OM Apollo Jaw Crushers: Service Challenges and Support Strategies

[MikePhua]

Introduction to OM Apollo Jaw Crushers
OM (Officine Meccaniche) Apollo jaw crushers are compact, mobile crushing units designed for on-site aggregate processing. Manufactured in Italy, these machines gained popularity across Europe and North America for their portability, ease of use, and efficient crushing capabilities. The Apollo series typically features a single-toggle jaw mechanism, hydraulic adjustment systems, and integrated conveyors—making them suitable for demolition, recycling, and quarry applications.
Terminology Clarified

• Jaw Crusher: A machine that uses compressive force to break down large rocks into smaller pieces.
  
• Single-Toggle Mechanism: A design where one toggle plate controls the movement of the swing jaw, offering simplicity and reliability.
  
• Hydraulic Adjustment: A system that allows operators to change the crusher’s output size by adjusting the jaw gap using hydraulic cylinders.
  
• Service Manual: A technical document detailing maintenance procedures, part specifications, and troubleshooting steps.
  
• Wear Parts: Components like jaw plates and cheek plates that degrade over time due to abrasion and impact.
  

Common Service Challenges

• Limited Access to Documentation
  Since OM ceased independent operations and was absorbed into Keestrack, service manuals for older Apollo models have become difficult to source. Technicians often rely on community knowledge or reverse-engineering.
  
• Parts Compatibility Confusion
  Some Apollo crushers share components with Keestrack models, but part numbers and specifications may differ. This leads to uncertainty during ordering and repairs.
  
• Hydraulic System Diagnostics
  The Apollo’s hydraulic jaw adjustment and conveyor systems can suffer from leaks, pressure loss, or sensor failure. Without proper schematics, troubleshooting becomes trial-and-error.
  
• Electrical Control Issues
  Older units may experience wiring degradation or controller faults. Diagnosing these requires familiarity with legacy European wiring standards and relay logic.
  

Field Anecdote: The Vermont Quarry Fix
A contractor in Vermont operated an OM Apollo crusher for recycling concrete. When the jaw adjustment system failed, the team struggled to find documentation. After contacting a European supplier and cross-referencing similar Keestrack models, they identified a compatible hydraulic cylinder. The repair restored full function, and the contractor began compiling their own service guide based on experience—a grassroots solution to a documentation gap.
Best Practices for Maintaining OM Apollo Crushers

• Create a Custom Service Log
  Record part numbers, maintenance intervals, and repair notes to build a personalized reference.
  
• Photograph Disassembly Steps
  Visual documentation helps during reassembly and can be shared with other operators.
  
• Source Parts from Multiple Vendors
  European suppliers, salvage yards, and aftermarket manufacturers may carry compatible components.
  
• Join Technical Communities
  Online forums and trade groups often share repair tips and unofficial manuals.
  
• Inspect Wear Parts Regularly
  Jaw plates, toggle seats, and bearings should be checked for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear.
  

Historical Context: OM’s Transition to Keestrack
OM was founded in Italy and built a reputation for rugged mobile crushers. In the early 2000s, Keestrack acquired OM’s crushing division, integrating its designs into a broader product line. While this expanded global support, it also led to the phasing out of OM-branded documentation. Many Apollo units remain in service, especially in Europe and North America, but rely on legacy knowledge for upkeep.
Case Study: Municipal Recycling in Ontario
A city-run recycling facility in Ontario used an OM Apollo crusher to process asphalt and concrete. When the conveyor motor failed, technicians couldn’t find a direct replacement. After comparing specs with Keestrack models, they sourced a compatible motor from a local supplier. The repair saved thousands in downtime and highlighted the importance of cross-referencing legacy equipment.
News Spotlight: Push for Open-Source Equipment Documentation
In 2025, industry advocates proposed legislation requiring manufacturers to release service documentation for discontinued models. The initiative aims to support small contractors and municipalities that rely on legacy machines. OM Apollo crushers were cited as a prime example—machines still in use but underserved by official support channels.
Conclusion
Maintaining an OM Apollo jaw crusher requires resourcefulness, technical intuition, and community collaboration. While official documentation may be scarce, operators can overcome service challenges through custom logs, cross-referencing, and shared experience. These machines, though aging, continue to deliver reliable performance—provided they’re supported by a network of informed and proactive technicians.