As the summer months wind down, rock crusher operators must start thinking about preparing their equipment for the winter slowdown. Fall is the perfect season to schedule plant inspections and audits, addressing any maintenance issues before the cold weather sets in. At Southern Machinery, we’re here to help you ensure your rock crushing equipment is in top working order.
The Importance of Regular Rock Crusher Maintenance
Rock crushers, particularly those in quarrying operations, undergo immense stress and wear. The crushing chambers are lined with steel reinforced with manganese, chosen for its unique property: the harder it’s struck, the harder it becomes. While manganese parts are incredibly resilient, they inevitably wear down over time.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
While it might be tempting to wait until manganese liners are completely worn out, the resulting decline in production and efficiency is far costlier than proactive replacement. We recommend changing out manganese liners as soon as you notice a 10% drop in production. Southern Machinery can provide the manganese wear part replacements you need to keep your equipment running smoothly.
Additional Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Rock Crusher Running
Beyond monitoring manganese liners, regular inspections of wear plates, blow bars, and shoes and anvils are crucial. Lubricating moving parts like bearings and shafts ensures proper functioning, while daily oil and filter checks (changing them as recommended by the manufacturer) prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Screening Equipment Deserves Attention Too
Screens are a vital part of your rock crusher setup, separating aggregates by size. Like crushers, screens require regular maintenance to function optimally. Since they rely on intense vibrations, they’re prone to becoming unbalanced and wearing out over time. The integrity of the screen media is paramount.
Change Screen Media Before It’s Too Late
Screen media, the part that separates aggregates, wears out over time. The lifespan depends on the material: wire cloth, rubber, or urethane. Waiting too long risks damaging other screening equipment components. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule and ensure adequate support and tensioning to extend screen media life.
Conveyor Maintenance: The Backbone of Your Operation
Conveyors keep material moving from one processing stage to the next. Without proper maintenance, they can become clogged or jammed, causing costly downtime. Regular inspections of belts and rollers are critical, addressing any signs of wear or damage promptly. While belts rarely need complete replacement, regular cleaning (scraping is usually best) keeps the system running efficiently.
Lubricate and Clean Rollers for Long Life
Just like belts, rollers demand regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent dirt and debris buildup, leading to premature wear. Install belt scraping assemblies for easier maintenance.
Trust the Experts at Southern Machinery
While regular maintenance is essential, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where Southern Machinery comes in. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you maximize your equipment’s performance. Schedule your plant inspection and audit this fall, and let us handle any necessary maintenance, ensuring your rock crusher equipment is ready to withstand the winter months.