A jaw crusher is the primary reduction machine in most aggregate and mining operations. Choosing the right one means matching the crusher to your material, throughput, and site.
1. Feed opening and maximum feed size
The feed opening (measured width × depth) sets the largest rock the crusher can accept. A common rule: the maximum feed size should be about 80% of the feed opening width. If your run-of-mine rock is larger than the opening, you need a bigger crusher or a rock breaker upstream.
2. Capacity (tonnes per hour)
Capacity depends on the feed opening, closed-side setting (CSS), and material hardness. Manufacturer capacity charts give throughput at a given CSS and rock type. Specify your required tonnes per hour and the material — granite, basalt, limestone, or recycled concrete — so the crusher is sized correctly.
3. Mobile vs stationary
- Mobile jaw crushers — track-mounted or wheel-mounted. Move between sites, set up fast, and work directly at the face. Ideal for contractors, quarries with multiple benches, and recycling.
- Stationary jaw crushers — fixed installations for high-throughput quarries and mines where the plant runs in one place for years.
4. CSS (closed-side setting)
The CSS controls the output size. A smaller CSS produces finer material but lower capacity; a larger CSS produces more tonnes but coarser product. Look for a crusher with hydraulic CSS adjustment so you can tune the output without shutting down for long.
5. Power and drive
Match the crusher drive to your power available — diesel engine for mobile plants, electric motor for stationary plants with grid power. A undersized drive stalls on hard material; an oversized drive wastes energy and money.
6. Wear parts and maintenance
Jaw plates (manganese steel) are the main wear item. Check plate availability, reversal design (plates that can be flipped to use both sides), and how quickly they can be changed. Easy access to the toggle and bearings reduces downtime.
Match the crusher to the plant
A jaw crusher is usually the first stage. Downstream you may need a cone crusher or impact crusher for secondary reduction, and a screen to size the output. Plan the full circuit, not just the jaw.
Request a quote
Tell IGC your material, required throughput, feed size, and whether you need a mobile or stationary plant. We will recommend the right jaw crusher and full circuit.