Jaw Crusher Parts in the 1940s

[MikePhua]

The challenge of sourcing jaw plates and replacement components for mid-century machinery lies at the heart of maintaining operational vintage crushers. Jaw plates—wear parts shaped to crush rock—must match exact profiles, and heavy castings of 500 lbs often ship via freight. Today’s restorers rely on surviving foundries or custom pattern work.
Development History of Cedar Rapids Jaw Crushers
The roots of these crushers trace to the Iowa Manufacturing Company, founded in 1923 to produce road-building machines combining crushing, conveying, and screening. The company was based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and revolutionized portable aggregate plants. During the 1930s and 1940s, their jaw crushers earned international trust by helping build military airstrips in World War II. Their craftsmanship earned an Army–Navy Excellence award in 1944, recognizing quality and patriotism.
In time, following acquisitions and expansions—including New Holland equipment in 1950—the company renamed itself Cedarapids in 1985, reflecting a broad crusher and paver portfolio.
Company and Industry Context
Iowa Manufacturing rose during the “Good Roads Movement” of the 1920s when only a few hundred miles of paved-road existed in Iowa. Its portable “one-piece outfit” plant simplified aggregate production.
During WWII, their machinery traveled globally, constructing landing strips and military infrastructure, cementing their reputation for reliability.
Post-war, the company expanded under Raytheon’s ownership (starting in 1972), eventually becoming Cedarapids and later part of Terex Materials Processing.
Sales Volume and Market Position
Although exact 1940s sales figures aren’t available, historical records suggest significant wartime production and export. Their WWII contributions earned them the Army–Navy E award—known only to top-performing plants. By mid-century, acquiring New Holland expanded production reach, while later investments built the world’s largest crushing & screening plant by 1990.
Parts Sourcing and Logistics
Finding a jaw plate for a 1943 jaw crusher remains a rarity. These parts are large—about half a ton—and sourced from only a few foundries. Shipping via motor freight is inevitable, regardless of location. Customs measures—such as contacting regional suppliers, obtaining quotes for both part and freight—are vital steps. Many dealers drop-ship directly from castings suppliers, and delivered pricing may vary little with distance.
Practical Recommendations for Restorers

• Obtain accurate measurements or templates of the original jaw plate to ensure casting matches geometry.
  
• Reach out to specialized foundries experienced in heavy-equipment parts; many can reproduce patterns from templates or scans.
  
• Always request quotes for both manufacturing and freight costs: given weight (~500 lbs), shipping is a major component.
  
• Explore whether refurbished parts exist in salvage yards or equipment rebuilders.
  
• Consider modern material upgrades: upgraded manganese alloys can increase wear life by 20–30%, if yield strength and compatibility allow.
  

Anecdote of Resourcefulness
A restoration enthusiast once acquired a 1940s jaw crusher stored on a farm. The original jaw plates were badly W-shaped and brittle. The restorer took an impression with plaster, sent it to a foundry that rebuilt the mold, and received precision-fitted parts in three weeks. Though the plates cost more than expected, the ability to revive heritage equipment was priceless.
Terminology Notes

• Jaw plate: The replaceable heavy casting forming the crushing surface in a jaw crusher.
  
• Pattern: A model (wood, metal, or 3D scan) used to create molds for casting foundry parts.
  
• Motor freight: Heavy-item shipping via ground transportation companies specializing in pallets or heavy palettes.
  
• Manganese alloy: A wear-resistant steel composition commonly used for crushing surfaces.
  

Expanded Checklist for Maintenance and Restoration

• Measure the original pad/profile accurately (length, width, angle, bolt patterns).
  
• Contact multiple foundries with photos or molds.
  
• Ask for lead time (often 4–8 weeks) and batch production cost.
  
• Get shipping quotes—weight is primary cost driver.
  
• Inspect and repair or reinforce jaw crusher frame—warping from decades of use is common.
  
• Replace related wear parts (cheek plates, toggle seat, toggle plate) to prevent uneven damage.
  
• When reassembling, verify proper gaps and settings per original manufacturer’s spec or modern equivalents.
  

Through the lens of 1943 jaw crusher parts, we glimpse a broader story: the evolution of manufacturing firms, wartime industry, and the enduring value of parts maintenance. Whether for heritage preservation or practical use, sourcing large-scale wear parts remains feasible with detailed measurement, historic knowledge, and resourceful partners.