McCloskey Track-Mounted Jaw Crusher in Quarry Operations

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Mobile Crushing Technology
McCloskey International, founded in Canada in 1985, quickly became a global leader in mobile crushing and screening equipment. By the early 2000s, the company had expanded its product line to include track-mounted jaw crushers, designed for high-capacity, on-site material reduction. These machines were developed to meet the growing demand for flexible, transportable crushing solutions in quarrying, recycling, and demolition.
The track-mounted design allows the crusher to move independently across rugged terrain, eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure and reducing setup time. This mobility is especially valuable in operations where material sources shift frequently or where space constraints limit traditional plant layouts.
Core Features and Specifications
McCloskey’s track-mounted jaw crushers, such as the J40, J45, and J50 models, share several key features:

• Jaw opening: Ranges from 24 × 40 inches (J40) to 28 × 50 inches (J50)
  
• Engine: CAT or Volvo diesel, typically Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final compliant
  
• Output capacity: 250–500 tons per hour depending on model and material
  
• Hopper capacity: Up to 6.8 cubic meters
  
• Feeder type: Vibrating grizzly with adjustable speed
  
• Discharge height: Up to 3.5 meters for direct loading into trucks or conveyors
  
• Control system: Remote control for travel and hydraulic adjustment
  

The jaw chamber is designed with a steep nip angle and aggressive stroke to maximize throughput and minimize bridging. Hydraulic toggle systems allow for quick adjustment of closed-side settings (CSS), improving versatility across different material types.
Operational Advantages in Quarry Settings
Track-mounted jaw crushers offer several advantages over stationary units:

• Rapid deployment: Machines can be moved and operational within hours
  
• Reduced haulage: Material can be crushed at the source, minimizing truck cycles
  
• Flexibility: Ideal for satellite pits, overburden removal, and contract crushing
  
• Fuel efficiency: Modern engines and load-sensing hydraulics reduce consumption
  
• Safety: Remote control operation and ground-level maintenance access
  

A quarry operator in Arizona reported that switching to a McCloskey J45 reduced his fuel costs by 18% and increased daily output by 25 tons due to reduced idle time and faster repositioning.
Wear Components and Maintenance Strategy
Jaw crushers endure significant wear, especially in abrasive rock applications. Key wear components include:

• Jaw dies: Typically manganese steel, available in multiple profiles
  
• Cheek plates: Protect the frame from side wear
  
• Toggle plate: Acts as a safety device and force transfer mechanism
  
• Bearings: Must be greased regularly and monitored for temperature rise
  
• Feeder bars: Subject to impact and vibration wear
  

Maintenance recommendations:

• Inspect jaw dies weekly for cracking or uneven wear
  
• Replace cheek plates every 500–700 hours depending on material
  
• Monitor hydraulic pressures and toggle alignment
  
• Grease bearings daily or per manufacturer intervals
  
• Clean dust suppression nozzles and check water flow
  

Some operators retrofit their crushers with ceramic inserts or hardfacing to extend jaw life in high-silica environments.
Troubleshooting and Field Adaptation
Common issues and solutions:
Material Bridging

• Cause: Wet or flaky material sticking in the jaw
  
• Solution: Adjust CSS, increase feeder speed, use anti-bridging bars
  

Excessive Vibration

• Cause: Uneven feed or worn jaw dies
  
• Solution: Balance feed, replace worn components, check flywheel alignment
  

Hydraulic Faults

• Cause: Contaminated fluid or sensor failure
  
• Solution: Flush system, replace filters, test solenoids
  

Engine Overload

• Cause: Overfeeding or clogged discharge
  
• Solution: Monitor load via control panel, adjust feed rate, clear discharge area
  

A contractor in South Africa modified his J50 with a custom dust shroud and dual water lines to meet local environmental regulations. The system reduced airborne particles by 60% and improved visibility for operators.
Market Impact and Global Deployment
McCloskey’s track-mounted jaw crushers have been deployed in over 100 countries, with strong adoption in North America, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In 2022, the company reported a 12% increase in mobile crusher sales, driven by infrastructure projects and recycling demand.
The machines are commonly used in:

• Limestone and granite quarries
  
• Concrete and asphalt recycling
  
• Demolition sites
  
• Road base production
  
• Mining overburden reduction
  

In India, a fleet of J45 crushers was used to process basalt for a national highway project, producing over 1 million tons of aggregate in under six months.
Conclusion
McCloskey track-mounted jaw crushers represent a fusion of mobility, power, and precision in modern quarry operations. Their ability to move with the material, adapt to changing conditions, and deliver consistent output makes them indispensable in fast-paced, high-volume environments. With proper maintenance and thoughtful configuration, these machines continue to redefine what’s possible in mobile crushing—one ton at a time.