4 Problems With Mobile Jaw Crusher and How to Combat Them

The mobile jaw crusher is essential for on-site crushing (road construction, mining, demolition) due to its mobility. However, it faces common issues that cause downtime or higher costs. Below are 4 key problems and solutions.

1. Crushing Chamber Blockages

Problem Overview

Blockages are frequent, showing as slowdowns, odd noises, or shutdowns—they halt production and damage components (jaw plates, toggle plates).
Common Causes
● Overfeeding: Material input exceeds the crusher’s processing speed.
● High-moisture materials: Wet soil/clay sticks to chamber walls, blocking flow.
● Unscreened debris: Oversized rocks/metal (beyond max feed size) get stuck.

How to Combat It

● Control feed rate: Use a variable-frequency feeder (VFF) to match the crusher’s capacity (e.g., 50–200 tons/hour).
● Preprocess wet materials: Use a vibrating screen to remove excess water, or use built-in dewatering screens for wet sites.
● Install detectors/screens: A grizzly screen filters oversized debris; a metal detector alerts to fragments—stop the machine to remove safely.

2. Excessive Jaw Plate Wear

Problem Overview

Jaw plates (fixed/movable) suffer premature/uneven wear, reducing efficiency, causing uneven particles, and increasing energy use.
Common Causes
● Poor material match: Standard steel plates can’t handle abrasive materials (granite, quartz).
● Incorrect jaw gap: Too tight increases friction; too loose (misaligned) causes jaw collisions.
● Lack of inspection: Small cracks/wear go unnoticed, worsening damage.

How to Combat It

● Choose right plates: Use manganese steel (Mn13/Mn18) for abrasives; standard alloy steel for less abrasive materials (limestone).
● Adjust gap properly: Follow the manual to set gaps (e.g., 50–100 mm for road base) with a feeler gauge.
● Rotate/replace on schedule: Flip plates to use the unused side; replace when wear hits 70% of original thickness.

3. Hydraulic System Failures

Problem Overview

Hydraulic systems power the movable jaw, gap adjustment, and mobility—failures (slow movement, leaks, unresponsive tracks) disable the machine.
Common Causes
● Contaminated oil: Dirt/metal/water clogs filters, damages pumps, and wears seals.
● Oil issues: Low levels cause cavitation; wrong viscosity reduces pressure/flow.
● Damaged parts: Aging seals or cracked hoses leak oil, raising fire risks.

How to Combat It

● Maintain clean oil: Check levels daily, replace every 500–1,000 hours (per guidelines), and use high-quality filters.
● Use right viscosity: Choose oil matching the climate (e.g., 46 cSt for moderate temps, 68 cSt for cold)—avoid mixing brands.
● Inspect weekly: Look for leaks/bulging hoses/cracked seals; replace with OEM parts immediately.

4. Reduced Mobility (Track/Tire Issues)

Problem Overview

Reduced mobility (stuck tracks, flats, uneven movement) undermines the crusher’s core advantage—worse on rough sites (muddy mines, rocky zones).
Common Causes
● Wear: Overloading (exceeding weight capacity) or sharp debris wears tracks/ punctures tires.
● Track tension: Loose tracks slip/derail; tight tracks strain the motor.
● Debris buildup: Mud/rocks trap in crawler track links, blocking movement.

How to Combat It

● Stay within weight limits: Avoid overloading the hopper or adding heavy attachments (rated weight: 20–50 tons); use solid rubber tires for rough terrain.
● Adjust track tension: Follow the manual (most use hydraulic tensioners); test movement to prevent slipping.
● Clean tracks daily: Use a washer/shovel to remove debris after shifts; apply lubricant for sticky mud.

Conclusion

Mobile jaw crushers boost efficiency, but proactive problem-solving is key. Addressing these 4 issues minimizes downtime and extends equipment life. Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; consult a certified technician for complex problems. Baichy Machinery has a history of more than 20 years. It not only produces a full set of crushing and sand making equipment, but also provides EPC project general contracting services, including plant site selection and construction, production line design and installation, and production and operation technical training. We have many realy case site for mobile stone crusher plant all over the world. Welcome to consult online to get your exclusive stone crushing plant solution.