Crushers galore at ConExpo

Cone crushing innovation was also on full display at ConExpo-Con/Agg, where FLS (formerly FLSmidth) highlighted its Raptor cone crusher line.

FLS had a Raptor 350 cone model on display. Dale Mclean, regional product line manager for crushers and crusher liners at FLS, shared some history around the Raptor line and what separates the company’s cones from others in the market.

According to Mclean, the latest Raptor line – the one touted at ConExpo-Con/Agg – is the third generation of FLS cones.

“Metso is probably one of our biggest competitors,” Mclean says. “They’ve got a very similar design. So, a lot of customers are asking us how this is better than a Metso.”

Mclean answers that question by pointing out a couple of advantages.

“Our power draw is tight,” he says. “We’re solid on that. And our production is about 10 percent higher than before. It puts us ahead of the game against a Metso.”

According to FLS, Raptor cones can be utilized in a variety of applications. FLS, for example, says the Raptor 350 is an option for tertiary crushing, generating a high-quality product at a constant setting under consistently high loads.

“We can run this one at 340 to 350 tph,” Mclean says of the Raptor 350. “But it all depends on how tight we want to set it. Capacity wise, it is an animal. It doesn’t stop. It will chew through rock no problem.”

The latest generation of Raptors offers users yet another unique benefit, according to Mclean.

“We changed to have no epoxy-backing material on the liners on this version,” he says. “That’s good because it requires a 24-hour cure time. In aggregates, it’s all about uptime and lower cost per ton.”

With the new design, Mclean says users can do liner changeouts in a matter of hours and get crushers back up and running promptly.

“There’s better reliability with this design, more uptime and less maintenance,” he adds.

As Mclean describes, FLS did a full redesign on the Raptors that make up its third-generation cones. The redesign included the mainframe and internal components.

“We get about 10 percent better performance,” Mclean says. “In some applications [we get] 15, but, on average, [we get] about 10 percent better performance than the previous generation. That’s 10 percent more crushed material.”

In addition to the Raptor 350, FLS showcased its Excel UltraBolt jack bolt tensioning system at ConExpo-Con/Agg.
According to FLS, the UltraBolt wrench utilized in the system replaces what the company characterizes as a “dangerous slug wrench.” Additionally, the company says the system utilizes locking bolts to ensure precise and uniform preload. The design eliminates the need for a torch ring, FLS adds, and it makes liner changes faster, easier and safer.

The UltraBolt jack bolt tensioning system is made for OEM gyratory and cone crushers.

Other cone solutions

New cone crushers also surfaced at ConExpo-Con/Agg from Superior Industries, which had 45 products on display across its entire portfolio.

Superior launched two new models – the Dakota bearing-style cone crusher and the Endeavor spider-style cone. The Dakota and Endeavor join Superior’s Patriot bushing-style cone crusher.

“We’re the only company with all three cone styles,” says Corey Poppe, marketing communications manager at Superior.

According to Superior, each of its three cone crushers offers unique advantages. Superior says the new Dakota bearing-style cone delivers the most efficient horsepower per ton, and it has an ideal design for a portable chassis. The Dakota can also perform in all applications, Superior says.

The Endeavor spider-style cone crusher, meanwhile, is the largest in Superior’s cone range. The company says the Endeavor is the easiest cone model to operate and maintain.

The Patriot bushing-style cone, which Superior introduced several years ago, is best at maximizing horsepower per ton and delivering a strong performance in fine crushing.

Jaw-focused

In addition to two new portable plants, Eagle Crusher showcased a 2036 jaw crusher in its ConExpo-Con/Agg booth.

The jaw crusher is the same one Eagle Crusher has manufactured for decades, but the company has advanced its jaw with technology.

“One of the technological advancements we’ve been developing that we did showcase in the 3260 jaw – but has become available for our full range of jaws – is our hydraulic toggle system,” says Daniel Friedman, vice president of marketing at Eagle Crusher.

The system offers users advantages when uncrushables are encountered, Friedman adds.

“Once you’ve cleared the uncrushable in the jaw, whether it fell out or you pulled it out, you can get the jaw back up and running in minutes versus days,” he says.

Breaker solutions

While new and updated crushing equipment was plentiful at ConExpo-Con/Agg, hydraulic breaking equipment was also on full display.

Montabert, for example, showcased its new SD compact breakers. The company’s SD hydraulic breaker series, for use on carriers up to 12 tons, provides versatility and productivity to accomplish multiple tasks, according to Montabert.

The company says the SD series offers quick, easy maintenance in the field or shop, as it has fewer wear parts and no tie rods.

Additionally, bushings, pins and tools can easily be replaced in the field without removing the breaker from the carrier, Montabert says.

The fully enclosed, soundproof cradle reduces vibrations and limits noise, according to the company, with lightweight, heavy-duty housing protecting working parts and hoses. A unique chamber acts as a hydraulic shock absorber, reducing pressure variations in the hydraulic circuits to provide consistent breaking energy, Montabert adds.

Want more ConExpo-Con/Agg coverage?

Keep up with P&Q’s coverage of ConExpo-Con/Agg at the magazine’s dedicated show page.

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