Seven conveyor belt considerations for stationary versus mobile crushers

Although stationary and mobile crushers are similar in the demolition and recycling materials they are used to process, they have diverse requirements when it comes to operational strategy and maintenance. The equipment design of each complements their unique environments, and key components like the conveyor belting can further optimize performance and drive uptime.

Stationary crushers are workhorses in the recycling yard that turn out long runs over long hours. These systems, permanently attached to the ground, are pushed and tested day after day for decades. These systems are used to crush materials delivered to the recycling center by the truckload from projects across the entire region. Mobile crushers, conversely, generally operate within a smaller footprint. This equipment is used for smaller volumes and offers the added luxury of mobility. This allows these mobile units to be more versatile and accommodating.

For both types of equipment, there is a general misconception that the thickest belt on the market is the best belt due to the application's abrasive conditions, but that's not necessarily the case. The following seven considerations can help operators of both stationary and mobile crushers make the best belt choice for their needs.

Although the physical differences from one black rubber belt to the next are indecipherable to the untrained eye, the right belt can make or, quite literally, break one's operation. All crushing needs are not created equal, so the belt must match the requirements of the equipment to operate effectively. Conveyor belting is one of the most costly components of a conveyor system, and sourcing the most optimal solution will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Mike Schroeder is a product specialist at Wahpeton, North Dakota-based WCCO Belting, which manufactures conveyor belts for aggregates and recycling applications.