A crusher is a general term for crushing and screening systems used to break down large and hard materials such as rocks, stones, concrete, and asphalt into smaller pieces. These machines are crucial in the construction and mining industries as they make natural stones processable. They are also used in recycling projects to reprocess broken concrete and asphalt.

Crushers are typically used in stone quarries, mining sites, and recycling facilities. Their main function is to reduce the size of hard materials and make them suitable for use. For example, gravel needed for road construction is produced by crushers breaking stones into the required sizes.

Crushers work by using different types of crushers such as jaw crushers, impact crushers, cone crushers, and vertical shaft crushers. The operation involves feeding raw materials into the machine, breaking them down using the crusher, and then screening them into different sizes.

Common areas of use include:

  • Road construction projects

  • Concrete and asphalt recycling facilities

  • Mining operations

  • Dam and reservoir projects

  • Urban infrastructure works

  • Railway construction

  • Stone quarries

What is a Mobile Crusher, What is it Used For, How Does It Work, and In Which Fields is It Used?

A mobile crusher is a portable crushing and screening plant integrated onto a truck or tracked system. Its biggest advantage is its ability to be easily transported to different construction sites and the significantly shorter setup time compared to fixed plants.

This system is particularly advantageous for short-term or location-changing projects. Instead of transporting the material, it can be processed directly on site, saving both time and transportation costs.

Mobile crushers can be equipped with jaw, impact, or cone crushers. The process starts with transporting the mobile unit to the site, setting it up (usually within a day), and feeding it with raw material. The machine then crushes and screens the material into desired sizes, ready for use.

Typical fields of application include:

  • Urban construction sites

  • Road maintenance projects

  • Recycling operations

  • Short-term mining site operations

  • Dam construction and infrastructure projects

  • Sites with limited space

What is a Fixed Crusher, What is it Used For, How Does It Work, and In Which Fields is It Used?

A fixed crusher is a crushing and screening facility permanently installed at a specific location and is not designed to be moved. It is preferred in large-scale and long-term projects or in high-capacity stone quarries.

Its installation requires substantial infrastructure and time, including foundation excavation, concrete work, and energy and water connections. However, once operational, it offers very high material processing capacity.

Fixed crusher systems can include jaw, cone, impact, or vertical shaft crushers, along with screeners, feeders, conveyor belts, and storage systems. The system crushes raw material and classifies it by size before delivering it to storage.

Fields of application:

  • High-capacity stone quarries

  • Mining facilities

  • Asphalt and concrete production plants

  • Mega projects such as dams, ports, and airports

  • Long-term, high-tonnage production sites

Differences Between Fixed and Mobile Crushers

  1. Portability
    A fixed crusher is installed permanently, while a mobile crusher can be transported and relocated easily. Mobile units are ideal for dynamic projects across different locations.

  2. Setup Time and Infrastructure Requirements
    Fixed crushers take longer to install and require significant infrastructure. Mobile units can be operational in a very short time with minimal infrastructure needs.

  3. Production Capacity
    Fixed plants offer higher capacity and are suited for large-scale production. Mobile units are usually medium or low-capacity but provide greater flexibility.

  4. Intended Use
    Fixed crushers are ideal for large and long-term projects. Mobile crushers are better for short-term or frequently moving projects.

  5. Cost
    Fixed plants have a higher initial setup cost but are cost-effective in the long run due to their high output. Mobile plants have a lower startup cost but may not be suitable for long-term heavy-duty use.

  6. Space Requirements
    Fixed plants need large areas, whereas mobile crushers can be installed in smaller, more confined spaces—especially advantageous in urban settings.

  7. Maintenance and Servicing
    Fixed plants often allow easier access for maintenance due to larger layout. Mobile units offer ease of service due to compact components, but moving parts may wear out quicker.

Crushing systems play an essential role in construction, mining, and recycling sectors. The choice between fixed and mobile crushers depends on the project duration, budget, mobility needs, and production goals. These machines help utilize natural resources efficiently and support the reuse of construction waste.