 4 Interim engines from 2011-2014 across various brands

Reports from the field occasionally cite challenges with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems requiring more frequent maintenance or experiencing sensor failures, impacting uptime.

Specific Older Track-Mounted Units Certain 2000s era track-mounted crushers (across a few brands)

Some older models from different manufacturers have been noted for undersized or unreliable track drive systems, leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced mobility on challenging terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What's a realistic budget for a good used crusher?

For a mid-sized, good condition used crusher from a reputable brand, expect to pay between $300,000 and $700,000. Smaller or older units can be less, while larger, newer units easily exceed $1,000,000.

What's considered high hours for a crushing unit?

Hours over 15,000 are generally considered high, indicating the machine may be approaching or past its first major rebuild interval. However, consistent maintenance history is more telling than hours alone.

Are there financing options available for crushing equipment?

Yes, many equipment lenders offer specialized financing for heavy machinery. Options include equipment loans, leases, and sometimes manufacturer-backed financing, often requiring a strong credit history and down payment.

How complicated is shipping a crusher?

Shipping crushing equipment is complex due to its size and weight. It typically requires specialized heavy-haul carriers, permits for oversized loads, and often disassembly for transport, adding significant cost and logistics.

Do used crushers come with a warranty?

Most used crushers are sold 'as-is' without a warranty. Some dealers may offer limited short-term warranties on specific components or power trains, but this is less common and usually reflects a premium price.

What factors impact the resale value of crushing equipment?

Resale value is heavily influenced by make, model popularity, maintenance history, overall condition, remaining wear life on critical components, and current market demand for aggregates.