2 hours ago
The Rise of Track-Mounted Jaw Crushers
Track-mounted jaw crushers have transformed mobile crushing operations by offering flexibility, rapid deployment, and reduced setup time. These machines are especially valuable in aggregate production, demolition recycling, and quarrying, where mobility and throughput are critical. Among the leading manufacturers, Kleemann and Sandvik have emerged as dominant players, each with distinct engineering philosophies and operational strengths.
Kleemann, a subsidiary of the Wirtgen Group under John Deere, has focused on fuel efficiency, automation, and modular design. Sandvik, a Swedish industrial giant with deep roots in mining and materials technology, emphasizes durability, hydraulic precision, and real-time diagnostics. Both brands offer models in the 40–60 ton range, suitable for mid- to high-volume crushing tasks.
Terminology Notes
Kleemann crushers are known for their robust frame construction and clean layout. The MC110Z, for example, features a wide feed opening and a reinforced chassis designed to handle heavy impact loads. Weld quality, component access, and modularity are emphasized, making field service easier.
Sandvik’s QJ341, by contrast, uses a more compact frame with integrated hydraulic systems and a heavy-duty jaw assembly. The unit is designed for high-pressure crushing and includes a hydraulically adjustable jaw setting for quick adaptation to material changes.
A contractor in Arizona noted that his Kleemann unit felt “overbuilt” in a good way, with thick steel and oversized bearings. Meanwhile, a Sandvik operator in British Columbia praised the QJ341’s tight footprint and responsive hydraulic controls during urban demolition.
Engine and Powertrain Comparison
Both Kleemann and Sandvik offer CAT C9 engines in their mid-size models, delivering similar horsepower in the 300–350 hp range. However, Kleemann’s diesel-electric concept reduces fuel consumption and simplifies maintenance by eliminating hydraulic drive belts and pulleys.
Sandvik relies on traditional hydraulic systems, which offer precise control but may require more frequent hose and seal maintenance. Fuel consumption on Sandvik units typically ranges from 12–15 gallons per hour, while Kleemann’s electric drive averages closer to 8–10 gallons per hour.
Over a 1,000-hour season, this difference can translate into fuel savings of up to $30,000, depending on local diesel prices and duty cycles.
Prescreening and Material Handling
Kleemann integrates a double-deck independent prescreen that removes fines before material enters the jaw. This reduces wear and improves final product quality. The prescreen discharge can be routed to a side conveyor, producing a usable product without additional screening.
Sandvik’s grizzly feeder is effective but less versatile. It removes oversized material and protects the jaw, but does not offer the same level of fines separation. Some users retrofit additional screening equipment to compensate.
A quarry in Texas reported a 20% increase in throughput after switching from a Sandvik unit to a Kleemann MC110Z, largely due to improved prescreening and reduced jaw wear.
Maintenance and Operator Interface
Kleemann emphasizes user-friendly design with features like the Spective Connect app, which guides operators through startup, shutdown, and diagnostics. Maintenance points are accessible from ground level, and hydraulic components are isolated from electrical systems to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Sandvik offers real-time diagnostics through its Optik system, but some users find the interface less intuitive. Hydraulic hose routing is compact but can be difficult to access in tight spaces.
A fleet manager in Ohio noted that his Kleemann units required fewer unscheduled service calls and were easier to train new operators on, thanks to the guided interface and simplified layout.
Recommendations for Buyers and Fleet Managers
Choose Kleemann if:
Both Kleemann and Sandvik offer high-performance track-mounted jaw crushers, but their strengths lie in different areas. Kleemann excels in fuel efficiency, prescreening, and operator accessibility, while Sandvik offers hydraulic finesse and compact design. The best choice depends on your material type, jobsite conditions, and long-term operational goals. With proper setup and maintenance, either machine can deliver reliable crushing performance across a wide range of applications.
Track-mounted jaw crushers have transformed mobile crushing operations by offering flexibility, rapid deployment, and reduced setup time. These machines are especially valuable in aggregate production, demolition recycling, and quarrying, where mobility and throughput are critical. Among the leading manufacturers, Kleemann and Sandvik have emerged as dominant players, each with distinct engineering philosophies and operational strengths.
Kleemann, a subsidiary of the Wirtgen Group under John Deere, has focused on fuel efficiency, automation, and modular design. Sandvik, a Swedish industrial giant with deep roots in mining and materials technology, emphasizes durability, hydraulic precision, and real-time diagnostics. Both brands offer models in the 40–60 ton range, suitable for mid- to high-volume crushing tasks.
Terminology Notes
- Jaw Crusher: A machine that uses compressive force to break down large rocks into smaller pieces.
- Prescreen: A vibrating screen mounted ahead of the crusher to remove fines and improve efficiency.
- Diesel-Electric Drive: A powertrain where a diesel engine generates electricity to drive motors, reducing mechanical wear.
- Grizzly Bars: Steel bars used to screen out oversized material before it enters the crusher.
Kleemann crushers are known for their robust frame construction and clean layout. The MC110Z, for example, features a wide feed opening and a reinforced chassis designed to handle heavy impact loads. Weld quality, component access, and modularity are emphasized, making field service easier.
Sandvik’s QJ341, by contrast, uses a more compact frame with integrated hydraulic systems and a heavy-duty jaw assembly. The unit is designed for high-pressure crushing and includes a hydraulically adjustable jaw setting for quick adaptation to material changes.
A contractor in Arizona noted that his Kleemann unit felt “overbuilt” in a good way, with thick steel and oversized bearings. Meanwhile, a Sandvik operator in British Columbia praised the QJ341’s tight footprint and responsive hydraulic controls during urban demolition.
Engine and Powertrain Comparison
Both Kleemann and Sandvik offer CAT C9 engines in their mid-size models, delivering similar horsepower in the 300–350 hp range. However, Kleemann’s diesel-electric concept reduces fuel consumption and simplifies maintenance by eliminating hydraulic drive belts and pulleys.
Sandvik relies on traditional hydraulic systems, which offer precise control but may require more frequent hose and seal maintenance. Fuel consumption on Sandvik units typically ranges from 12–15 gallons per hour, while Kleemann’s electric drive averages closer to 8–10 gallons per hour.
Over a 1,000-hour season, this difference can translate into fuel savings of up to $30,000, depending on local diesel prices and duty cycles.
Prescreening and Material Handling
Kleemann integrates a double-deck independent prescreen that removes fines before material enters the jaw. This reduces wear and improves final product quality. The prescreen discharge can be routed to a side conveyor, producing a usable product without additional screening.
Sandvik’s grizzly feeder is effective but less versatile. It removes oversized material and protects the jaw, but does not offer the same level of fines separation. Some users retrofit additional screening equipment to compensate.
A quarry in Texas reported a 20% increase in throughput after switching from a Sandvik unit to a Kleemann MC110Z, largely due to improved prescreening and reduced jaw wear.
Maintenance and Operator Interface
Kleemann emphasizes user-friendly design with features like the Spective Connect app, which guides operators through startup, shutdown, and diagnostics. Maintenance points are accessible from ground level, and hydraulic components are isolated from electrical systems to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Sandvik offers real-time diagnostics through its Optik system, but some users find the interface less intuitive. Hydraulic hose routing is compact but can be difficult to access in tight spaces.
A fleet manager in Ohio noted that his Kleemann units required fewer unscheduled service calls and were easier to train new operators on, thanks to the guided interface and simplified layout.
Recommendations for Buyers and Fleet Managers
Choose Kleemann if:
- Fuel efficiency and long-term operating cost are priorities
- You need advanced prescreening and modular design
- Operator training and interface simplicity are important
- You prefer diesel-electric systems with fewer hydraulic components
- You value compact footprint and hydraulic precision
- Your team is experienced with hydraulic diagnostics
- You operate in tight urban spaces or require rapid jaw adjustment
- You prioritize initial purchase cost over long-term fuel savings
Both Kleemann and Sandvik offer high-performance track-mounted jaw crushers, but their strengths lie in different areas. Kleemann excels in fuel efficiency, prescreening, and operator accessibility, while Sandvik offers hydraulic finesse and compact design. The best choice depends on your material type, jobsite conditions, and long-term operational goals. With proper setup and maintenance, either machine can deliver reliable crushing performance across a wide range of applications.
