A crusher is a machine that breaks down large, hard materials such as rock, stone or ore into smaller, manageable pieces. This process produces aggregates needed for concrete, asphalt, foundation fill and other building materials. The crusher receives material through a vibrating feeder. Jaw, cone or impact crushers are used to reduce the material until the desired size is achieved. Crushed output is then directed to vibrating screens. Oversized pieces are sent back for re-crushing, ensuring a consistent particle size. Crushers are used in road construction, dam and bridge projects, quarries, mining sites, concrete and asphalt plants, and recycling facilities.

A mobile crusher is a portable crushing and screening unit mounted on a wheeled or tracked platform. It operates directly on the site, reducing transportation costs and setup time. Material is fed via a feeder, crushed, screened, and suitable pieces are conveyed to stockpiles. It can be powered by diesel or electricity. Mobile crushers are highly advantageous for construction sites, road works, temporary mining areas, recycling facilities, and emergency response operations.

A stationary crusher is a permanent, high-capacity crushing and screening plant installed on concrete or steel foundations. Raw material is loaded from silos or bunkers. Primary jaw crushers perform initial crushing, followed by secondary crushers for smaller size reduction. Vibrating screens classify the material by size, and correctly sized aggregates are conveyed to storage or dispatch areas. PLC-controlled automation ensures efficient and continuous 24/7 operation. These systems are found at large quarries, mining operations, concrete-asphalt plants, port fill operations, and major infrastructure projects.

The differences between stationary and mobile crushers are primarily in portability, setup time, production capacity, and infrastructure requirements. Mobile crushers are easy to transport, quick to set up, and require minimal infrastructure, but have limited capacity. Stationary crushers, on the other hand, are permanent installations designed for high volume, continuous production. They demand significant investment and infrastructure and cannot be relocated.