Pegson Tracked Crushers and the Niche Rental Market

[MikePhua]

The Pegson Brand and Its Evolution
Pegson, originally founded in the UK in the early 20th century, became a respected name in crushing and screening equipment. Known for rugged design and field reliability, Pegson machines were widely used in quarrying, recycling, and demolition. In the late 1990s, Pegson merged with Powerscreen and later became part of Terex Corporation, expanding its global reach and product line.
The tracked plant series—especially models like the Metrotrak jaw crusher and the SR1000 cone crusher—were designed for mobility and compact site access. These machines offered contractors the ability to crush on-site without the need for fixed installations, making them ideal for short-term jobs and urban demolition.
Metrotrak and SR1000 in the Field
The Metrotrak is a compact jaw crusher with a feed opening of approximately 900 x 600 mm, capable of processing up to 200 tons per hour depending on material and settings. It’s powered by a Caterpillar engine and features hydraulic adjustment and overload protection.
The SR1000 is a tracked cone crusher built around the Terex 1000 cone chamber. It includes a recirculating conveyor and screen, allowing for closed-loop crushing and sizing in a single pass. With a throughput of up to 230 tons per hour, it’s suitable for secondary and tertiary applications.
Operators appreciate:

• Quick setup and teardown
  
• Remote control mobility
  
• Fuel-efficient engines
  
• Compatibility with excavators and loaders
  

However, these machines require careful maintenance, especially in dusty environments. Belt tension, screen wear, and hydraulic cleanliness are critical to uptime.
Aftermarket Support and Parts Availability
Aftermarket support for Pegson machines varies by region. In North America, Terex dealers provide OEM parts, but some components—especially for older models—may be discontinued. Common challenges include:

• Sourcing wear parts like jaw plates, mantles, and concaves
  
• Finding hydraulic seals and electronic sensors
  
• Compatibility issues with newer control systems
  

Solutions:

• Use independent suppliers specializing in Pegson and Powerscreen parts
  
• Stock critical spares like belts, filters, and toggle plates
  
• Retrofit obsolete sensors with universal equivalents
  
• Maintain a parts interchange list for cross-brand sourcing
  

In one case from Alberta, a contractor rebuilt a Metrotrak using aftermarket jaw dies and a custom-fabricated toggle seat. The machine returned to service with minimal downtime.
Used Equipment Considerations
Buying used Pegson tracked crushers requires careful inspection. Key areas to evaluate:

• Undercarriage wear (track pads, rollers, sprockets)
  
• Crusher chamber condition (jaw or cone wear, liner fit)
  
• Hydraulic leaks or contamination
  
• Engine hours and service history
  
• Control panel functionality and error codes
  

A buyer in Texas purchased a used SR1000 with 6,000 hours and discovered that the cone bearings were worn, causing vibration and uneven product. After a full rebuild, the unit performed reliably for another 2,000 hours.
The Niche Rental Opportunity
There is a growing demand for compact tracked crushers in the 0–10,000 ton range, especially for:

• Small demolition jobs
  
• Utility trench backfill recycling
  
• Asphalt and concrete recycling
  
• Remote site material reduction
  

Rental customers often prefer:

• Machines under 40,000 lbs for easy transport
  
• Units with remote control and fast setup
  
• Crushers that can produce usable product without secondary screening
  

To succeed in this niche, rental operators should:

• Offer training and support for first-time users
  
• Include maintenance packages or service contracts
  
• Provide flexible rental terms for seasonal or emergency use
  
• Maintain a fleet of Metrotrak, SR1000, and Warrior screen units
  

In a pilot program in New Zealand, a rental firm deployed three Metrotrak units to local councils for road recycling. The machines processed over 8,000 tons of asphalt in six months, reducing landfill and material costs.
Fleet Integration and Expansion Strategy
For contractors considering entry into the tracked crusher rental market:

• Start with one jaw crusher and one cone or impactor
  
• Add a compact screen like the Warrior 1400 for sizing
  
• Use GPS tracking and telematics for fleet monitoring
  
• Build relationships with demolition and utility firms
  

Marketing should emphasize:

• On-site crushing reduces haulage and tipping fees
  
• Recycled product can be reused as base or fill
  
• Machines are easy to transport and operate
  

A firm in Ontario built its rental business around Pegson tracked plants and now services over 40 clients annually, with a fleet of seven crushers and four screens.
Conclusion
Pegson tracked crushers like the Metrotrak and SR1000 offer a compelling solution for small-scale crushing operations. With proper maintenance, aftermarket support, and strategic deployment, these machines can anchor a profitable rental business. Whether processing concrete in a city lot or crushing limestone in a rural trench, Pegson plants deliver mobility, efficiency, and versatility in a compact footprint.